Kinyongia Multituberculata Male

[Mike Fisher]

Here's my main breeder male. He's now been in my care for over a year. He arrived last March as WC. He has become quite calm and tolerates the camera much better lately.

 

[Olimpia]

He looks great! He's beautiful.

 

[Getch777]

wow he is gorgeous! what kind of care does he need? like more of a wet environment like meller's need (from what I've heard they need anyway) or just the same as panthers etc. sorry if this questions sound stupid. Im a noob

 

[Mike Fisher]

wow he is gorgeous! what kind of care does he need? like more of a wet environment like meller's need (from what I've heard they need anyway) or just the same as panthers etc. sorry if this questions sound stupid. Im a noob

You are in the PNW same as me, so this is a good place to keep them. They are a montane species that likes cool wet weather. I keep them in a basement that gets to mid 70's at the warmest in the summer and is in the mid 50's in the winter. They don't need much heat for basking. In the winter I provide a 50W halogen because the basement is in the 50's. In the summer, I've observed them basking in the mornings under their LED spotlights which barely give off any heat. If you are considering them, they do need an automated misting system and live plants to keep humidity up. But you are in a perfect part of the USA to keep them healthy. Much better than trying to fight the prevailing weather because that will drive your electric bill up if you try to keep veileds and panthers in an area with cool wet weather.

As you can see from the photo, when these guys are healthy and acclimated, their colors are neon. I wish I had a better camera. His eye turrets are amazing with black speckled scales, but a neon green fringe around the pupil opening. By far the most beautiful species I have kept. These are way under-rated chameleons. Their tail length is astonishing and the way they keep it coiled when resting is really cool. If all goes well, I will have babies hatching later this year.

 

[Devokid]

He does look spectacular. Where did you get him?

 

[Mike Fisher]

He does look spectacular. Where did you get him?

Usambara Mountains of Tanzania. I honestly don't remember who the importer/wholesaler was. There were so many of them available last year I lost track. He didn't look like this when he arrived. He was covered in bruises and bite marks and was very drab colored from stress.

 

[Devokid]

Usambara Mountains of Tanzania. I honestly don't remember who the importer/wholesaler was. There were so many of them available last year I lost track. He didn't look like this when he arrived. He was covered in bruises and bite marks and was very drab colored from stress.

I see. It is too bad they are treated to badly when exported.

 

[GrimsbyPatchwork]

A post I like to see mine was the same when I got him ...bite marks and retained shedding also ..his true colors came out after a couple of months and the brightness he emits is superb

 

[Mike Fisher]

A post I like to see mine was the same when I got him ...bite marks and retained shedding also ..his true colors came out after a couple of months and the brightness he emits is superb

Glad to hear I'm not the only one working with them. Surprised that there are not more keepers of them based on how many were imported last year. I like them a lot and may get a few more if any become available this year. I didn't want to commit to them fully until I got through a full year because I didn't know how well they would tolerate the winter temps in my basement. As long as they have a strong basking bulb when the basement is in the 50's F they seem happy enough.