Anyway – also in the building were a couple chameleons that Justin and the gang keep on hand to show kids. Amazingly sometimes kids get bored when their parents shop for flooring so this can be a welcome distraction.

Justin obviously has great knowledge and understanding about these creatures and takes excellent care of them. In the extended entry I have added some notes from Justin about the behaviors of these animals.

Anyway just wanted to share this interesting side note from my trip to Florida! I know the kids that go into that store are in for a treat.

No lizards were harmed during this blog entry. Having fun with floors!

Hey Steve,

I figured you might want some information for your blog.

I have been into chameleons for a couple of years now.

My first chameleon was a male Veiled(Chamaeleo calyptratus). They are considered to be the most tolerant and easy to keep chameleon for first time owners.

They can live in captivity for up to 10 years!

Most people know chameleons for their ability to change colors, but their is a lot more to them.

No, they wont explode if you put them on a plaid shirt.

Color changes are not to blend in with the environment around them , but to express their mood.

A happy chameleon will show very vibrant bright colors depending on species.

A mad chameleon will turn very dark, almost black, when threatened or the female in unreceptive to a male.

Since they are a cold blooded animal they need to bask in the sun, and first thing in the morning they will darken their color to better absorb the suns energy.

Colors are controlled by different layers of skin. The outer most layer of scales is actually transparent and has no pigment.

Chromatophores and melenophores contain different color pigments: red, blue, green, black and yellow. Conscious contractions of the cells by the chameleon help them do display unbelievable arrays of colors. This isn’t the only thing chameleons can do either.
They have rotating eyes that can give them almost a 360 degree view, and their brain can process two different views at the same time Science has not been able to discover out how a chameleon can do it.

They also have grabbing feet for life designed for the trees. Three toes on one side and two on the other.

You cant forget the tongue! In some species it can be twice as long as the animal, thats over three feet!

We have two at the shop they are a female Veiled Chameleon and a baby male Cameroon Sailfin Chameleon. Veiled chameleons naturally inhabit the South West peninsula of Saudi Arabia in the country of Yemen.

Cameroon Sailfin Chameleons come from Africa in the country Cameroon.

If you would like more or different pictures let me know!

Well, I’m going to go sell some floor. Go team MELBOURNE!

Thank you,
Justin