The chameleons are amazing pets and are also popular due to the fact that they have the ability to change colors according to their surroundings and also according to their mood. This color-changing also helps them to hide from their predator or when they want to prey on someone they change their colors.
They are also known for their strong day vision but it is controversial whether they are able to see in the dark or not. In this guide, we will discuss whether the chameleons can see in the dark or not so that we can know the chameleons even better. It is very important that we know everything about our pets so that we can take care of them even more properly.
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Can Chameleons see in the dark?
The chameleons cannot see in the dark like many other reptiles. Their night vision is poor even when it is compared to the humans as it is poorer than humans too. They have the ability to see more than the humans but that is during the daytime but at night they lack this ability.
As we know that not all animals can see in the dark and the chameleon is one of them. So due to many reasons, the chameleons are not able to see in the dark and one should be aware of those reasons so that they can know more about their pet.
Why can chameleons not see in the dark?
There are many reasons for the fact that chameleons cannot see in the dark or they have poor night vision and some of those reasons have been listed as below:
1. No night vision evolution
The chameleon body has not evolved through centuries for the night vision and the reason could be that they never need it in the first place.
The body of any animal evolves in such a manner so that they can get their bodywork according to their needs. So that is why the chameleon cannot see at night because their body has not evolved in such a manner because they do not need it or for the night vision is not so important.
2. Active only during the day
The chameleon is diurnal in nature which means that they are active only during the day and are resting at night so this is also one of the reasons that they do not have a good night vision because they do not need it. As chameleons rest at night and are usually inactive at this time of the day.
When the chameleon is resting at night they would not need any night vision. As the animals that have good night vision are the one who is active during the night and needs to perform activities at night.
You will always find the chameleon sleeping at night and there will be very rare situations when they will be active at night or by any chance they will be awake otherwise the chameleons would be sleeping at night.
3. Eyes do not work the same
The eyes of the chameleons are designed in such a manner that they cannot see in low light but they can easily distinguish between different colours as this vision is not with every animal.
The chameleon’s eyes are made in such a manner that they can easily see in ultraviolet light. Also, the chameleon’s eyes are sensitive to light and that is why they can easily see things in light and even see various colours. But have poor vision at night even that is worse than humans.
So the eyes of the chameleons do not work the same as other animals who can see at night. Their eyes have not developed the ability to see anything at night so it is fine if the chameleons are not able to see at night.
These are the various reason due to which the chameleons are not able to see at night and it is nothing to worry about this fact that they cannot see at night because it is a natural thing and because of their natural eye design their night vision is poor which, but they have an amazing day vision with the ability of even distinguishing between the colours.
4. UV lighting in the tank
As the chameleon lacks night vision that is why it is recommended that you can provide UV light inside the tank of the chameleon because they have the ability to see in the UV light.
So if you want that the chameleon should be able to see everything clearly even at night inside the tank so you can provide their tank with UV lighting. UV lighting also has other benefits too. The chameleon can also see different colours under UV lighting.
So this lighting is considered the best type of lighting for the chameleon. As the chameleons are comfortable in this lighting.
But the UV light inside the tank of the chameleon should not be too bright because as we know that the chameleon does not need too much lighting at night because they are inactive at night and prefer sleeping at night. So you need to make sure about the brightness of the UV light that you provide inside the tank of the chameleon.
Final thoughts:
The chameleon is an outstanding colour changing animal that needs your love and care so that it can grow happily and comfortably inside its captivity.
The chameleons are not able to see in the dark but that is fine because they are designed in such a manner that they are only active during the day and usually inactive during the night and are mostly sleeping during the dark hours of the day.
You also need to spend time with your chameleon so that you both can bond up with each other and also so that you can enjoy each other’s company.
This will further lead to a better understanding between the two and both the owner and the chameleon will not create any sort of problem for each other. Also if you will provide the chameleon with the best of everything they will live a happy and comfortable life inside the captivity.
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