Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Rickeezee · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:49 am Post subject: Sleep Colours

Why do chameleons change colour when they are asleep? Is it something to do with no light hence no reflection of certain pigmentation colours or something else?

A guess would be withdrawing blood to their major organs and lessening the peripheral blood flow. A sort of protection thing?

My trio of Picaso's go an amazing colour at night, the male goes a light cream/pink/ red all over. The females cream / tint of pink all over.

Won't take pics though as don't want to freak them out with the flash.

Anybody know why they change colours at night please?
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Rickeezee · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:56 am Post subject:

Or could it be to help retain heat?
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Scott W · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 10:27 am Post subject:

good couple of theories Rick. I'm guessing 'camoflauge/safety' or heat retention but I've no idea really.
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linda · Key Member Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 442 Location: UK

my yemen does actaully he looks really nice when he is alseep. i have a feeling its for camoflage thogh as it takes me a while to find him...lol

Rickeezee · Posted: Mon Mar 06, 2006 12:45 pm Post subject:

I don't know why they do it, but it is interesting. If it were for camouflage I would think they would go darker? Dunno.

Apparently I snore at night, this helps to warn off female predators, it works very well! Confused

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linda · Key Member Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 442 Location: UK

well i talk in my sleep, so what does that mean........im mad....

Rickeezee · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 11:31 am Post subject:

Well yes, also it depends what you say!
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