They are the real colors, When they get irritated or stressed they are those bright colors. There are different color morphs also. Panther chameleons have some of the most brilliant colors. They are not pets that like to be handled though. It can stress them out and their skin is very delicate
I love them but the color is not always their.You could go into a shop and think ah these look ok,little do you know they can look like that if they want.Its like in the sun,if they are cold they turn very dark almost brownish black for some,its so they can absorb the heat better,then once warmed up and especially if they get too warm they will be a very light greenish white depending on what type.These ones I can say Ive never seen this colored out in person.They really are like a mood ring,lol.Ive got 3 good books on them here if anyone wants me to look something up.Ive been out of them for a long time so I dont really remember too much on them,just mainly their behaviors and stuff but not all the names and terms.
Yeah unfortunately those awesome colors that they display usually only happen when they are stressed of pissed off. You gotta keep in mind that their main way of communication with each other is by changing color.