These are computer-made illustrations, not photographs. No animal was handled, moved, lit or disturbed to produce them, which is the point: an animal photographed for a care guide is an animal taken out of its enclosure.
‹ All husbandry guidesThe numbers
Enclosure
60 × 60 × 120 cm
Diet
Crickets, dubia, silkworms, hornworms · 3–8 feeders every other day
Temperature
night 18–21 °C
Humidity
50–60% day, 75–100% night (mist)
UVB
T5 5–6% + bright 6500K lamp; replace ~6 mo
Identity
Family / Order
Chamaeleonidae / Squamata
Adult size
♂ 40–50 cm · ♀ 25–35 cm
Lifespan (captivity)
♂ 5–7 yrs · ♀ 3–5 yrs
Activity
Diurnal; arboreal; solitary
Temperament
Stunning display animal; territorial
Price (THB)
~5,000–25,000 (locality-dependent)
Enclosure and conditions
Basking
29–32 °C (85–90 °F)
Ambient
22–27 °C (72–80 °F)
Night
18–21 °C
Humidity
50–60% day, 75–100% night (mist)
UVB (required)
T5 5–6% + bright 6500K lamp; replace ~6 mo
Min. size
60 × 60 × 120 cm screen (males)
Furnishings
Dense foliage + vines
Water
Dripper / misting (no standing water)
Diet
Diet type
Insectivore
Staple insects
Crickets, dubia, silkworms, hornworms
Adults
3–8 feeders every other day
Calcium
Ca no-D3 every feed; Ca+D3 + multivit 2×/month
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Minimal — display species
Cohabitation
Strictly solitary
Stress signs
Dark colors, gaping, hiding
Defense
Gape, hiss, may bite
Children
Watch only
Reproduction
Sexual maturity
~7–12 months
Sexing
♂ larger & far more colorful
Clutch
15–40+ eggs; ♀ lay even unmated → lay bin
Incubation
~6–12 months
Common health problems
Metabolic bone disease
Signsvery common; weak/bent limbs
Preventcorrect UVB + calcium
Dehydration / kidney
Signssunken eyes, orange urates
Preventmisting/dripper hydration
Egg-binding (♀)
Signsstraining, lethargy
Preventlay site; vet if straining
Stress / URI
Signspoor airflow, over-handling
Preventscreen enclosure; hands-off
When to see a vet
This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.
Good to know
- The most colorful chameleon — color depends on locality (Ambilobe red, Nosy Be blue).
- Males are far more vivid than females.
- Fires a tongue over 1.5× its body length in a fraction of a second.
Common questions
Which locality is best?
Care is the same — color & price differ.
Can I handle it?
Look-don't-touch display pet.
Beginner-friendly?
Demanding — precise hydration & UVB.
What it needs
- Screen enclosure 60×60×120
- T5 UVB + 6500K + basking
- Dripper + mister/fogger
- Vines & foliage
- Lay bin (♀)
- Calcium + D3 + multivit
- Gut-loaded feeders