Arabian chameleon (Chamaeleo arabicus)

Short answers

Arabian chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×60×100 cm (mesh / height).

Arabian chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–34 °C, basking spot 38 °C, at night 17–21 °C.

Arabian chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Arabian chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–7 years.

Arabian chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

27–34 °C

Night temperature

17–21 °C

Basking spot

38 °C

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×60×100 cm (mesh / height)

Substrate

Coco humus and sand, robust planting, branches, a rain system

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size

25–35 cm total length

Life expectancy

4–7 years

Origin

Southern Arabian Peninsula: Yemen and southern Oman (Dhofar), mostly below about 650 m, often in farmland and garden landscapes

Protection status

CITES II

Brumation

A dry spell of 8–10 weeks

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. Chameleons are pronounced loners, and even the mere sight of another of their kind means constant stress — you can see it in dark colouring, refusal to feed and weakened defences. Males fight in earnest, and females are harassed by males. So screen neighbouring enclosures from each other as well. For breeding, introduce the female briefly, stay with them and separate them again afterwards.

Notes

A close relative of the veiled chameleon, smaller and without the tall casque. Very much in need of warmth and to be kept dry – a well-ventilated mesh terrarium rather than a glass tank.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• African chameleon (Chamaeleo africanus) – Intermediate
• Anchieta's chameleon (Chamaeleo anchietae) – Intermediate
• Graceful chameleon (Chamaeleo gracilis) – Intermediate
• Common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) – Intermediate
• Smooth chameleon (Chamaeleo laevigatus) – Intermediate
• Indian chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus) – Intermediate
• Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) – Intermediate
• Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Arabian chameleon (Chamaeleo arabicus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×60×100 cm (mesh / height)), substrate (Coco humus and sand, robust planting, branches, a rain system), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.