Bale two-horned chameleon (Trioceros balebicornutus)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Bale two-horned chameleon (Trioceros balebicornutus) (origin: The Bale Mountains, Ethiopia). Adult size around 15–19 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Bale two-horned chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, not a closed glass tank.
Bale two-horned chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot Basking spot 28–30 °C, no warmer, at night 12–17 °C.
Bale two-horned chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).
Bale two-horned chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–8 years.
Bale two-horned chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–17 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 28–30 °C, no warmer
- Humidity
- 60–85 %, mist morning and evening
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, not a closed glass tank
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork at all heights
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, flies and wax moths in rotation, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–19 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- The Bale Mountains, Ethiopia
- Protection status
- CITES II — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- No winter rest; cooler in winter with a shorter photoperiod
- Cohabitation
- Strictly singly — chameleons are not group animals, and even being in sight of another is constant stress
Notes
Endemic to the Bale Mountains, described only in 1995. Keep it cool.
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Related species
- Affinis chameleon (Trioceros affinis) – Expert
- Usambara three-horned chameleon (Trioceros deremensis) – Intermediate to expert
- Elliot's chameleon (Trioceros ellioti) – Intermediate
- Fea's chameleon (Trioceros feae) – Expert
- Goetze's chameleon (Trioceros goetzei) – Expert
- Harenna chameleon (Trioceros harennae) – Expert
- Von Höhnel's chameleon (Trioceros hoehnelii) – Intermediate
- Hornless chameleon (Trioceros incornutus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Bale two-horned chameleon (Trioceros balebicornutus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, not a closed glass tank), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork at all heights), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: en.wikipedia.org, eu_annex.txt (lokal), gutachten.txt (BML 1997, lokal), jungledragon.com, reptile-database.reptarium.cz
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).