Crested chameleon (Trioceros cristatus)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
Key facts and care guidance for Crested chameleon (Trioceros cristatus) (origin: Lowland rainforest of West and Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria)). Adult size around 25–35 cm. Life expectancy 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Crested chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal.
Crested chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot ~28–30 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Crested chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended.
Crested chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–8 years.
Crested chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Intermediate to expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- ~28–30 °C
- Humidity
- 60–80 % (day), up to ~100 % (night)
- UVB
- Recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal
- Substrate
- Coco humus, a lushly planted rainforest terrarium
Feeding
- Food
- Insects of all kinds (crickets, flies, roaches)
- Feeding interval
- Every 2–3 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 25–35 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–8 years
- Origin
- Lowland rainforest of West and Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria)
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B
- Brumation
- None (tropical)
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. The crested chameleon should be kept alone: males show territorial behaviour, females can be aggressive; group keeping is not usual. Avoid sight of other chameleons too and screen neighbouring enclosures from each other. Put together only briefly for mating.
Notes
A very high water requirement, misting several times a day; delicate, and no dryness. Egg-laying (oviparous).
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Affinis chameleon (Trioceros affinis) – Expert
- Bale two-horned chameleon (Trioceros balebicornutus) – 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
What you need to start
To keep Crested chameleon (Trioceros cristatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal), substrate (Coco humus, a lushly planted rainforest terrarium), 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: 7 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Chameleon Academy: Trioceros cristatus, Inkubation bei Raumtemperatur 9-12 Monate, keine Diapause nötig – https://chameleonacademy.com/trioceros-cristatus/, Chameleon Forums World Chameleon Species Tour: Trioceros cristatus, Gelege bis 12 Eier – https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/world-chameleon-species-tour-trioceros-cristatus.2391/, https://chameleonacademy.com/trioceros-cristatus/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trioceros_cristatus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trioceros&species=cristatus
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).