Cryptic chameleon (Calumma crypticum)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Cryptic chameleon (Calumma crypticum) (origin: Eastern Madagascar – highland rainforest). Adult size around 18–24 cm total length. Life expectancy 3–6 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Cryptic chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×100 cm (mesh / height).
Cryptic chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 18–25 °C (COOL), basking spot 27 °C, at night 13–17 °C.
Cryptic chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Cryptic chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 3–6 years.
Cryptic chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 18–25 °C (COOL)
- Night temperature
- 13–17 °C
- Basking spot
- 27 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×60×100 cm (mesh / height)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, dense planting, moss, a rain system
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, flies
- Feeding interval
- daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 18–24 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 3–6 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar – highland rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A cooler 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
From over 1,400 m – one of the coolest Calumma. Summer heat indoors is the central problem; without a way to cool it, better not to acquire it.
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Related species
- Amber Mountain chameleon (Calumma ambreense) – Expert
- Andringitra chameleon (Calumma andringitraense) – Expert
- Side-striped chameleon (Calumma gastrotaenia) – Intermediate
- Amber Mountain chameleon (Calumma amber) – Intermediate to expert
- Boettger's chameleon (Calumma boettgeri) – Intermediate
- Capuron's chameleon (Calumma capuroni) – Expert
- Forked chameleon (Calumma furcifer) – Expert
- Glaw's chameleon (Calumma glawi) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Cryptic chameleon (Calumma crypticum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×100 cm (mesh / height)), substrate (Coco humus, dense planting, moss, 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calumma_crypticum, https://www.madcham.de/en/calumma-crypticum/
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).