Forked chameleon (Calumma furcifer)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Forked chameleon (Calumma furcifer) (origin: Eastern Madagascar — rainforest). Adult size around 12–16 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Forked chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, not a closed glass tank.
Forked chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot Basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Forked chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).
Forked chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–8 years.
Forked chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 30–33 °C
- Humidity
- 65–90 %, 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
- 12–16 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar — rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES II, and Madagascar's export quota is zero for some species — insist on captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- No winter rest; cooler in winter with a shorter photoperiod
- Cohabitation
- Keep strictly singly — chameleons are not group animals, and mere visual contact alone means constant stress.
Notes
A small rainforest species with a forked nasal appendage.
Do you keep this species?
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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
- Glaw's chameleon (Calumma glawi) – Expert
- Guibe's chameleon (Calumma guibei) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Forked chameleon (Calumma furcifer) 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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calumma_furcifer, https://www.madcham.de/en/calumma-furcifer/
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).