Forked chameleon (Furcifer bifidus)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Forked chameleon (Furcifer bifidus) (origin: Eastern Madagascar). Adult size around 25–42 cm total length (males up to 42 cm, females up to 30 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
- 25–42 cm total length (males up to 42 cm, females up to 30 cm)
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar
- 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
- Strictly singly — chameleons are not group animals, and even being in sight of another is constant stress
Notes
The male has two long nasal appendages. A large, impressive species.
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Related species
- Angel's chameleon (Furcifer angeli) – Expert
- Antimena chameleon (Furcifer antimena) – Intermediate to expert
- Campan's chameleon (Furcifer campani) – Expert
- Unicorn chameleon (Furcifer monoceras) – Expert
- Belted chameleon (Furcifer balteatus) – Expert
- Minor chameleon (Furcifer minor) – Expert
- Labord's chameleon (Furcifer labordi) – Expert
- Rhinoceros chameleon (Furcifer rhinoceratus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Forked chameleon (Furcifer bifidus) 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furcifer_bifidus, https://www.madcham.de/en/furcifer-bifidus/
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).