Four-horned chameleon (Trioceros quadricornis)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Four-horned chameleon (Trioceros quadricornis) (origin: Cameroon, Nigeria – montane cloud forest). Adult size around 25–35 cm. Life expectancy 4–7 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Four-horned chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×120 cm, very well ventilated.
Four-horned chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 19–25 °C, basking spot 27 °C, at night 13–17 °C.
Four-horned chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).
Four-horned chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–7 years.
Four-horned chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 19–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 13–17 °C
- Basking spot
- 27 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×60×120 cm, very well ventilated
- Substrate
- Planted, fine twigs, a drip system
Feeding
- Food
- Insects
- Feeding interval
- adults every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 25–35 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–7 years
- Origin
- Cameroon, Nigeria – montane cloud forest
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly. The species is kept on its own and is moderately aggressive towards its own kind; avoid sight contact too and screen neighbouring enclosures from each other. Put together only briefly for mating.
Notes
Depending on the population it carries up to six horns. Cool and permanently humid with strong air movement – waterlogging quickly leads to respiratory infections.
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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 Four-horned chameleon (Trioceros quadricornis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×120 cm, very well ventilated), substrate (Planted, fine twigs, a drip 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: 7 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Palm Oil Detectives / Chameleon Academy Ep 22: Trioceros quadricornis, Inkubation 5,5-7 Monate bei 18-22°C – https://chameleonacademy.com/ep-22-t-quadricornis-the-four-horned-chameleon/, Chameleon Forums World Chameleon Species Tour: Trioceros quadricornis – https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/world-chameleon-species-tour-trioceros-quadricornis.2398/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trioceros_quadricornis, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trioceros&species=quadricornis, https://www.adcham.com/html/taxonomy/species/chquadricornis.html
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).