Hooded chameleon (Calumma cucullatum)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Hooded chameleon (Calumma cucullatum) (origin: North-eastern Madagascar – lowland rainforest). Adult size around 30–40 cm total length. Life expectancy 4–7 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Hooded chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×60×120 cm (mesh / height).
Hooded chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 21–27 °C, basking spot 29 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Hooded chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Hooded chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–7 years.
Hooded chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 21–27 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 29 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×60×120 cm (mesh / height)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, dense planting, sturdy branches, a rain system
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, wax moths
- Feeding interval
- daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 4–7 years
- Origin
- North-eastern Madagascar – lowland rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 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
A large species with strikingly broad occipital lobes (a "hood"). It needs plenty of height and constant humidity; mostly wild-caught – ask specifically for captive-bred animals.
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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 Hooded chameleon (Calumma cucullatum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×60×120 cm (mesh / height)), substrate (Coco humus, dense planting, sturdy branches, 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/Hooded_chameleon, https://www.madcham.de/en/calumma-cucullatum/
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).