Karche's leaf chameleon (Brookesia karchei)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Karche's leaf chameleon (Brookesia karchei) (origin: Marojejy, Madagascar). Adult size around 7–10 cm. Life expectancy 3–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Karche's leaf chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×40×40 cm for a pair — floor area matters, not height.
Karche's leaf chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot — these species avoid direct sun, at night 16–19 °C.
Karche's leaf chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Weak UVB is enough (UVB 2.0–5.0), a ground-dweller living in shade.
Karche's leaf chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 3–5 years.
Karche's leaf chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–19 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot — these species avoid direct sun
- Humidity
- 75–95 %, mist daily
- UVB
- Weak UVB is enough (UVB 2.0–5.0), a ground-dweller living in shade
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×40×40 cm for a pair — floor area matters, not height
- Substrate
- A deep layer of leaf litter on damp forest floor, plus moss and low twigs
Feeding
- Food
- Small insects such as fruit flies, firebrats and micro crickets, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 7–10 cm
- Life expectancy
- 3–5 years
- Origin
- Marojejy, Madagascar
- Protection status
- CITES II — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- No winter rest
- Cohabitation
- Pairing possible, never males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hiding places until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner. This applies to both sexes: two females don't work together either. Chameleons do not seek company, and an animal that constantly sees another eats less and becomes ill.
Notes
The largest species in the ebenaui group.
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Related species
- Betsch's leaf chameleon (Brookesia betschi) – Expert
- Brygoo's leaf chameleon (Brookesia brygooi) – Expert
- Decary's leaf chameleon (Brookesia decaryi) – Intermediate
- Ebenau's leaf chameleon (Brookesia ebenaui) – Expert
- Armoured leaf chameleon (Brookesia perarmata) – Expert
- Griveaud's leaf chameleon (Brookesia griveaudi) – Expert
- Minute leaf chameleon (Brookesia minima) – Expert
- Brown leaf chameleon (Brookesia superciliaris) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Karche's leaf chameleon (Brookesia karchei) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×40 cm for a pair — floor area matters, not height), substrate (A deep layer of leaf litter on damp forest floor, plus moss and low twigs), 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: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brookesia_griveaudi, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brookesia_therezieni
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).