Reptoria

Marojejy chameleon (Calumma marojezense)

Marojejy chameleon (Calumma marojezense), typical appearance of the species

Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Marojejy chameleon (Calumma marojezense) (origin: Marojejy, north-eastern Madagascar). Adult size around 12–16 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Marojejy chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, not a closed glass tank.

Marojejy chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot Basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Marojejy chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).

Marojejy chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–8 years.

Marojejy 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
Marojejy, north-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
Keep strictly singly — chameleons are not group animals, and mere visual contact alone means constant stress.

Notes

Only in the Marojejy massif. Very humid and cool.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Marojejy chameleon (Calumma marojezense) 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_marojezense, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Calumma&species=marojezense

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).