Minute leaf chameleon (Brookesia minima)

Short answers

Minute leaf chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×40×30 cm, densely planted (for 1–3 animals).

Minute leaf chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–24 °C, at night 16–18 °C.

Minute leaf chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Optional – low.

Minute leaf chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: ~2–3 years.

Minute leaf chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–24 °C

Night temperature

16–18 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

75–90 %

UVB

Optional – low

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×40×30 cm, densely planted (for 1–3 animals)

Substrate

Leaf litter over damp forest floor or sphagnum

Feeding

Food

Very small insects (fruit flies, springtails, micro crickets)

Feeding interval

Daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size

2–3.5 cm (one of the smallest reptiles)

Life expectancy

~2–3 years

Origin

The rainforest floor of Nosy Be, Madagascar

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B

Brumation

None / a slight cool spell

Cohabitation

Single housing is the right choice, even for juveniles: the species is only moderately aggressive but sensitive to stress. A pair works only temporarily for mating in a densely planted enclosure with many hiding places; never keep males together.

Notes

Extremely sensitive to stress and heat, no basking, and never above about 26 °C. A leaf-litter ground dweller; for experts only, and rarely available.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Minute leaf chameleon (Brookesia minima) in the marketplace →

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
• Karche's leaf chameleon (Brookesia karchei) – Expert
• Brown leaf chameleon (Brookesia superciliaris) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Minute leaf chameleon (Brookesia minima) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×40×30 cm, densely planted (for 1–3 animals)), substrate (Leaf litter over damp forest floor or sphagnum), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.