Monk chameleon (Chamaeleo monachus)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Monk chameleon (Chamaeleo monachus) (origin: Socotra, Yemen). Adult size around 15–20 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Monk chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal.
Monk chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 15–19 °C.
Monk chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).
Monk chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–8 years.
Monk chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 15–19 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 32–35 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches and flies in rotation, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- Socotra, Yemen
- Protection status
- CITES II — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- No winter rest; cooler in winter
- Cohabitation
- Strictly single — chameleons are not group animals. The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot 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
An island endemic of Socotra. Dry, warm conditions with cool nights.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- African chameleon (Chamaeleo africanus) – Intermediate
- Anchieta's chameleon (Chamaeleo anchietae) – Intermediate
- Arabian chameleon (Chamaeleo arabicus) – Intermediate
- Graceful chameleon (Chamaeleo gracilis) – Intermediate
- Common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) – Intermediate
- Smooth chameleon (Chamaeleo laevigatus) – Intermediate
- Indian chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus) – Intermediate
- Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Monk chameleon (Chamaeleo monachus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork), 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://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Chamaeleo&species=monachus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Chamaeleo&species=namaquensis
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).