Smith's dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion taeniabronchum)

Short answers

Smith's dwarf chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal.

Smith's dwarf chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 18–25 °C, basking spot Basking spot 26–29 °C, at night 11–15 °C.

Smith's dwarf chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).

Smith's dwarf chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–8 years.

Smith's dwarf chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

18–25 °C

Night temperature

11–15 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 26–29 °C

Humidity

55–75 %

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

8–11 cm

Life expectancy

4–8 years

Origin

The Eastern Cape, South Africa

Protection status

CITES II, IUCN "Endangered"

Brumation

No winter rest; cooler in winter

Cohabitation

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

Notes

A fynbos dweller whose habitat is shrinking badly.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Smith's dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion taeniabronchum) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Drakensberg dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion dracomontanum) – Intermediate
• Cape dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion pumilum) – Intermediate
• Karoo dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion karrooicum) – Intermediate
• Robertson dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion gutturale) – Intermediate
• Knysna dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion damaranum) – Intermediate
• Natal Midlands dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion thamnobates) – Expert
• Black-headed dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion melanocephalum) – Intermediate
• Setaro's dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion setaroi) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Smith's dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion taeniabronchum) 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.