Smooth chameleon (Chamaeleo laevigatus)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Smooth chameleon (Chamaeleo laevigatus) (origin: Sudan to Uganda). Adult size around 20–28 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Smooth chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×50×80 cm for one animal — airflow matters more than a tight seal.
Smooth chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–31 °C, basking spot Basking spot 33–35 °C, at night 17–21 °C.
Smooth chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).
Smooth chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–8 years.
Smooth chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 17–21 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 33–35 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- 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
- 20–28 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–8 years
- Origin
- Sudan to Uganda
- Protection status
- CITES II — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- No winter rest; cooler in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Chameleons are pronounced loners, and even the mere sight of another of their kind means constant stress. This applies to both sexes; even two females do not tolerate each other long-term.
Notes
A savannah and gallery-forest species. It needs bright lighting.
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
- Indian chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus) – Intermediate
- Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) – Intermediate
- Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Smooth chameleon (Chamaeleo laevigatus) 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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smooth_chameleon, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Chamaeleo&species=laevigatus
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).