Sternfeld's chameleon (Trioceros sternfeldii)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Sternfeld's chameleon (Trioceros sternfeldii) (origin: Tanzania – highlands). Adult size around 14–18 cm total length. Life expectancy 3–6 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Sternfeld's chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×90 cm (mesh / height).
Sternfeld's chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 19–26 °C, basking spot 28 °C, at night 12–17 °C.
Sternfeld's chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Sternfeld's chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 3–6 years.
Sternfeld's chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 19–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–17 °C
- Basking spot
- 28 °C
- Humidity
- 65–85 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×60×90 cm (mesh / height)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, dense planting, fine branches, a rain system
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, flies
- Feeding interval
- daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 14–18 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 3–6 years
- Origin
- Tanzania – highlands
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 8–10 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Chameleons are pronounced loners, and even the mere sight of another of their kind means constant stress — you can see it in dark colouring, refusal to feed and weakened defences. Males fight in earnest, and females are harassed by males. So screen neighbouring enclosures from each other as well. For breeding, introduce the female briefly, stay with them and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
A live-bearing dwarf chameleon from the bitaeniatus group. Small food and daily misting; it drinks exclusively from droplets on leaves.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Sternfeld's chameleon (Trioceros sternfeldii) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Affinis chameleon (Trioceros affinis) – Expert
- Bale two-horned chameleon (Trioceros balebicornutus) – Expert
- Usambara three-horned chameleon (Trioceros deremensis) – Intermediate to expert
- Elliot's chameleon (Trioceros ellioti) – Intermediate
- Fea's chameleon (Trioceros feae) – Expert
- Goetze's chameleon (Trioceros goetzei) – Expert
- Harenna chameleon (Trioceros harennae) – Expert
- Von Höhnel's chameleon (Trioceros hoehnelii) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Sternfeld's chameleon (Trioceros sternfeldii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×90 cm (mesh / height)), substrate (Coco humus, dense planting, fine branches, a rain system), 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: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rough_chameleon, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trioceros_sternfeldi
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).