Timon's chameleon (Furcifer timoni)

Short answers

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

60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, not a closed glass tank.

Timon's chameleon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot Basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Timon's chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).

Timon's chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–8 years.

Timon's chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 30–33 °C

Humidity

65–90 %, mist morning and evening

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, not a closed glass tank

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork at all heights

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches, flies and wax moths in rotation, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults every other day

Key facts

Adult size

14–18 cm

Life expectancy

4–8 years

Origin

Montagne d'Ambre, northern Madagascar

Protection status

CITES II, and Madagascar's export quota is zero for some species — insist on captive-bred animals

Brumation

No winter rest; cooler in winter with a shorter photoperiod

Cohabitation

Strictly singly — chameleons are not group animals, and even being in sight of another is constant stress

Notes

Described only in 2009. A montane forest species, so kept cooler.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Timon's chameleon (Furcifer timoni) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Angel's chameleon (Furcifer angeli) – Expert
• Antimena chameleon (Furcifer antimena) – Intermediate to expert
• Campan's chameleon (Furcifer campani) – Expert
• Unicorn chameleon (Furcifer monoceras) – Expert
• Forked chameleon (Furcifer bifidus) – Expert
• Belted chameleon (Furcifer balteatus) – Expert
• Minor chameleon (Furcifer minor) – Expert
• Labord's chameleon (Furcifer labordi) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Timon's chameleon (Furcifer timoni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×120 cm for one animal — height and airflow, not a closed glass tank), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants, dense branchwork at all heights), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.