Unicorn chameleon (Furcifer monoceras)

Short answers

Unicorn chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

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

Unicorn chameleon: What temperature does it need?

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

Unicorn chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–6.0).

Unicorn chameleon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–8 years.

Unicorn 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

12–16 cm

Life expectancy

4–8 years

Origin

Western Madagascar

Protection status

CITES II, IUCN "Vulnerable"

Brumation

No winter rest; cooler in winter with a shorter photoperiod

Cohabitation

Single keeping. There are no observations on the social behaviour of this species; with chameleons single keeping is the safe standard, because even sight contact with conspecifics can cause permanent stress. A group or pair is not documented for the species; for mating, bring animals together only briefly and under supervision.

Notes

Known from only a few localities. Not in the trade.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Unicorn chameleon (Furcifer monoceras) 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.