Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) (origin: The Arabian Peninsula). Adult size around 35–60 cm (males larger). Life expectancy 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Veiled chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 100×70×140 cm for a male, from 80×60×120 cm for a female (mesh enclosure). The expert report's calculation rule for chameleons: 4 × 2.5 × 4 times snout–vent length.
Veiled chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Veiled chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential.
Veiled chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–8 years.
Veiled chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 32–35 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- Essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 100×70×140 cm for a male, from 80×60×120 cm for a female (mesh enclosure). The expert report's calculation rule for chameleons: 4 × 2.5 × 4 times snout–vent length.
- Substrate
- Planted, well ventilated
Feeding
- Food
- Insects
- Feeding interval
- juveniles daily, adults every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 35–60 cm (males larger)
- Life expectancy
- 5–8 years
- Origin
- The Arabian Peninsula
- Protection status
- Protected: CITES Appendix II, EU Annex B - proof of origin required at purchase and resale.
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them strictly singly. Chameleons are pronounced loners — even the mere sight of another of their kind means constant stress, visible in dark colouring and refusal to feed. So screen neighbouring enclosures from each other as well.
Notes
The most robust beginner's chameleon in the group — but a mesh terrarium, misting or a drip feeder, and no cold draught.
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Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) currently offered
- Jemenchamäleon JungTiere – Neu-Ulm · 100 €
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
- Smooth chameleon (Chamaeleo laevigatus) – Intermediate
- Indian chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus) – Intermediate
- Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×70×140 cm for a male, from 80×60×120 cm for a female (mesh enclosure). The expert report's calculation rule for chameleons: 4 × 2.5 × 4 times snout–vent length.), substrate (Planted, well ventilated), 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: Gutachten 1997, chamaeleonhaltung.de, Chameleon Academy, chamaeleons.net, drta-archiv.de
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).