Von Höhnel's chameleon (Trioceros hoehnelii)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Von Höhnel's chameleon (Trioceros hoehnelii) (origin: The highlands and montane forests of Kenya and Uganda). Adult size around 15–25 cm. Life expectancy 4–6 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Von Höhnel's chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal.
Von Höhnel's chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–24 °C, basking spot ~26–28 °C (small basking spot), at night 10–16 °C.
Von Höhnel's chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential.
Von Höhnel's chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–6 years.
Von Höhnel's chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Night temperature
- 10–16 °C
- Basking spot
- ~26–28 °C (small basking spot)
- Humidity
- 50–70 % (day), up to 100 % at night
- UVB
- Essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal
- Substrate
- Forest floor or coco humus, densely planted
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (crickets, house crickets, flies, roaches)
- Feeding interval
- Adults every other day, juveniles daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–25 cm
- Life expectancy
- 4–6 years
- Origin
- The highlands and montane forests of Kenya and Uganda
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B, proof required
- Brumation
- Not compulsory; a cooler winter spell is possible
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is recommended (one animal per enclosure). T. hoehnelii is considered comparatively unaggressive, but the males are territorial (with display and threat behaviour, darkening and flattening the body) and must never be housed together. Even one male plus several females is problematic in the long run, as the females are gravid almost continuously (up to two litters a year) and have to be separated.
Notes
A cool mountain climate with cold nights is essential; live-bearing (ovoviviparous). Good ventilation, no heat build-up.
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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
- Hornless chameleon (Trioceros incornutus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Von Höhnel's chameleon (Trioceros hoehnelii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×60×100 cm (W×D×H) for 1 animal), substrate (Forest floor or coco humus, densely planted), 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmcham%C3%A4leon, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trioceros&species=hoehnelii
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).