Wiedersheim's chameleon (Trioceros wiedersheimi)
Chameleons · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Wiedersheim's chameleon (Trioceros wiedersheimi) (origin: Cameroon, Nigeria – montane forest). Adult size around 12–16 cm total length. Life expectancy 3–6 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Wiedersheim's chameleon: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×60×90 cm (mesh / height).
Wiedersheim's chameleon: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 19–25 °C (COOL), basking spot 27 °C, at night 13–17 °C.
Wiedersheim's chameleon: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Wiedersheim's chameleon: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 3–6 years.
Wiedersheim's chameleon: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 19–25 °C (COOL)
- Night temperature
- 13–17 °C
- Basking spot
- 27 °C
- Humidity
- 70–90 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×60×90 cm (mesh / height)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, dense planting, moss, fine branches, a rain system
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, flies
- Feeding interval
- daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 12–16 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 3–6 years
- Origin
- Cameroon, Nigeria – montane forest
- 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 small, greenish-blue montane chameleon. Rare in captivity and tricky – the European stock goes back to a few imports, so captive breeding matters accordingly.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Wiedersheim's chameleon (Trioceros wiedersheimi) 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 Wiedersheim's chameleon (Trioceros wiedersheimi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×60×90 cm (mesh / height)), substrate (Coco humus, dense planting, moss, 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trioceros_wiedersheimi, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trioceros&species=wiedersheimi
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).