Short answer: A horned chameleon from Kenya and Tanzania, harder to keep than a veiled chameleon. One adult needs a tall 24 × 24 × 48 inch screen enclosure, an 80–85°F basking spot, 65–75°F elsewhere, 50–80% humidity, UVB reaching UVI 3–4, and insects daily when young, every other day as an adult.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Rainforest Canopy
- Home range
- Kenya and Tanzania
- Adult size
- 9–13 in
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Diet
- Insects
- Active
- Daytime
- Care level
- Advanced [source]
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 24 × 24 × 48 in. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 80–85°F [source] |
| Cool end | 65–75°F [source] |
| Humidity | 50–80% [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | UVB reaching UVI 3.0–4.0 at the basking branch; aim for UVI 3.0–4.0 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 9–13 in · 5–10 years |
What to feed, and how often
Insects such as crickets, black soldier flies, hornworms, silkworms and roach nymphs. [source]
| Juvenile (3–6 months) | 10–12 small crickets a day |
|---|---|
| Adult (over 1 year) | 6–8 medium or large crickets every other day |
Supplements: Arcadia EarthPro A at every feeding; Repashy CalciumPlus LoD once a month.
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More Jackson's chameleons
Jackson's chameleon FAQ
What size enclosure does a jackson's chameleon need?
At least 24 × 24 × 48 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. [source]
What temperature does a jackson's chameleon need?
A basking spot of 80–85°F and 65–75°F at the cool end. [source]
What humidity does a jackson's chameleon need?
50–80%. [source]
Does a jackson's chameleon need UVB?
UVB is recommended. UVB reaching UVI 3.0–4.0 at the basking branch. Aim for a UVI of 3.0–4.0 where it basks. [source]
What do Jackson's chameleons eat?
Insects such as crickets, black soldier flies, hornworms, silkworms and roach nymphs. Supplements: Arcadia EarthPro A at every feeding; Repashy CalciumPlus LoD once a month. [source]
How often should I feed a jackson's chameleon?
Juvenile (3–6 months): 10–12 small crickets a day.Adult (over 1 year): 6–8 medium or large crickets every other day. [source]
How big do Jackson's chameleons get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach 9–13 in and live 5–10 years with good care. [source]
Where do Jackson's chameleons come from?
Kenya and Tanzania. They are most active: daytime. [source]
Is a jackson's chameleon a good reptile for beginners?
ReptiFiles rates its care level as advanced. It is better suited to experienced keepers. [source]
Neighbors in the Rainforest Canopy
ForestBeginner
Crested geckoCorrelophus ciliatus
7–9 in15–20 yearsPowdered crested gecko diet plus some insects
ForestBeginner
Gargoyle geckoRhacodactylus auriculatus
7–9 in15–20 yearsCrested gecko diet plus insects
ForestBeginner
Mourning geckoLepidodactylus lugubris
3–4 in10–15 yearsCrested gecko diet plus small insects
ForestIntermediate
Dumeril's boaAcrantophis dumerili
5–7 ft15–20+ yearsWhole prey (rodents, birds)
Forest
Veiled chameleonChamaeleo calyptratus
Up to about 22 in6–8 years (females shorter)Insects
Sources
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.