Reptile · Chameleon
Meller's chameleon care guide
Trioceros melleri
The meller's chameleon is a advanced-level chameleon from Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique. Adults reach 50–60 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Largest mainland African chameleon; needs space and heavy airflow.
- Enclosure 90 × 60 × 150 cm
- Temp Basking 30–33°C, ambient 24–27°C
- Humidity 50–70% with nightly misting
How much does a meller's chameleon cost in Canada?
Meller's chameleon quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 50–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 60 × 150 cm (35 × 24 × 59 in, ≈ 214 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 30–33°C, ambient 24–27°C
- Humidity
- 50–70% with nightly misting
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, locusts, crickets, hornworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Meller's chameleon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 60 × 150 cm (35 × 24 × 59 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Basking 30–33°C, ambient 24–27°C. Humidity: 50–70% with nightly misting. UVB: Required.
What does a meller's chameleon eat?
Insectivore – roaches, locusts, crickets, hornworms. Adults every other day, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Can be calm but large and strong; minimal handling.
Health watch: Dehydration and parasites in wild imports.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a meller's chameleon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 60 × 150 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Meller's chameleon FAQ
Is the meller's chameleon good for beginners?
The meller's chameleon is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Can be calm but large and strong; minimal handling.
What size enclosure does a meller's chameleon need?
At least 90 × 60 × 150 cm (about 35 × 24 × 59 inches, roughly 214 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a meller's chameleon cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $1510–2610 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $450–700 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a meller's chameleon need?
Temperature: Basking 30–33°C, ambient 24–27°C. Humidity: 50–70% with nightly misting.
What does a meller's chameleon eat?
Insectivore – roaches, locusts, crickets, hornworms. Adults every other day, juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.