
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chamaeleo gracilis
A slender chameleon widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, green, yellow or brown with a green stripe along the flank. It is diurnal, hunting morning and evening and resting in the shade through the hottest part of the day.
Chamaeleo gracilis is a chameleon widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and the Gambia in the west to Angola in the south and Ethiopia and Tanzania in the east. Total length including tail is usually about 30.5 cm and can reach 38 cm. It is often green, yellow or brown with a green stripe along the flank. It lives mainly in forest but adapts to bushy country near plantations and to savanna. It is diurnal, foraging in the morning and evening and resting in the shade through the hottest hours. Males are strongly territorial and threaten one another with colourful displays. It is oviparous, breeding twice a year, once in the dry season and again at the end of the wet, and laying 20 to 50 eggs per clutch. It has lived up to 10 years in captivity. Its abundance makes it heavily collected for the pet trade.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Graceful Chameleon lives Up to 10 years in captivity.
The Graceful Chameleon grows to About 30.5cm, up to 38cm.
Origin
Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and the Gambia in the west to Angola in the south and Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania in the east, mainly in forest but also in bushy areas near plantations and in savanna
Lifespan
Up to 10 years in captivity
Size
About 30.5cm, up to 38cm
Sources: Wikipedia (English) / Reptile Database
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Chamaeleo gracilis Hallowell, 1844
Synonyms: Chamaeleo burchelli Hallowell, 1842, Chamaeleo granulosus Hallowell, 1856, Chamaeleo simoni Boettger, 1885
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Family Chamaeleonidae spp. has been listed on CITES Appendix II since February 4, 1977 (Species+). Because it is on Appendix II, registration as an international rare species is not required. This species is not included in the specific animals listed in the Schedule of the Enforcement Ordinance of the Animal Protection and Management Law.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Chamaeleonidae spp., Appendix II, effective 4 February 1977) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
25〜32℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects
Reliable published temperature and humidity figures for this species are scarce, so no numbers are given here. In the wild it spends the hottest hours in shade, so always provide both a basking spot and permanently shaded areas and let the animal choose. Adjust from measured readings.
As an arboreal chameleon of about 30 cm it needs a screen or glass enclosure with generous height. Add live plants and branches of varying diameter at different heights. It adapts to habitats from forest to scrub, but planting that provides shade is essential.
It is insectivorous; use crickets and dubia roaches as the staple. It hunts most actively in the morning and evening, so feeding at those times suits it. Gut-load and dust the feeders with calcium. It takes water from misting droplets.
Males are strongly territorial and threaten rivals with colourful displays. Keep it singly and never house males together. Handle as little as possible.
Listed on CITES Appendix II as Chamaeleonidae spp. since 4 February 1977, so no registration certificate is required. Its abundance means it is heavily collected for the pet trade, and wild-caught animals should always be checked for parasites and dehydration. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Least Concern.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Graceful Chameleon is Up to 10 years in captivity. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Graceful Chameleon typically reaches About 30.5cm, up to 38cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Graceful Chameleon feeds on: Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Graceful Chameleon varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026