
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Trioceros melleri
The largest chameleon of mainland Africa, from the bushy savannas and woodlands of East Africa. A deep forest green body carries white stripes and a single small horn on the snout. It needs extremely high humidity.
Trioceros melleri is a chameleon of the bushy savannas and woodlands of Malawi, northern Mozambique and Tanzania, where it is relatively common, and it is the largest chameleon of mainland Africa. The head is small relative to the body and more elongated than in related species, with a single small horn on the snout. The occipital lobes are greatly enlarged, and longitudinal rows of large granular scales on the throat are among its most distinctive features. The basic colour is deep forest green with white stripes, with flank spots and broad bands in brown, dark green, yellow or black. Colour tracks mood and health: severe stress turns the animal charcoal grey and then pure white with yellow stripes. The tongue reaches prey up to 51 cm away. Females produce a single annual clutch of up to 80 eggs.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Meller's Chameleon lives Up to 12 years.
The Meller's Chameleon grows to 30-61cm, reportedly up to 76cm.
Adults are 30-61 cm including tail and weigh 300-500 g, with exceptional individuals reported at 76 cm and 600 g.
The ideal temperature for the Meller's Chameleon is 25〜27℃. Ideal humidity is 95〜100%.
Origin
East Africa, in the bushy savannas and woodlands of Malawi, northern Mozambique and Tanzania
Sources: Reptiles Magazine: Meller's Chameleon Care / Chameleon Academy: Meller's Chameleons / Wikipedia (English)
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: Trioceros melleri (Gray, 1865)
Synonyms: Ensirostris melleri Gray, 1865, Chamaeleo melleri (Gray, 1865)
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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Lifespan
Up to 12 years
Size
30-61cm, reportedly up to 76cm
Temperature
25〜27℃
Humidity
95〜100%
Crickets, house flies, locusts, silkworms, cockroaches and other insects
Its preferred optimum temperature zone is 25-27 C, which is easy enough to provide. The real difficulty is holding ambient humidity at 95-100 percent, which is hard to sustain in an ordinary home. Plan humidification, misting and ventilation together from the start and monitor with a hygrometer at all times.
At over 60 cm it needs a very large enclosure, and keepers sometimes devote an entire room to it. Build for high humidity, then furnish with live plants and horizontal branches of varying thickness at different heights so it can choose its temperature and light.
A strict carnivore, taking insects, smaller lizards and spiders, with large specimens known to eat small birds. In captivity offer crickets, house flies, locusts, silkworms and cockroaches. Hatchlings must be fed fruit flies and tiny crickets for their first three weeks.
Reactions to people range from timid to moderately aggressive, and some individuals become friendly. Keep it singly. Its colour reveals its state: dark spotting, black mottling or a shift to charcoal grey is a signal to review the setup.
Wild-caught animals are often imported carrying heavy parasite loads and suffer high mortality in captivity. It is regarded as a species for advanced keepers, and captive-bred stock is preferable. Listed on CITES Appendix II as Chamaeleonidae spp. since 4 February 1977, so no registration certificate is required. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Least Concern.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Meller's Chameleon is 25〜27℃. Recommended humidity is 95〜100%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Meller's Chameleon is Up to 12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Meller's Chameleon typically reaches 30-61cm, reportedly up to 76cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Meller's Chameleon feeds on: Crickets, house flies, locusts, silkworms, cockroaches and other insects. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Meller's Chameleon varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026