
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Furcifer oustaleti
One of the world's largest chameleons, found throughout Madagascar. Including the tail it reaches 68.5 cm; males wear drab brown and grey camouflage while females are mainly green with white spots along the flanks.
Furcifer oustaleti is a large chameleon found across Madagascar. Including the tail it reaches 68.5 cm, making it the largest chameleon species by that measurement. The head carries a high casque with several crests, and a dorsal crest of 45 or more small triangular spines runs along the spine. Males are drab brown and grey while females are the more colourful sex, dominated by green. It occupies dry deciduous forest, humid evergreen forest, montane savanna, farmland and even urban settings, but is rare deep inside primary forest and prefers forest edges. It feeds mainly on insects, also taking small lizards and mammals. Females bury up to 50 eggs, which hatch after about 250 days at 28 C.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Oustalet's Chameleon lives Up to 15 years in captivity.
The Oustalet's Chameleon grows to Up to 68.5cm; females to about 40cm.
Large males weigh 400-500 g; females stay clearly smaller at about 40 cm.
Origin
Throughout Madagascar, in dry deciduous forest, humid evergreen forest, montane savanna, degraded forest, farmland and even towns; introduced near Nairobi in Kenya and in Miami-Dade County, USA
Lifespan
Up to 15 years in captivity
Size
Up to 68.5cm; females to about 40cm
Sources: Reptiles Magazine: Oustalet's Chameleon Care And Breeding / Wikipedia (German): Riesenchamäleon / 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: Furcifer oustaleti (Mocquard, 1894)
Synonyms: Chamaeleo oustaleti Mocquard, 1894, Chamaeleon oustaleti Mocquard, 1894
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, occasionally small lizards and mammals
Indoors, create a hot spot with an incandescent dome lamp and mount reptile UVB fluorescent tubes on top. Provide both a sunlit area and permanent shade so the animal can thermoregulate for itself. A cool-mist humidifier on a timer is recommended against dehydration.
Give one adult a screen enclosure at least 120 cm tall by 90 cm wide and 90 cm deep. Ficus stands up best to the weight and abuse of a chameleon among live plants. Avoid substrates that can catch on the tongue; paper towel is the safe choice. For a gravid female, place a 30-gallon bin of fresh potting soil in the enclosure as a laying site.
It eats mainly insects, including flies and roaches, which is why Madagascans welcome it around villages. In captivity use crickets and dubia roaches as the staple, gut-loaded and dusted with calcium. Large individuals will also take small lizards and mammals.
Intraspecific aggression is milder than in many chameleons, but like almost all chameleons it should be kept singly. Males never tolerate each other, and gravid females never tolerate company.
Listed on CITES Appendix II as Chamaeleonidae spp. since 4 February 1977. Appendix II means no Japanese registration certificate is needed, but an export permit from the range state is, and Madagascar works to an export quota of about 2,000 animals a year. 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 Oustalet's Chameleon is Up to 15 years in captivity. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Oustalet's Chameleon typically reaches Up to 68.5cm; females to about 40cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Oustalet's Chameleon feeds on: Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects, occasionally small lizards and mammals. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Oustalet'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