
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rhampholeon spectrum
A pygmy chameleon under 10 cm long, living on the forest floor from Cameroon to Gabon. Sombre tan to grey colours mimic dead leaves, and the tail is short but still prehensile.
Rhampholeon spectrum is one of the so-called dwarf or leaf chameleons of mainland Africa. Sources differ on its exact range, but it includes at least Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. It does not exceed 10 cm in total length and has a very short though still prehensile tail, frequenting the ground and low shrubbery in forest. It changes colour within sombre shades of tan to grey and has a stripe running from the eye to above the tail base, though this is not always shown, and it can produce quite striking streaks and blotches. Apart from its small size, plain colour and largely terrestrial habits it is much like the larger chameleons, with independently rotating eyes, opposable digits and a projectile tongue. Males can be told from females by their wider tail bases. It is extremely sedentary and, unlike other chameleons, not territorial. It eats small invertebrates, its reproductive habits are poorly known, and it appears to prefer cooler temperatures.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Spectral Pygmy Chameleon lives 2-5 years.
The Spectral Pygmy Chameleon grows to Under 10cm.
Origin
Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, and according to some sources also the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo and Nigeria, on the forest floor and in low shrubbery
Lifespan
2-5 years
Size
Under 10cm
Sources: Chameleon Academy: Rhampholeon spectrum / Chameleon Forums: Pygmy Chameleon Care Sheet / 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: Rhampholeon spectrum (Buchholz, 1874)
Synonyms: Chamaeleo spectrum Buchholz, 1874, Brookesia spectrum (Buchholz, 1874), Rhampholeon affinis Steindachner, 1911
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Pygmy chameleons, Rhampholeon spp., have been listed in CITES Appendix II as of January 2, 2017 (Species+). Because of Appendix II status, no individual registration certificate under the international rare and endangered species regulation is required. This species is not listed in the special animal table of the Enforcement Ordinance of the Animal Welfare and Management Act.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Rhampholeon spp., Appendix II, effective 2 January 2017) / 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%
Fruit flies, small crickets and other small invertebrates
It is said to prefer cooler temperatures. For hatchlings, keep the temperature from exceeding 24 C. Mist the enclosure well several times a day to reproduce the damp conditions of the forest floor.
Furnish with plenty of plants and climbing branches, giving room to move and many places to hide. Because it lives on the forest floor where little direct sunlight reaches, low-intensity UVB is enough: a 2.0 bulb, or a 5.0 past its six-month service life. A heat or halogen lamp can provide a small basking area but is not essential.
It eats small invertebrates. In captivity use feeders scaled to its size, such as fruit flies and pinhead crickets, gut-loaded and dusted with calcium.
Extremely sedentary and, unlike other chameleons, not territorial. If animals are housed together, check that none are stressed by the others. Do not keep males together unless the enclosure is large, over 40 gallons, and heavily planted.
Listed on CITES Appendix II as Rhampholeon spp. since 2 January 2017, so no Japanese registration certificate is required. The IUCN Red List assesses it as Least Concern. Its reproductive biology is poorly known and captive breeding experience is limited.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Spectral Pygmy Chameleon is 2-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Spectral Pygmy Chameleon typically reaches Under 10cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Spectral Pygmy Chameleon feeds on: Fruit flies, small crickets and other small invertebrates. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Spectral Pygmy Chameleon varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026