Trioceros melleri

A mesh/screen arboreal terrarium of very large volume, with height favoured. Placement in an aviary/planted room (free-range) is even better suited.

Minimum dimensions for an adult; larger is always preferable for this giant species. Provide an abundance of horizontal and diagonal branches of varied diameters and dense foliage (live non-toxic plants: Ficus, Pothos, Schefflera) for shade and retreat areas. Substantial ventilation; avoid stagnant air.

Moderate humidity during the day, rising higher at night and during mistings. Alternate humid phases with complete drying of the terrarium between sprayings: permanent stagnant humidity promotes respiratory infections and mycoses.

In this arboreal species, the floor matters little: prioritise hygiene and good drainage of the misting water. Prohibit any ingestible particulate substrate (pellets, large chips) that could cause an obstruction when catching prey on the ground.

Essential. T5 HO UVB tube of the 6% type (high-requirement zone) placed above the hot spot, with accessible shaded areas for self-regulation. Replace the lamp every 6 to 12 months depending on the model. Adequate UVB prevents metabolic bone disease in this large species.

Does not drink from a bowl of stagnant water. Provide a drip system (dripper) and/or prolonged mistings 1 to 2 times a day; the chameleon laps the drops on the leaves. Monitor hydration (sunken eyes, orange urates = dehydration), a major problem in imports.

East Africa: Tanzania, Malawi, northern Mozambique. Humid savanna woodlands and mid-altitude mountainous areas.

Insectivore / opportunistic carnivore — Large prey: locusts, roaches, adult crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars (hornworms). Occasionally small vertebrates (rarely, as a supplement).

A large appetite and a tongue that can be projected over 50 cm. Feed adults every 2-3 days, juveniles daily. Dusting of the prey: calcium without D3 at every meal, calcium + D3 and multivitamins at spaced intervals (1x/week to 1x/2 weeks) to avoid any overdose of vitamin A.

Clutch 20–80 eggs/young. A very abundant clutch laid in a loose, moist substrate. Long and often capricious incubation (generally several months, ~5 to 9 months depending on the temperature, with possible diapause). Captive reproduction is infrequent and considered difficult; most animals in the trade remain wild captures.

• Internal parasites (nematodes, protozoa): almost systematic in wild imports, faecal examination and veterinary deworming are essential
• Dehydration and kidney damage (gout) linked to insufficient water intake
• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from calcium/UVB deficiency
• Respiratory infections (stagnant humidity, insufficient ventilation, overly low temperatures)
• Stomatitis (mouth rot) and conditions linked to chronic stress