Chameleon - 4 Horn

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Four-Horned Chameleon Scientific Name: Chamaeleo quadricornis

Basic Info

Typical Four-Horned Chameleons are bright green with brown, yellow, black, and/or red markings. Captive born Quads are sometimes blue or blue-green, but this coloration is rare. The females lack horns and only have a very small sail-fin. Males and females will grow to about 14 inches in length, including the tail.

Health

4-Horned Chameleons require low temperatures. During the day they can should have a temperature gradient of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit at a cool end and 80 degrees at the warmest end. At night the temperature should drop to 60 - 65 degrees. The humidity in the enclosure should be between 85% and 100%. The Four-Horned's enclosure should be showered regularly by heavily misting plants in the enclosure. This is important because, like all chameleons, the Four Horned Chameleon drinks the water droplets on the leaves. Using distilled water will prevent unsightly spotting on the glass of their enclosure. Like most other chameleons, vertical enclosures are better than horizontal. A cage that is three to five feet tall is ideal, but if a shorter cage is desired, they should not be shorter than two feet in height. Breeding Though they can sometimes live peacefully in groups, females will probably live longer and have more clutches, if kept singly. In captivity, females lay 8-15 eggs about three times a year. If you house your Quads separately, place the female in the male's cage and observe her reaction to the male's advances. If the female is not receptive, separate the pair and try again in about a week. If they do mate, return the female to her own enclosure. If the mating was successful, she will show gravid colors about two days after copulation. Eggs should be incubated at 72-73 F and hatch in approximately 18 weeks.

Habitat

Africa

Behavior

Also known as the "Cameroon Bearded Chameleon," or "Quad," the Four-Horned Chameleon males will grow two to six horns on the tip of their noses. Though popular, Quads are not recommended for novice chameleon owners. Four-Horned Chameleons are often extremely docile, even accepting other males in their enclosures. Of course, the enclosure should be large enough to keep them from having confrontations and some individuals are more aggressive than others.

Origin

Africa

History

Locally in Africa

Common Foods

N/A