Leopard Gecko Morphs: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

Leopard geckos are popular pets, and one reason is the sheer variety of colors and patterns they come in. These variations are called morphs, and understanding them can be a bit overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the most common and sought-after leopard gecko morphs available in 2024. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a first-time gecko owner, this information will help you appreciate the diversity and beauty of these fascinating reptiles.

What is a Leopard Gecko Morph?

A morph refers to a specific color or pattern variation of a leopard gecko that is caused by genetic mutations. These mutations affect the production and distribution of pigments in their skin, resulting in a wide range of appearances. Some morphs are simple color variations, while others involve complex combinations of colors, patterns, and even physical traits. Leopard gecko morphs are the result of selective breeding, where breeders intentionally pair geckos with desirable traits to produce offspring with those same traits.

Understanding Leopard Gecko Genetics

Before diving into the different morphs, it's important to understand the basics of leopard gecko genetics. Leopard gecko genetics are relatively simple compared to other reptiles. Most morphs are produced through recessive genes, which means that both parents must carry the gene for the offspring to express the trait. Some morphs are co-dominant, meaning that a single copy of the gene will result in a unique expression of the trait. A basic understanding of these genetic principles will help you understand how different morphs are produced and how to predict the possible outcomes of breeding projects.

Key Genetic Terms

• Gene: A unit of heredity that determines a specific trait.
• Allele: A variant form of a gene.
• Dominant: A gene that expresses its trait even when paired with a recessive gene.
• Recessive: A gene that only expresses its trait when paired with another recessive gene.
• Co-dominant: A gene that expresses its trait even when paired with another gene.
• Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.
• Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Common Leopard Gecko Morphs

High Yellow

High Yellow leopard geckos are one of the most common and affordable morphs. They are characterized by a bright yellow base color with black spots or bands. The intensity of the yellow color can vary, with some individuals being more vibrant than others. High Yellows are a great starting point for new gecko keepers due to their availability and hardiness.

Mack Snow

Mack Snow leopard geckos are known for their unique coloration, which includes a white or light yellow base color with black spots or bands. As they mature, their colors can change, with some individuals developing a more yellowish hue. Mack Snows are a co-dominant morph, meaning that a single copy of the Mack Snow gene will result in the Mack Snow phenotype. — TRICARE Phone Number: Find The Right Contact Information

Albino

Albino leopard geckos lack melanin, the pigment responsible for dark colors. This results in a gecko with a light yellow or pink base color and red eyes. There are several different strains of albino leopard geckos, including Tremper Albino, Rainwater Albino, and Bell Albino. Each strain has slightly different characteristics, but they all share the lack of melanin.

Tremper Albino

Discovered by Ron Tremper, this is one of the most common albino strains. Tremper Albinos typically have a yellowish base color with brown spots. They are known for their heat sensitivity, so it's important to provide them with appropriate temperature gradients.

Rainwater Albino

Also known as Las Vegas Albinos, Rainwater Albinos were discovered by Tim Rainwater. They are characterized by a more muted coloration compared to Tremper Albinos, with a grayish or brownish base color.

Bell Albino

Bell Albinos, discovered by Mark Bell, are the rarest of the three main albino strains. They have a lavender or pinkish hue and are known for their striking appearance. Bell Albinos are also known for their sensitivity to light, so it's important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots.

Blizzard

Blizzard leopard geckos are completely patternless and lack any dark pigmentation. They are typically white or pale yellow in color. Blizzards are a recessive morph, meaning that both parents must carry the Blizzard gene for the offspring to be Blizzard.

Patternless

Patternless leopard geckos lack any spots or bands. They come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and brown. Patternless leopard geckos are a recessive morph, meaning that both parents must carry the Patternless gene for the offspring to be Patternless.

Murphy Patternless

This morph, discovered by Pat Murphy, is a specific type of patternless leopard gecko. They are typically yellow or orange in color and lack any spots or bands. Murphy Patternless leopard geckos are a recessive morph, meaning that both parents must carry the Murphy Patternless gene for the offspring to be Murphy Patternless.

Tangerine

Tangerine leopard geckos are known for their bright orange coloration. The intensity of the orange color can vary, with some individuals being more vibrant than others. Tangerines are often combined with other morphs to create even more stunning combinations.

Carrot Tail

Carrot Tail leopard geckos have a bright orange coloration on their tails. The amount of orange coloration can vary, with some individuals having a small patch of orange and others having their entire tail covered. Carrot Tail is a polygenic trait, meaning that it is influenced by multiple genes.

Hypo

Hypo leopard geckos have a reduced number of spots on their bodies. Typically, a gecko is considered a hypo if it has 10 or fewer spots on its body. Hypos are often combined with other morphs to create even more unique combinations.

Super Hypo

Super Hypo leopard geckos have no spots on their bodies. They are typically bright yellow or orange in color. Super Hypos are highly sought after by breeders and collectors. — Bollywood Dynasties: The Untold Stories Of Star Kids

Giant

Giant leopard geckos are larger than average leopard geckos. They can grow to be over 10 inches in length. Giant is a co-dominant trait, meaning that a single copy of the Giant gene will result in a larger gecko.

Super Giant

Super Giant leopard geckos are even larger than Giant leopard geckos. They can grow to be over 12 inches in length. Super Giant is a homozygous trait, meaning that both parents must carry the Giant gene for the offspring to be Super Giant.

Enigma

Enigma leopard geckos are known for their unpredictable patterns and behaviors. They often have a mottled or speckled appearance. Enigmas are a dominant morph, meaning that a single copy of the Enigma gene will result in the Enigma phenotype. It's worth noting that Enigma morphs are associated with neurological issues, sometimes referred to as "Enigma Syndrome."

Designer Morphs

Designer morphs are created by combining two or more different morphs to create a unique and visually stunning gecko. Some popular designer morphs include:

• Mack Snow Albino: A combination of the Mack Snow and Albino morphs, resulting in a gecko with a white or light yellow base color and red eyes.
• Tangerine Tornado: A combination of the Tangerine and Enigma morphs, resulting in a gecko with a bright orange coloration and unpredictable patterns.
• Super Hypo Carrot Tail Baldy: This gecko has no spots on its body (Super Hypo), a bright orange tail (Carrot Tail), and no pattern on its head (Baldy).

Caring for Leopard Gecko Morphs

Caring for leopard gecko morphs is generally the same as caring for standard leopard geckos. They require a temperature gradient, with a warm side of 88-92°F and a cool side of 75-80°F. They also need a humid hide to help them shed properly. Leopard geckos are insectivores and should be fed a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other insects. Leopard geckos need:

• Enclosure: A 20-gallon tank is sufficient for one to two adult leopard geckos.
• Substrate: Paper towels, reptile carpet, or non-adhesive shelf liner are all suitable substrates.
• Heating: An under-tank heater or ceramic heat emitter can be used to provide a temperature gradient.
• Lighting: Leopard geckos do not require UVB lighting, but it can be beneficial.
• Food: Crickets, mealworms, and other insects should be offered daily.
• Water: A shallow dish of water should be available at all times.

Where to Buy Leopard Gecko Morphs

Leopard gecko morphs can be purchased from a variety of sources, including:

• Local pet stores: Many pet stores carry a selection of leopard gecko morphs.
• Reptile breeders: Reptile breeders specialize in breeding leopard geckos and other reptiles. They often have a wider selection of morphs than pet stores.
• Reptile shows: Reptile shows are a great place to see a wide variety of leopard gecko morphs and meet breeders.
• Online reptile retailers: There are many online retailers that sell leopard gecko morphs. Be sure to research the retailer before making a purchase to ensure that they are reputable.

Conclusion

Leopard gecko morphs offer a stunning array of colors and patterns, making them a fascinating and rewarding pet to keep. By understanding the basics of leopard gecko genetics and the different morphs available, you can make an informed decision when choosing a gecko. Remember to provide your gecko with proper care, including a temperature gradient, a humid hide, and a diet of insects. With the right care, your leopard gecko morph will thrive and bring you years of enjoyment.

FAQ

What is the most expensive leopard gecko morph?

The most expensive leopard gecko morphs are typically those that are rare and visually striking. Some of the most expensive morphs include the Black Night, the Galaxy, and the Paradox.

What is the best leopard gecko morph for beginners?

The best leopard gecko morphs for beginners are typically those that are hardy and easy to care for. Some good options include the High Yellow, the Mack Snow, and the Albino. — Turning 25: What Does It Mean To Be A 25-Year-Old Today?

How much does a leopard gecko morph cost?

The cost of a leopard gecko morph can vary widely depending on the rarity and desirability of the morph. Common morphs like the High Yellow can be found for as little as $20, while rare morphs like the Black Night can cost thousands of dollars.

Do leopard gecko morphs require special care?

Most leopard gecko morphs do not require any special care beyond the standard care requirements for leopard geckos. However, some morphs, such as the Albino, may be more sensitive to light and require additional hiding spots.

What is Enigma Syndrome?

Enigma Syndrome is a neurological disorder that can affect Enigma leopard geckos. Symptoms of Enigma Syndrome can include head tilting, circling, and stargazing. There is no cure for Enigma Syndrome, but the symptoms can be managed with supportive care.

How do I breed leopard gecko morphs?

Breeding leopard gecko morphs requires a basic understanding of leopard gecko genetics. To breed a specific morph, you will need to pair two geckos that both carry the gene for that morph. The offspring will then have a chance of expressing the trait, depending on whether the gene is dominant or recessive.

What do I feed leopard gecko morphs?

Leopard gecko morphs should be fed a diet of insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. The insects should be gut-loaded with nutritious food before being fed to the geckos. It's important to dust the insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to ensure that the geckos are getting all of the nutrients they need.