Exploring the Diverse Types of Bearded Dragons: A Colorful Guide to Species & Morphs
Bearded dragons have soared in popularity as captivating pets, with their diverse appearances and unique personalities. Just like a rainbow in the sky, bearded dragons come in a myriad of colors and patterns, making them an alluring choice for reptile enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of bearded dragons, delving into the world of genetics that contribute to their appearance and discussing the health considerations for each morph.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the diverse types of bearded dragons, with two species in the wild and over 20 varieties & colors.
- Genetics play a key role in their physical traits & colors, while selective breeding has enabled vibrant tones.
- Different morphs require specialized care due to potential health issues like albinism and scalelessness.
Understanding Bearded Dragon Morphs and Species
Bearded dragon morphs, with their diverse patterns, colors, and scales, captivate enthusiasts and breeders. There are two main types of bearded dragon morphs: scaling morphs and visual morphs, which are responsible for the distinct appearances of these fascinating creatures. It is estimated that there are over 20 bearded dragon morphs, including the German giant, exhibiting colors such as tan, yellow, olive-green, and red. Some bearded dragons may even appear black due to their environment, aggression, illness, stress, or feeling threatened.
In the wild, bearded dragons are native to Australia, with the Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) being the most popular species for pet owners. Breeders are attempting to combine common captive morphs of the Central Bearded Dragon and Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata). This experimentation has created some interesting new species. We will focus on bearded dragon genetics and their impact on the diverse variety of morphs.
The Role of Genetics in Bearded Dragon Morphs
Genetics significantly influence the physical traits and colors of bearded dragon morphs, such as breeding translucent bearded dragons. The morphs are determined by genes that are:
- Recessive: Some genes, such as hypo, trans, and zero, are recessive, meaning that both parents need to possess the gene for it to be displayed in the offspring.
- Dominant: Other traits, like leatherback, are inherited in a dominant way, where having only one copy of the gene results in a non-wild-type phenotype.
- Codominant: Some genes exhibit codominance, where both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.
These genetic factors play a crucial role in determining the appearance of bearded dragon morphs.
Recessive and dominant genes are responsible for determining bearded dragon morphs, passed down from their parents. This genetic inheritance significantly shapes the unique colors, patterns, and physical characteristics seen in different bearded dragon morphs, including common morphs like Leatherback, Hypomelanistic, and Dunner.
Wild Bearded Dragon Species
Among the eight bearded dragon species found in Australia, four are commonly kept as pets, with the Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) reigning supreme as the most popular choice. The Central Bearded Dragon displays a range of colors, including hues of red, brown, and yellow, adding to their allure for pet owners. The Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata), on the other hand, typically appears in grey and is noted for its strength in climbing due to the dense wooded areas of eastern Australia.
Breeders have made progress in crossing common captive morphs of the Central Bearded Dragon with the Eastern Bearded Dragon, paving the way for even more fascinating combinations. Next, we will examine some popular bearded dragon morphs and their unique characteristics.
Popular Bearded Dragon Morphs: A Closer Look
The world of bearded dragon morphs offers a plethora of captivating patterns, colors, and scale types, making them an intriguing subject for both casual enthusiasts and dedicated breeders. Some popular morphs include:
- Standard: the most common and serves as a foundation for many of the other morphs we see today
- Leatherback: displays a smoother and softer appearance due to reduced scale size and spacing
- Hypomelanistic: exhibits reduced melanin production, resulting in lighter colors and patterns
- Dunner: characterized by a unique pattern of stripes and bars on the back, giving it a “dun” appearance
Each of these translucent morphs displays unique traits and appearances that set them apart from their wild counterparts.
As we go further into the world of bearded dragon morphs, it’s key to remember that each morph results from careful selective breeding and genetic inheritance. We will examine some of the most popular bearded dragon morphs in detail, starting with the Leatherback.
Leatherback Bearded Dragons
Leatherback Bearded Dragons possess a mutated gene that inhibits the growth of their bearded dragon’s scales to full size, making them distinct from other morphs due to their smooth scales and lack of spikes along their backs or limbs. Their unique appearance, combined with their vivid colors and smooth feel, has made them a favored choice among breeders, collectors, and other enthusiasts.
Leatherback Bearded Dragons come in a wide variety of colors, although they are often bred to have unique hues. Some common colors include the yellow bearded dragon, as well as:
- Red
- Orange
- Green
- Blue
- Purple
Their smoother skin not only adds to their visual appeal but also contributes to their popularity in the bearded dragon breeding community.
Hypomelanistic Bearded Dragons
Hypomelanistic bearded dragons are a morph characterized by a lack of pigment, resulting in a noticeably light and pale coloration. Their skin tones can range from:
- Pink
- Yellow
- Powder blue
- Pale orange
- Snow
This gives them an ethereal appearance. The hypomelanistic morph is attributed to a genetic mutation that causes a decrease in black/brown pigment, resulting in lighter coloration and clear nails.
The hypomelanistic trait is inherited in a simple recessive manner, meaning both parents must possess the gene for hypomelanism for it to be expressed in their offspring. Hypomelanistic can also be incorporated into other dragon morphs, including hypo-translucent, hypo-witblits, and hypo-leatherback, adding to the diversity of this fascinating morph.
Dunner Bearded Dragons
Dunner bearded dragons, a unique dunner morph of bearded dragon, can be identified by their distinct scale pattern and the remarkable ability to store food at the back of their throat prior to swallowing. Their scales have no obvious pattern and can go in any direction, unlike the typical stripes found on many other types of bearded dragons.
Created by renowned breeder Kevin Dunn, Dunner Bearded Dragons possess scales that point towards the sides, featuring vertical bands of color and are classified as a scalation and pattern morph. Their unique appearance and traits have made them a popular choice among bearded dragon enthusiasts.
Rare and Unusual Bearded Dragon Morphs
Beyond the more common bearded dragon morphs, there are rare and unusual morphs that grab our attention with their unique appearances. These morphs are not widely available in the pet trade and often require specialized care and attention due to their distinct traits. Examples of these rare morphs include Paradox, Silkback, and Zero bearded dragons, each showcasing incredible patterns, colors, and physical characteristics that set them apart from their more common counterparts.
As we investigate the world of rare and unusual bearded dragon morphs, keep in mind that these creatures may need unique care and have special health considerations. We will examine some of these interesting morphs and learn more about their distinct traits.
Paradox Bearded Dragons
Paradox bearded dragons are a rare morph with a solid base color at birth that develops unique adult patterns in the first few months after hatching. Their adult patterns often consist of speckles and blotches of color scattered randomly across their bodies, giving them the appearance of being splashed with bright paint. The color change in Paradox bearded dragons is triggered by conscious reflexes that enable them to camouflage, communicate, and regulate their body temperature. Social interactions with other bearded dragons may also influence the color change.
The Paradox morph is not associated with a specific gene, making it even more mysterious and alluring in the eyes of bearded dragon enthusiasts. Their unique and unpredictable adult patterns set them apart from other morphs and make them a prized addition to any collection.
Silkback Bearded Dragons
Silkback bearded dragons are a morph that lacks scales, requiring very meticulous care due to their fragile skin. They are distinct in that they lack the ‘beard’ typically seen in other dragon morphs, and the wrinkled skin beneath their heads is unable to be inflated, appearing to remain the same color. Silkback bearded dragons come in various colors, though breeders often produce them in unique hues due to the specific breeding process.
Ethically, breeding Silkback bearded dragons is discouraged as the morph decreases a bearded dragon’s quality of life and hampers their ability to live a normal, healthy life. However, for those who do keep Silkbacks, it is necessary to provide them with a safe, soft enclosure and maintain a higher level of humidity to assist their skin peeling, as they do not shed in the typical manner.
Zero Bearded Dragons
Zero bearded dragons are a bearded dragon morph characterized by an absence of color and pattern. Developed in Germany, the Zero morph exhibits a recessive masking genetic that results in a silver-gray color. The Zero morph is unique in that it has black shoulder pads, unlike witblits or silverbacks.
The Wero bearded dragon morph is the result of selectively breeding a zero morph with a knowledge morph, showcasing the potential for even more fascinating combinations in the bearded dragon breeding community. The Zero morph’s captivating appearance and unique traits make it an intriguing addition to the world of bearded dragon morphs.
Bearded Dragon Colors: From Natural Hues to Vibrant Tones
Bearded dragons display a stunning array of colors, from their natural hues of green, tan, yellow, and red, to the vibrant tones achieved through selective breeding. In the wild, a bearded dragon’s color is determined by a combination of factors, including genetics, age, habitat, temperature, illumination, social interactions, and environmental conditions, such as UVB exposure and diet.
Through the art of selective breeding, bearded dragon breeders have been able to produce a wide range of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, such as:
- Ruby red
- Gold
- Lemon fire
- Tangerine
We will investigate the wide range of bearded dragon colors, from their natural hues to the selectively bred vibrant tones.
Common Bearded Dragon Colors
Bearded dragons found in the wild typically display sandy brown, red, and yellow colors, with the Central Bearded Dragon exhibiting a greater range of colors than its Eastern counterpart. The coloration of wild bearded dragons is affected by a range of factors, including their habitat and genetics, with their darker beard color appearing when they are cooler and lightening as they become warmer during the day.
These natural colors help bearded dragons camouflage in their environment, while also allowing them to communicate with other bearded dragons and regulate their body temperature. As we focus on selectively bred bearded dragon colors, we will see how breeders have enhanced these natural hues for even more striking and vivid appearances.
Selectively Bred Bearded Dragon Colors
Selective breeding has unlocked a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors in fancy bearded dragons, ranging from:
- yellow
- red
- orange
- blue
- intricate patterns and markings
Blue or purple bearded dragons, for example, are not frequently seen but can be bred by pairing two translucent bearded dragons, although their color may diminish with age.
Breeders pair the most vivid red, orange, or green bearded dragons from one clutch with similarly vibrant individuals from another clutch, repeating this process multiple times to generate intensely colored offspring. This selective breeding process has allowed for the creation of unique and vivid colors, adding to the allure and fascination of bearded dragons in the pet trade.
Health Considerations for Different Bearded Dragon Morphs
Caring for various bearded dragon morphs requires knowledge of their specific needs and possible health issues to guarantee their well-being. The life expectancy of bearded dragons in the wild typically ranges from five to eight years, while those in captivity may live up to 10 years or more. A balanced diet of insects and plant foods is essential, with younger bearded dragons requiring a greater proportion of insects in their diet.
Some bearded dragon morphs, such as Silkbacks and albinos, require specialized care due to their unique traits and increased vulnerability to health issues. We will investigate the health considerations for these specific morphs.
Albino Bearded Dragons
Albino bearded dragons:
- Lack melanin, resulting in white scales and pink or red eyes
- Have increased sensitivity to necessary ultraviolet light, requiring special care for their well-being
- Many breeders promote albino morphs for sale, but in reality, these are leucistic, snow bearded, or white bearded dragons.
Albino bearded dragons need careful monitoring of their exposure to UV light and an environment tailored to their unique needs. Researching and understanding the specific care requirements for albino morphs is necessary to ensure their health and longevity.
Scaleless Bearded Dragons
Scaleless bearded dragons, such as Silkbacks, are a genetic mutation resulting from the breeding of two co-dominant leatherbacks, leading to their unique smooth, scale-less appearance. Due to their lack of scales, these bearded dragons are more susceptible to injuries, dry skin, and shedding problems, and require a higher level of humidity and meticulous care.
Providing regular baths, gentle misting of their skin, and applying aloe vera gel to their body once a week can help maintain the delicate skin of scaleless bearded dragons. Being attentive to their unique care requirements is necessary to ensure their health and well-being.
Summary
In conclusion, bearded dragons offer a world of mesmerizing colors, patterns, and morphs, making them an alluring choice for reptile enthusiasts and collectors alike. From the natural hues found in wild bearded dragons to the vibrant tones achieved through selective breeding, these captivating creatures never cease to amaze. Whether you’re drawn to the smooth skin of a Leatherback, the pale beauty of a Hypomelanistic, or the striking patterns of a Paradox morph, there’s a bearded dragon out there that’s sure to capture your heart. Just remember to provide the proper care and attention to their unique needs to ensure their health and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bearded dragon is the best pet?
The Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is the most popular pet lizard for all ages and can be found in arid to semi-arid regions of Eastern and Central Australia, making it a great pet option.
What is the rarest color of bearded dragons?
The rarest color of bearded dragons is the Zero Morph, which is characterized by its lack of patterns and colors, presenting as white in color. These unique reptiles are gaining popularity.
What is a normal morph bearded dragon?
The classic or standard morph is the most common bearded dragon and is the closest to its wild counterpart. It typically has small spikes on its back, a large triangular head with a beard, and distinct colors that distinguish it from other morphs.
What is the most common color of bearded dragons?
Brown and gray are the most common colors for bearded dragons, followed by yellow, red, and orange.
How big do bearded dragons get?
Bearded dragons typically reach up to 24 inches in length and can weigh up to 20 oz. with proper care, they can live for 10-15 years or longer.