What Type Of Animal Is A Bearded Dragon
Disguised dragons come in many dissimilar "morphs". This guide will comprehend 14 dissimilar disguised dragon morphs y'all should check out.
You lot'll learn:
- What is meant by "morph"?
- What are the different types of bearded dragon morphs?
- How tin you purchase ane from an ethical source?
Bearded dragons are reptiles native to the warm, arid deserts and woodlands of Commonwealth of australia. They are known for their spiky scales forth their flanks and a beard that puffs upwards depending on their mood giving them their name. Because of their popularity as pets, different morphs or varieties are available in the market.
In that location are eight known species, iv of which are kept every bit pets. The most popular one institute in captivity is the Pogona vitticeps or the Central Bearded Dragon. They are normally colored tan, yellow, or brown (sometimes with red or orangish markings) but dissimilar colors take arisen due to selective convenance in captivity.
Most, if not all bearded dragon morphs are of the same species, P. vitticeps since these are the most widespread in captivity. Though there is some work on crossing morphs of P. vitticeps with the Eastern bearded dragon (P. barbata).
What Is Meant By "Morph"?
A morph is a term used to depict a bearded dragon'due south overall advent such as its body type, scales (or lack of), and size. The terminology also applies to other lizards and reptiles such as ball pythons and iguanas.
Fun Fact
Different bearded dragon morphs arose due to the bogus pick or selective breeding of bearded dragons with desirable traits or characteristics. Ii individuals from unlike clutches with favorable traits are bred with each other to increment the chances of the side by side generation demonstrating that trait and so on.
Unique or rare bearded dragon morphs cost more than the standard or classic bearded dragon commonly found in pet shops which closely resemble those found in the wild.
📚 Read More >> How Much Do Bearded Dragons Price?
The terminology "morph" should not exist confused with "color." Disguised dragon morphs and their specific characteristics tin can announced on a bearded dragon of whatever color. There is a set of bearded dragon morphs recognized equally the standard in the legitimate convenance community and these are named after their feature, not their colour.
A dragon's morph can bear upon its colour and pattern but "morph", in the technical sense, describes a beardie's body type and overall appearance and body type – not color.
Pro-tip
Continue in heed that colour (and to some extent, pattern) descriptions of a bearded dragon morph can vary widely and are subjective (depending on the breeder). Inexperienced buyers might be impressed by a "citrus fire engine red-orange leatherback" and think it's an entirely different morph because of the cool name and thus be prepared to pay more than. It's best to do your inquiry before making a last purchase.
In the simplest sense, different disguised dragon morphs tin be loosely likened to dissimilar canis familiaris breeds (but when information technology comes down to the details, a brood is dissimilar from a morph mainly on the length of generations used to tease out a breed).
Morph Terminology
- Genes
Different reptile morphs arise because of genetics. Genes are the stock codes of reptiles (and all living things) that determine physical characteristics and behavioral traits. Minor differences in the genes of individuals pb to dissimilar traits which can either be dominant or recessive. A ready of an organism'southward genes is also referred to as its "genotype."
Fun Fact
Mutations in the genes give rise to different traits. In the wild, these mutations are usually "weak" characteristics like fewer scales and will often die out due to natural option/development. In captivity, these weaknesses are considered unique and rare and are selectively bred to help the trait emerge.
- Phenotype
A phenotype is an organism'due south observed trait or general appearance expressed past its genotype. A bearded dragon's specific color, shape, size, and beliefs is its phenotype.
- Homozygous and Heterozygous Alleles; Recessive Traits and Dominant Traits
Alleles are proteins in genes that decide if a specific trait is recessive or dominant. All genes have a pair of alleles and these alleles can either be dominant or recessive.
A gene with a pair of alleles that are the same is homozygous; if the alleles are not the same, they are heterozygous.
The picture above, from left to right, shows a homozygous dominant factor, a heterozygous cistron, and a homozygous recessive gene.
A dominant allele for a certain trait volition ever exist expressed in the phenotype while a recessive allele for a sure trait must be homozygous for the trait to exist expressed in the phenotype.
If an organism's gene carries an allele for a recessive trait and another allele for a ascendant trait, the dominant trait will be expressed and the organism is considered heterozygous (het) for that recessive trait.
Fun Fact
A lot of characteristics for bearded dragon morphs came from recessive traits.
Another way to wait at information technology would be recessive traits will exist expressed if these are passed down from both parents while ascendant traits will be seen in the phenotype even if one parent carries it.
Pro-tip
You will too encounter the term "het" used in a bearded dragon morph name which is short for heterozygous.
- Co-ascendant trait
Sometimes, traits can be co-dominant and tin can be expressed as dissimilar phenotypes in the same generation depending on whether or not the organism is heterozygous or homozygous for that dominant trait.
- Proven
In the bearded dragon or reptile morph breeding community, this term refers to an organism morph that has been successfully bred.
- Leucism
Leucism is used to describe an animal that has a significantly reduced amount of melanin giving lighter, patchy, or paler colors. It may also describe the absence of the usual patterns on the organism'due south pare. Leucistic organisms exercise non have red eyes equally albinos do.
- Albinism
Albino organisms have aught melanin giving them their distinctive red or pinkish eyes and very pale to well-nigh white coloration. As of writing, at that place is no documented albino bearded dragon. What some breeders may advertise as "albinos" are probably leucistic dragons that are white or very pale.
Unconfirmed reports indicate albino hatchlings that appear weak and unhealthy, eventually dying. Considering of the lack of melanin, they are expected to take trouble absorbing UV rays which is essential to salubrious growth.
14 Types Of Bearded Dragon Morphs
Bearded dragon morphs are being discovered all the time so this list is not all-inclusive. It is a compilation of the common and established bearded dragon morphs in the community.
In general, some morphs affect the pattern, absenteeism, or presence of scales and spikes on a bearded dragon'south body. These scalation morphs are Leatherbacks, Silkies, Microscale, and Dunner. Morphs can also affect the skin's melanin content and patterns. These are Hypomelanistic, Translucent, Zip, Genetic Stripe, Witblits, Wero, Paradox, and Silverbacks. Dunners are as well a pattern morph. And finally, the only morph that affects size is the German Behemothic.
- Archetype, Normal, or Standard
Classic or standard disguised dragons, also known every bit "wild-blazon" are beardies that closely resemble those found in the wild. These individuals have genes that are closest to the original, standard genetic stock of P. vitticeps.
Archetype bearded dragons have natural brown, tan, or xanthous colors that they'd normally use to camouflage in sandy deserts. They have a full, spiky beard, a broad triangular head, and spikes along their flanks and spine.
Fun Fact
A bearded dragon'due south spikes or spines are also called tubercles which are raised scales or an outgrowth on their skin.
Some classic bearded dragon morphs have dark stripes running perpendicular to their spine resembling the coat of tigers. They may also come with patterns or shades of red, yellowish, or orange.
- Hypomelanistic
"Hypo" means depression or below normal and "melanin" is the pigment responsible for darker colors on the skin of bearded dragons. The Hypomelanistic morph is known for its lighter pare color and clear nails. This is caused by a mutation that causes their body to produce less melanin. They are born brightly colored and abound paler with age.
The hypomelanistic mutation tin can also affect other disguised dragon morphs so other varieties are hypo-translucent, hypo-leatherback, hypo-witblits dragon, etc.
Hypos can also exist called "pastels" and other types include Hypo Snow, Hypo Yellowish, Carmine Het Hypomelanistic, Yellow Hypo, Blood Hypo Orange, Hypo Het Translucent, and more.
- Leatherback
Leatherbacks are morphs with more bright colors on their backs due to the missing ridge of spikes or scales along their dorsum. The absence of these spikes besides makes their skin experience a bit smoother. Some Leatherbacks will have modest spikes or protruding large scales along their backs.
Leatherbacks are closely related to Silkback disguised dragons. Leatherbacks are co-ascendant heterozygous while Silkbacks are homozygous. The Leatherback morph is quite rare, making them more expensive.
Some varieties include Het Hypomelanistic Leatherback, Hypo Leatherback, and Hypo Translucent Leatherback Dunner.
- Microscale
Bearded dragons that have smaller and fewer spikes than Leatherbacks are called Microscale. They lack or take smaller and fewer spikes on their beards and flanks.
These morphs are a event of breeding a Leatherback with two dominant Leatherback genes with a Leatherback that has i recessive gene. The clutch volition accept Microscale hatchlings.
- Silkback, Silkie, or Scaleless
Silkback disguised dragons are completely scaleless giving these disguised dragons a more amphibian await with their shine, soft, skin with vibrant colors. Due to the lack of protection from scales or spikes, silkies are very fragile and need more attention in terms of skincare, enclosure setup, and lighting. Regular baths and moisturizers will assistance promote good circulation and prevent dried skin from cutting off blood flow to their extremities.
📚 Read More >> Best Bearded Dragon Enclosures
Fact
A report by Sakitch and Tattersall in The Periodical of Experimental Biological science (2021) on classics, leatherbacks, and silkies show that silkies lost h2o twice as much equally classic or leatherback morphs but practice not adjust their thermal preferences based on this water loss.
This means that if a silkie is feeling common cold, it will however aim to reach the same, higher body temperature as a archetype or leatherback morph would without adjusting to or knowing about the consequences of increased dehydration or h2o loss considering of their lack of scalation. Though they have been bred to be without scales, they accept non exactly evolved to adapt to this mutation, putting into question this morph'south welfare and quality of life.
Silkbacks tin can be born with missing toes and parts of their tails. They are easily wounded and should be kept alone to prevent injuries from aggression. Their tanks should be free from any abrupt objects. Heating and UVB lighting should be milder and fastened further from basking spots. Silkbacks may also take trouble regulating UV rays so the lamp should only cover half of the enclosure.
📚 Read More >> Best Lighting For Bearded Dragons
Important
The ethics of rearing Silkbacks have been questioned since breeding tin be quite aggressive especially for females, leading to more injuries due to their delicate skins, and caring for them successfully can be quite a challenge. This puts into question their quality of life hence the debate on breeding silkbacks.
- Translucent
Translucent or Trans bearded dragons have thin, semi-transparent skin and scales that allow the night-colored membrane of their inner organs to exist seen. This gives the skin on their bellies and backs a blue hue. They can also have very dark, black eyes that sometimes change into the standard yellow ones equally they mature. Equally these beardies age, their pare thickens and the blue tint fades or goes abroad.
Types of Trans morph you may encounter are Ruddy and Orange Hypo Translucent, Rally Red Trans, Dark Translucent, Hypo Het Translucent, and Hypo Translucent Genetic Stripe.
Bearded dragons described as blue, violet, or purple are quite rare and are Trans morph that retained their blueish tinge into machismo.
At that place'south a myth surrounding Translucent bearded dragon morphs stating that they are prone to health bug but they have been successfully bred for many years.
- Dunner
Dunners have discontinuous markings that run vertically instead of the typical horizontal stripes. This gives Dunners their singled-out spots or blotches blueprint. They also have bigger feet and broader tails. Their scales do non run from head to tail and instead point in different directions (more often than not sideways) with the spikes on their beard jutting out sideways instead of downward.
They also have this peculiar trait of keeping nutrient at the back of their throats before swallowing. Young Dunners may even regurgitate their food instead of swallowing it only they outgrow this behavior as they mature.
Dunner varieties include Hypo Translucent Dunner, Hypo Translucent Leatherback Dunner, Yellow or Citrus Hypo Dunner, and Hypomelanistic Dunner.
Fun Fact
The name comes from the outset person that bred these morphs, Kevin Dunn.
- Nothing
The Zero morph is a type of leucistic dragon that does not have the usual markings (patterns and colors) that standard bearded dragons take. Their lack of markings is a recessive trait. They are commonly silver or gray with the hypomelanistic Nix morphs having an almost white color. Hypomelanistic Cipher morphs can sometimes be called Snow disguised dragons. Zero morphs are quite rare and are therefore expensive.
- Genetic Stripe
Disguised dragons with a distinct stripe along their backs at each side of the spine are chosen the Genetic Stripe. The stripe starts from their necks and extends into merely by the base of the tail. This mutation is a dominant trait.
Pro-tip
The "Genetic Stripe" with the dominant gene responsible for the detail striped pattern is the true morph. However, breeders have used the word "stripe" as an adjective to describe dragons that may non exist a true morph "Genetic Stripe." The stripe pattern for these may have been caused past a combination of factors instead of the specific gene for the truthful Genetic Stripe.
- German Giant
German language Giants are classic or standard bearded dragons that can abound up to 25 inches (some grow to 30 inches!) but unfortunately, it's almost impossible to tell until they are fully grown. A few signs that indicate y'all have a German Behemothic aside from beingness significantly longer from snout to tail, include high aggression and chocolate-brown or tan colors. If you suspect you lot have a High german Giant then you should go a much bigger tank (at least 120 gallons and upwardly).
There's not a lot of purebred giants left due to cross-breeding with other morphs to strengthen the genetic stock.
- Witblits
Witblits are another leucistic morph with no patterns or markings and have muted colors. Though the proper name is South African for 'white lightning,' they are not quite white and appear gray or have dull brown or muted orange colors. These traits are caused by a recessive cistron.
They differ from the Zero morph by the absenteeism of the black colour on their shoulders. Witblits is a relatively new morph and is rare and expensive.
- Wero
A Wero resulted from breeding a Zero and Wilblits and is relatively new in the convenance community. Weroes closely resemble Zeroes except for some dark coloration on its side and at the base of the tail. Some Weroes tin announced completely patternless and are close to a white colour.
- Paradox
Paradox bearded dragons are prized and rare dragons characterized by a solid base colour (usually grey or off-white) that develops random patterns or patches in a different color. These look like paint splashes upon maturity. Their value is oft judged by their color and how unlike their pattern looks (paradox shifts).
The gene associated with the coloration has not been isolated and is considered an anomaly or a combination of unlike mutations, unlike the other morphs whose mutation can be traced to a specific gene.
The Paradox disguised dragon has not been consistently reproduced through breeding and is sometimes not considered truthful morphs.
- Silverback
Silverbacks are another leucistic morph that has no pattern and are mostly fair, grayness, or brown. They have markings when born which fade over time. Silverbacks originated from Japan and are not common in the US. The market in the U.s. favors witblits and zeros that are closer to white in color.
Color and Patterns
To a certain extent, bearded dragons can alter their color depending on their mood, for communication, every bit camouflage, or as a ways to regulate their body temperature. They are well known for their blackened beards when they're ambitious or territorial.
The colors below will refer to a bearded dragon'south "resting" colour but don't exist surprised if your ruby-red bearded dragon becomes a chip darker throughout the solar day. Darker colors absorb more oestrus so a darker bearded dragon is just trying to warm up a scrap.
Pro-tip
Bearded dragons with different colors and patterns tin sometimes be confused as different morphs. Keep in heed that bearded dragons can have different colors and patterns and even so be the aforementioned morph. Color or pattern names are added to the morph name to requite it a more detailed description.
The usual color and blueprint names used to describe bearded dragon morphs are every bit follows. Once more, color or pattern description tin be subjective, so the names are sometimes used interchangeably for similar hues and tin can largely depend on the breeder.
| Color or Pattern | Other names; description |
| Red | Citrus, blood red, crimson ruddy; most desired colors just can vary greatly in terms of shade and saturation (bright red, muted maroon, and almost pinkish) |
| Orange | Sunburst, citrus, tangerine; also sought after in the disguised dragon community. |
| Brown, Tan | Beige, sandy brownish; well-nigh mutual bearded dragon colors |
| Yellow | Sandfire, lemon, gold, sometimes citrus; can besides exist a soft pastel for hypo morphs |
| White, Grey, or Silver | Off-white, snow; used most oft to draw leucistic morphs like the Zilch and Witblit |
| Blue, Violet, or Royal* | *These colors are quite rare and are normally used for translucent morphs that carry their blueish tinge into machismo so exist wary as a lot of bearded dragons described with these colors could be simulated. |
| Tiger pattern | The most common blueprint clarification for dark horizontal lines along a beardie's back resembling a tiger pattern. Bearded dragons with darker and more distinct lines take greater value. |
| Spots or blotches pattern/ Dunner pattern | Most often describes the Dunner morph whose irregular markings make information technology announced like it has spots instead of the usual blueprint. |
| Stripes pattern | Can be used to depict patterns that are similar to stripes merely should non be confused with the "Genetic Stripe" morph. Other morphs of bearded dragons may take patterns that resemble stripes but are non necessarily the "Genetic Stripe" morph. |
Morph Related Wellness Bug
As mentioned, morphs or different traits stem from genetic mutations that tin be "weak" characteristics if they were to occur in the wild. Equally such, bearded dragon morphs can take some health bug associated with their unique traits.
If these are recessive traits, these morphs would have had to be line-bred heavily to express that trait in a lot of individuals within a clutch. This could mean that some pairs are related which lessens genetic variety and genetic diverseness promotes robust offspring. With less genetic diversity, other less favorable recessive mutations could emerge and next generations may go weaker.
For example, morphs that have fewer scales demand actress care when it comes to their skin peculiarly regarding injuries or shedding as scales are a form of protection for a disguised dragon.
Before purchasing a specific morph, it is important to learn about any health bug it may have because of its unique traits so y'all can prepare to care for information technology properly.
Bearded dragon morphs that accept fewer scales and lack color such as hypomelanistics, leatherbacks, translucent, and silkbacks demand softer UVB lighting and moisturizers to assist in shedding.
The UV bulb should be <3.0 UVI and ready up to cover just half the length of the enclosure. The basking area should not exist too close to the heating lamp besides.
Bearded dragons with no scales also tend to endure from missing toes and tails, difficulty shedding, and an overall shorter lifespan.
Important
Note on responsible convenance: Different bearded dragon morphs and their unique characteristics are quite fascinating merely the effort that goes into breeding requires knowledge, experience, and expertise to ensure that the wellbeing of the animate being remains the top priority.
If you are interested in becoming a breeder, make sure to get in a lot of research and talk with established breeders in the community. Careless selective breeding can result in unhealthy animals who grow to have a poor quality of life or may not thrive at all.
Tips For Finding A Reputable, Ethical Breeder
- Inquiry and read up on morphs
Reading up on morphs will brand you an educated buyer which helps in identifying bogus breeders. There are several Facebook groups and forums with data from actual owners and breeders that you tin can easily look into.
- Stay abroad from large chain pet stores
Large concatenation pet stores are non specialized enough on exotic animals such equally disguised dragons for them to put plenty effort into convenance and even caring for their beardies on sale. Disguised dragons from such stores are ordinarily kept in substandard enclosures and morphs may not be of the highest genetic quality.
Lookout man out for exotic pet stores instead that specifically cater to reptiles such as bearded dragons. You have a improve chance of finding quality morphs and standard bearded dragons from these places.
There are also occasional reptile trade fairs that host reputable breeders.
- Ask your exotic pet veterinarian
Your local exotic pet veterinarian may besides take a lot of information on reputable and ethical breeders.
- Ask questions
The best manner to observe and spot a reputable and ethical breeder would be to ask as many questions as you can! Responsible breeders are proud of what they do and aim to brainwash so they shouldn't hesitate to ask any questions yous might have. As opposed to those who may simply be out to make a quick cadet, skillful breeders volition take the time to talk you through bearded dragon morphs and give y'all a lot of information
Other tips and data near bearded dragon morphs
- Colors and patterns may change every bit dragons mature
As beardies historic period, their colors and patterns may change, fade, go deadening, or exist less divers. Bearded dragons can as well regulate the melanin content of their pare to some extent based on their environment (hot or cold temperatures) and so they may too change in color from fourth dimension to time.
- Exist wary of adjectives and fancy words used to depict morphs
As mentioned to a higher place, colors and other adjectives used to describe morphs are largely subjective. These are oft added to describe the morph better but may non always be a different or true morph. Often, these adjectives are used to make the description audio more interesting to buyers and justify a steeper toll tag.
- Lighting makes all the departure in photos
Lighting can make colors in pictures wait different. A disguised dragon's overall expect can alter drastically under natural, indoor (or fluorescent), or warm lighting. Some colors will appear more vibrant in bogus lighting and eventually seem dull in real life.
If you cannot come across the bearded dragon in person or a live video, at the very least, before purchasing so y'all should insist on getting pictures in unlike lighting. This ensures that y'all are getting what you pay for.
Some sellers can also misrepresent the pictures of their dragons for auction by using photograph editing software to oversaturate the picture.
- A fancy bearded dragon is not a morph
Fancy is a general term used to describe a morph that doesn't fit the standard descriptions. Fancy bearded dragons are a upshot of selective breeding like to morphs. Often, breeders use this term if they are unsure of what the exact morph is and it is different from the archetype or standard variety.
📚 Read More >> Fancy Bearded Dragons
- Pygmy is not a morph and true albinos do not exist
Some bearded dragons may be described as "pygmy" but at that place is no true genetic morph that produces smaller than boilerplate bearded dragons of the P. vitticeps species. It is a descriptive term but is by no means a guarantee that it will exist smaller when it matures.
Take notation, all the same, that there are bearded dragon species that are smaller in length when mature but these are very rare in captivity (e.yard. Rankin'due south dragon and Kimberley Bearded Dragon). These bearded dragons may be described as "pygmy disguised dragons" which is technically correct when compared to other species that are longer/larger in size.
True albino bearded dragons exercise not exist. So far, no documented albinos have been successfully reared. Bearded dragons that are described as albinos are ordinarily merely leucistic (take very depression melanin) and thus appear very pale or white.
Conclusion
Morphs are varieties of bearded dragons that differ in specific physical characteristics which emerged due to selective breeding. Bearded dragon morphs usually have distinct looks, colors, or patterns that make them more visually appealing and often, more expensive.
Though in that location are a handful of "standard" morphs in the breeding community, morph descriptions can vary immensely and tin can become quite overwhelming.
If y'all are planning to get a bearded dragon morph, information technology'due south best to educate yourself so you can make an informed decision. Morphs may have specific care requirements so you lot should be prepared for that as well.
FAQs
Do blue bearded dragons be?
Yes but the bluish tinge usually fades with age. These are Translucent bearded dragon morphs that have a singled-out bluish hue on their bellies and sides that fade as they age. The Trans morph is quite rare and they are non a solid blue color as many imagine. The blue hue is because of their thinner skin and scales that permit the black membrane encasing the inner organs to show.
What is the rarest bearded dragon colour?
The bluish or purple color of the Translucent bearded dragon morph is quite rare because the bluish tinge normally fades as these beardies mature.
What is the cheapest bearded dragon morph?
The cheapest disguised dragon morph is the standard or classic morph. Archetype morphs with brighter markings, tiger patterns, or red/orangish hues tend to be more expensive.
Further Reading
Overview on Bearded Dragons:
Bearded dragons: facts and photos
Short only informative manual on disguised dragon care (written by a vet):
Caring for the Bearded Dragon
A total and exhaustive guide to bearded dragons from taxonomy, history, behavior, breeding, and many more:
Husbandry Manual For Disguised Dragons. Reptilia: Agamidae
A study on disguised dragons with fewer scales:
Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) with reduced scalation lose water faster but exercise not have substantially different thermal preferences | Periodical of Experimental Biological science
Myths and facts about bearded dragon care:
Myths and Facts about Bearded Dragon Care
Source: https://reptileknowhow.com/lizards/bearded-dragons/morphs/
Posted by: aguilaronoten.blogspot.com
0 Response to "What Type Of Animal Is A Bearded Dragon"
Post a Comment