The Ultimate Guide to Types of Bearded Dragon Morphs: A Beginner's Handbook
Introduction
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular choices for reptile pets. They’re friendly, easy to care for, and have distinctive personalities. But if you’re new to the world of bearded dragons, you may be overwhelmed by the variety of morphs available. Each morph has unique coloring and patterns, making them more interesting and attractive as pets. This ultimate guide will give you a beginner-friendly introduction to types of bearded dragon morphs.
What Are Bearded Dragon Morphs?
Bearded dragon morphs are the different color and pattern variations found in bearded dragons. Morphs are produced by breeding two bearded dragons with similar or different morphs. The offspring of these bearded dragons may have new and unique morphs. These morphs can be classified into different types depending on the trait they exhibit, such as color, pattern, or a combination of both.
Types of Bearded Dragon Morphs
Normal bearded dragon
This is the original, standard morph, which has a base color of beige or gray with reddish-brown markings on the back. It has a spiky, beard-like feature under its chin, which is where their name comes from. It’s a common and natural color in the wild, and the most affordable for pet owners.
Citrus bearded dragon
Citrus bearded dragons have bright yellow or orange markings on their backs, blending with the normal beige or gray color of their bodies. They also have translucent skin, which makes them slightly different from the normal ones. Citrus bearded dragons are a bit more expensive than the standard morphs, but they offer more variety and are changing their color constantly as they grow.
Hypo bearded dragon
Hypo is a popular yet rare morph without color. They don’t exhibit black pigments, and their skin is smoother and softer than other bearded dragons. Interestingly, unlike standard morphs, their eyes are black instead of brown. Hypo bearded dragons are reasonably priced and a good option for beginners who want a low-maintenance pet.
Translucent bearded dragon
Translucent bearded dragons are unique because they have clear or translucent skin with no pigments on their toes or tails. They also exhibit soft colors and patterns, ranging from green to orange, which can change depending on temperature and light. They’re a rare morph with a high price, but many reptile enthusiasts consider them as the pinnacle of bearded dragon breeding.
Leatherback bearded dragon
Leatherback bearded dragons have a smooth and silky texture on their skin because of the absence of certain scales. They come in different colors like red, yellow, and orange, and their bodies are usually brighter than the regular ones. They’re in medium range for pricing compared to other morphs, but their unique texture can make a good discussion starter when showing off your new pet.
Witblits bearded dragon
Witblits bearded dragons’ primary feature is their white and sometimes pinkish stomachs. They also exhibit a brighter color palette with extensive markings on their backs that blend with their underlying base color. They are considered as exotic and are rare, making them a little bit expensive. But the uniqueness they provide is quite amazing which is worth the investment.
Dunner bearded dragon
Dunner bearded dragons have a distinct pattern around the neck region referred to as the Dunner Stripe. They also exhibit a deeper color than other bearded dragons, and their base color is usually red or orange. Dunner bearded dragons are not commonly found as other morphs, making them a little pricier than usual. But having a bearded dragon with its own unique pattern is worth every penny.
Zero bearded dragon
Zero bearded dragons get their name from the lack of a particular kind of scale pigment, making them without black pigmentation. They come in various creative colors and patterns, which are alluring, and they have smooth and silky skin. Zero bearded dragons are quite expensive, but their exclusivity and rarity make them a popular choice for collectors.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons exhibit various colors and patterns that make them distinct and interesting as pets. They vary in price, but regardless of your morph choice, bearded dragons are a good option for beginners. They are low-maintenance, make great pets, and unique in their own way. Always remember that having a bearded dragon as a pet comes with responsibilities, so be prepared to provide proper care and feeding for them to live a happy and healthy life.