There is only one bearded dragon species, Pogona, a scientific name according to National Geographic, commonly kept as a pet. However, many different color and pattern morphs have been selectively bred over the years, resulting in various appearances. Some common morphs include:
- Standard or wild-type: the natural coloration of bearded dragons, which includes shades of brown, tan, and gray.
- Citrus: bright yellow or orange coloration.
- Hypo: reduced or lacking dark pigmentation, resulting in a lighter appearance.
- Translucent: a semi-transparent appearance, with a light or white body and black eyes.
- Leatherback: reduced or absent spines on the back, resulting in a smoother appearance.
- Dunner: a striped pattern on the sides of the body, which may also have reduced or absent spines.
- Silkback: a morph selectively bred to lack scales, resulting in smooth, almost slippery skin.
Types of Bearded Dragons
Red-Bearded Dragon Morphs
Red bearded dragons result from breeding two different dragons with a high red coloration. Such offspring have an appearance of deep red on their scales. These dragons come in shades, from darker brown reds to vivid reds, to ruby red. The morphs of red-bearded dragons can also affect their body type and pattern.
For instance, Classic morphs tend to be stockier and heavier, while Standard morphs tend to be lighter and more agile. Several morphs of bearded dragons are known, including leatherback, translucent, hypomelanistic, dunner, german giant, silk back, zero morphs, paradox morphs, witblits morphs, and wero morphs. These variants allow for a variety of looks and behaviors within the species.
Translucent Bearded Dragon
Translucent bearded dragons, also called trans morphs, have a transparent appearance due to a recessive mutation and can have a bluish tinge in various areas, particularly above the eyes.
Translucent bearded dragons are a type of morph characterized by their translucent skin. They lack pigmentation, which makes their skin almost see-through, and their eyes appear more significant than those of other bearded dragons. They have a unique appearance, which makes them a popular choice for bearded dragon enthusiasts.
However, this morph can also come with health issues, such as digestive problems and vulnerability to infections, and they can also have vision problems due to their translucent skin. As with any morph, it’s essential to understand the specific care requirements of a translucent bearded dragon before getting one as a pet.
Melanistic Bearded Dragon Morphs
Melanistic bearded dragons are not naturally occurring morphs or breeds, and they result from a genetic mutation that causes the dragon to have a darker skin color than usual. This mutation is quite rare and is not intentionally bred for.
It is possible to find melanistic bearded dragons for sale occasionally, but they are typically more expensive than other morphs because of their rarity. However, it’s important to note that melanistic bearded dragons are not different in terms of care or health requirements compared to other bearded dragon morphs.
Albino Bearded Dragon
Albino bearded dragons are a type of morph that lack melanin, which gives their skin a pink or orange hue. They also have translucent scales and red or pink eyes. Albino bearded dragons are typically more expensive than other morphs because they are rarer and harder to breed. Like other bearded dragons, they require proper care and nutrition to stay healthy.
Yellow-Bearded Dragon Morphs
Yellow bearded dragons are a type of bearded dragon known for their yellow coloration. Yellow bearded dragons vary in body and color morphs, with different types of skin color, body shape, and markings. There are several yellow bearded dragon morphs, including:
- Citrus Bearded Dragon: This morph has bright yellow coloration with some orange tones.
- Sunburst Bearded Dragon: These dragons have a bright, deep yellow color with orange markings around their head and limbs.
- Lemon Bearded Dragon: This morph has a pastel yellow coloration that is very light and almost white in some individuals.
- Goldenrod Bearded Dragon: This morph has a deeper yellow coloration, almost resembling the color of goldenrod flowers.
- Butter Bearded Dragon: This morph has a light yellow coloration and can also have some orange or cream tones.
Orange Bearded Dragon
Orange bearded dragons are a popular morph with bright orange or red coloring. This can range from a deep, rich color to a lighter, pastel shade. The orange is often mixed with other colors, such as yellow or red, to create a striking and unique look. Prices for orange bearded dragons can vary depending on several factors, including age, gender, and breeding lineage, and can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 or more.
Leatherback Bearded Dragon
A bearded leatherback dragon is a specific morph of a bearded dragon with a smoother appearance due to reduced or absent scales on its back. This results in a more leathery look, hence the “leatherback.” The lack of scales is due to a genetic mutation, and while it doesn’t affect the dragon’s health or behavior, it does give it a unique appearance. Like other bearded dragon morphs, Leatherback dragons come in various colors and patterns.
Paradox Bearded Dragon
A Paradox Bearded Dragon is a unique genetic morph that results in unpredictable and often unusual patterns on the dragon’s scales. These dragons can display patches of color that are not typically seen in their species, such as white or black, and the patterns can be irregular or asymmetrical.
Paradox Bearded Dragons are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and unpredictable appearance. The genetic mutation that causes this trait is not yet fully understood, and it is believed to be a combination of recessive genes.
