The zero-bearded dragon is the rarest bearded dragon. This bearded dragon is a type that lacks pigment in its skin, resulting in a white or pale appearance. This lack of pigment is due to a genetic mutation that affects the production of melanin, which gives color to reptiles’ skin, scales, and eyes.
Zero bearded dragons are highly sought after for their unique appearance and are considered rare and valuable among reptile enthusiasts and collectors. In addition to their lack of pigmentation, they have transparent or translucent nails and blue eyes.
Because of their lack of pigmentation, zero-bearded dragons are more sensitive to light and UV radiation than regular-bearded dragons. In addition, they require specialized care, including exposure to UVB lighting, which helps to prevent health issues such as metabolic bone disease.
Other Rare Bearded Dragon Morphs
Bearded dragon morphs result from selective breeding and genetic mutations in captive populations. Breeders selectively mate bearded dragons with desirable traits, such as unique coloration, patterns, or scale morphology, to produce offspring with those traits. Over time, this selective breeding can result in morphs distinct from the species’ wild-type appearance.
Normal or Classic
“Normal” is a term used to describe the natural coloration and pattern of bearded dragons found in the wild, without any genetic mutations or selective breeding that alter their appearance. As such, “normal” bearded dragons do not have any specific morphs, as they are the standard, unaltered appearance of the species.
The classic or standard morph is the most common bearded dragon morph characterized by small spikes on its back. This morph typically has a large triangular head with a beard. Classic morph bearded dragons are often colored tan, red, yellow, or various other colors, and these morphs typically have yellow or red markings on their scales.
The classic morph is typically the least expensive, making it an excellent choice for beginners. These morphs are generally docile and laid-back but can be territorial and aggressive when exposed to other bearded dragons. However, they can be trained to be friendly and social if appropriately handled.
Hypo
Hypo is short for “hypomelanistic,” which means a reduced amount of melanin. This trait is usually inherited in a recessive manner, meaning that both parents must carry the gene for hypomelanosis for the offspring to display the trait.
Hypo-bearded dragons are a morph of bearded dragons with reduced levels of melanin pigment in their skin. Melanin is a dark pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color, so hypomelanistic bearded dragons have a lighter, more muted appearance than normal bearded dragons.
Hypo-bearded dragons can have a variety of colorations, including shades of yellow, orange, and red, and their markings may be less prominent than those of normal bearded dragons. Different morphs of hypomelanistic bearded dragons have different scales, and often they look more textured than those of other beardie morphs.
They are typically docile and easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginners who want to experience the joys of reptile ownership without investing heavily in expensive equipment or supplies right away. However, as with any morph, it’s essential to research the specific care requirements and potential health issues associated with hypo-bearded dragons, as their genetics may affect their overall health and well-being.
Translucent
Translucent bearded dragons are a morph of bearded dragons with a transparent or translucent appearance due to a genetic mutation that affects their skin and scales, which causes a reduction or absence of pigmentation, making their scales appear lighter than average. This morph is sometimes called “hypo translucent” or “hypo translucent.”
These bearded dragons may also have reduced or absent patterns, and their eyes may appear more prominent due to the lack of pigmentation around the eye. Translucent bearded dragons may have varying degrees of transparency, ranging from a slight translucency to a near-clear appearance.
It’s important to note that the translucent morph has been associated with some health concerns, such as increased susceptibility to infections and metabolic bone disease. Additionally, the genetics of the translucent morph still needs to be fully understood, and there may be other health or behavioral issues associated with this morph that still needs to be fully understood.
Leatherback
Leatherback bearded dragons are a morph with distinct scale patterns due to a genetic mutation. Instead of having the typical bumpy, ridged scales that most bearded dragons have, leatherbacks have smoother, flatter scales that are sometimes compared to the texture of leather. This mutation is believed to be caused by a gene that reduces the amount of keratin produced by the skin, which results in a different scale structure.
Leatherbacks can have several colors and patterns, but their unique scale structure sets them apart from other morphs. For example, some breeders have selectively bred for specific leatherback traits, such as bright orange or red colors. These variations are sometimes called “silk back” or “super leatherback” bearded dragons.
One potential benefit of the leatherback morph is that it has been associated with a reduced risk of impaction, a common health issue in bearded dragons due to their habit of ingesting substrate or other non-food items.
This is likely due to the smoother scales, which may make food passing through the digestive system more accessible. However, it’s important to note that other health or genetic concerns may be associated with the leatherback morph that is not yet fully understood.
Dunner
Dunner bearded dragons have a genetic mutation that affects how their scales are arranged, resulting in a wavy or rippled appearance. The Dunner morph is named after a breeder who first noticed this unique trait in his bearded dragons.
Dunner bearded dragons may have varying degrees of rippling, ranging from a slight waviness to a very pronounced rippling pattern. The color and pattern of Dunner bearded dragons can vary widely, but they typically have a combination of light and dark shades.
In addition to their unique appearance, Dunner bearded dragons have been observed to have a more playful and curious personality compared to other bearded dragon morphs. Some breeders have selectively bred for specific traits in Dunners, such as brighter colors or more noticeable rippling.
