Crested geckos have become increasingly popular pets over the last couple of decades due to their unique appearance, easy care requirements, and wide variety of color and pattern variations known as morphs. There are many different crested gecko morphs available, from simple color variations to more complex patterns. But what are the most popular morphs that crested gecko enthusiasts seek out?
What Makes a Morph Popular?
The popularity of any given crested gecko morph is driven by a few key factors:
- Uniqueness – Rare or unusual morphs tend to be highly desirable.
- Aesthetics – Morphs with striking or attractive colors and patterns are popular.
- Availability – Common and widely available morphs are more accessible to buyers.
- Breedability – Morphs that can be reliably bred and produced are favored by breeders.
- Price – More affordable morphs tend to have broader appeal among buyers.
The most popular crested gecko morphs strike a balance between traits like exotic appearance, reasonable availability, and attractive pricing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the leading contenders.
Pinstripe
One of the most popular crested gecko morphs is the pinstripe. As the name suggests, geckos with this morph display striking vertical stripes along their body and tail. The thin white or yellow stripes contrast sharply with the base color of the gecko, often brick red or orange. The distinctive striping makes the pinstripe morph very visually appealing.
While not as rare as some designer morphs, pinstripes remain moderately uncommon. They were first discovered in the early 2000s and have steadily grown in popularity in the years since. Pinstripe is also a simple recessive genetic mutation, making this morph relatively easy to reproduce. Breeders are able to produce pinstripe babies fairly reliably.
The aesthetic qualities and breedability of the pinstripe morph have made it popular and relatively affordable compared to rarer morphs, contributing to its widespread popularity.
Flame
Another gorgeous and sought-after crested gecko morph is the flame morph. True flame geckos are fired up a bright tangerine orange color with bold red striping and markings. They have a fiery appearance that makes them stand out.
Like pinstripes, the flame morph originated in the early 2000s and has grown steadily in demand since. While breeding flame geckos can be tricky, they are produced in large enough numbers to make them available and somewhat affordable. Their bright coloring also appeals to crested gecko enthusiasts.
In addition to true flames, there are more common and affordable “partial flame” morphs that display less intense fires and markings. The stunning appearance of the flame morph in its various forms contributes to its popularity.
Harlequin
The harlequin morph is named for its resemblance to the colorful costume of theatrical harlequins. It is characterized by patches of brick red, orange, and yellow color separated by white borders. This unique patchwork pattern makes harlequins a very desirable morph.
Discovered in 2005, the harlequin morph remains fairly rare. The intricate patterning can also be challenging to reproduce consistently. However, skilled breeders are able to produce enough harlequin geckos to make them available to buyers seeking this one-of-a-kind look.
The rarity and aesthetic appeal of the harlequin morph has made it popular among advanced crested gecko enthusiasts despite its higher pricing. Its distinctive appearance just can’t be duplicated.
Extreme Harlequin
A variation on the original harlequin morph is the extreme harlequin. As the name implies, extreme harlequins take the harlequin patterning to more dramatic levels. They display more vivid color separation and larger patches of color than standard harlequins.
Like the original version, extreme harlequins are still quite rare. Their complex patterning can be difficult to attain even for experienced breeders. However, the boldest and most vividly colored extreme harlequins command huge interest and very high prices in the crested gecko market.
For collectors seeking the most unique and exclusive morphs, extreme harlequins are the cream of the crop. Their rarity and one-of-a-kind appearance make them hugely popular among advanced crested gecko enthusiasts.
Dalmatian
The dalmatian morph gets its name from its resemblance to the classic spotted coat pattern seen in Dalmatian dogs. These geckos have base colors of red, orange, yellow, or tan overlaid with black spotting. The distinctive spots range in size and distribution, creating a patchwork appearance.
Discovered in 2004, the dalmatian morph has grown steadily in popularity thanks to its highly unique look. The spotting pattern is controlled by a simple recessive gene, making dalmatians relatively easy to reproduce through breeding projects. This has improved availability.
While not the rarest or most expensive morph, dalmatians remain moderately uncommon. Their attractive spotted patterning gives them widespread appeal. The combination of novelty, breedability, and affordability makes the dalmatian a popular choice.
Crested Geckos with Red Eyes
One subtle morph trait that has grown in popularity is crested geckos with bright red eyes. Normally, crested geckos have brown or grey eyes. The red eye trait results from a lack of dark pigmentation in the eye.
First appearing around 2008, red-eyed crested geckos offer a slightly spooky but very unique appearance. They are also relatively easy to reproduce, since red eyes are controlled by a simple recessive gene. More red-eyed geckos have become available as this morph is bred.
While not as heavily sought after as some of the more dramatic patterned morphs, red-eyed crested geckos go for solid prices thanks to their uniqueness and breedability. Their crimson eyes definitely make them stand out!
Leucistic
Leucistic geckos display reduced dark pigmentation while retaining some color, resulting in a pale, patternless appearance. Babies hatch out rather dull in color but often develop more vibrant yellows, oranges, reds and creams as adults. The overall washed-out coloration is striking.
First appearing around 2006, leucistic geckos remain quite rare. Producing them requires selectively breeding patternless crested geckos over multiple generations. This makes leucistics challenging to create and therefore highly sought after by breeders and collectors.
The difficulty attaining leucistic geckos means they demand premium pricing. But their uniquely faded appearance helps leucistics remain popular with crested gecko enthusiasts looking for rare prize specimens.
Tiger
The tiger morph combines a banded patterning with high contrast colors, bearing an evident resemblance to the striped big cats that give them their name. Yellow or white bands overlay a darker brick red or orange base color for dramatic effect.
This morph was first produced in Europe in the mid 2000s and remains quite rare, especially in the US. Producing clean, high-contrast tiger striping is difficult, making these geckos challenging to breed. Their breathtaking appearance and scarcity means tigers fetch very high prices.
For crested gecko collectors seeking the most exotic and exclusive morphs, true high-quality tigers are the pinnacle. Their rarity and dramatic appearance drive demand with crested gecko morph enthusiasts.
Crested Gecko Morph Popularity Over Time
While those morphs represent some of the leading contenders currently, crested gecko morph trends and preferences have shifted over time. Some patterns that were once incredibly popular are less sought after today as new traits are discovered or bred. Let’s look at how morph popularity has evolved.
1990s to mid 2000s
When crested geckos were first really becoming popular as pets in the 1990s, simple color morphs were all that was available. Geckos with reduced patterning like yellowbacks and red barks saw high demand, along with darker color variations like lavenders, tigers, and melans.
into the early 2000s,distinctive patterns like pinstripes began emerging along with new colors like flame morphs. These caught collector interest thanks to their uniqueness.
Mid 2000s
The mid 2000s saw the rise of complex patterned morphs like harlequins, creamsicles, and dalmations. The recessive red-eyed trait also first appeared around this period and grew in popularity.
These novel new looks drove demand as they remained quite rare and desirable to early adopters.
Late 2000s to Early 2010s
In the late 2000s into the early 2010s, many earlier patterned morphs like harlequins, pinstripes and flames became more common and affordable as breeding projects ramped up. This allowed more mainstream crestie enthusiasts to acquire them.
More complex combos also emerged by crossing existing patterns. And higher color saturation with traits like hyperxanthic came into favor.
2010s to Today
In the past decade, crested gecko breeding has focused on refining popular morphs and attaining extreme examples of desired traits. This has led to ultra high-contrast flames and harlequins for example.
All-white leucistic geckos have also risen in popularity as breeders work to isolate the leucistic genetic traits over generations. Rarer combos have also grown in favor.
Overall crested gecko enthusiasts today favor bright colors, high contrast patterns, and dramatic appearances that stand out. Classic popular morphs are still sought after, but many collectors also chase new or extremely rare designer morphs.
Most Popular Crested Gecko Morphs – Conclusion
While preferences evolve over time, a few crested gecko morphs clearly top the list of perpetual favorites.
Pinstripes and flames remain go-to choices thanks to their stark looks and reasonable availability. Harlequins and other high-contrast banded or patched patterns also see enduring demand.
For collectors seeking the rarest and most striking morphs, options like red eyes, leucistics, tigers, and extreme examples of popular traits dominate wish lists.
Ultimately crested geckos’ diverse color and pattern possibilities ensure ongoing excitement about new and emerging morphs. But a handful of classics will likely always top the list of most popular options.
No matter your preferences, there is an amazing crested gecko morph out there for you!
