Leopard geckos are admired for their diverse morphs, each unique in its appearance and genetics. Among these, certain morphs are considered rare due to distinctive colors, patterns, or genetic mutations. We’ve listed 10 of the rarest leopard gecko morphs and included pictures for each one.
What Is a Leopard Gecko Morph? What Makes Some Rare?
Leopard geckos, native to the arid regions of Asia, have become popular pets due to their intriguing appearances and personalities. Central to this appeal is the concept of leopard gecko morphs. A morph refers to the specific genetic makeup of a leopard gecko, which influences its color, pattern, and overall appearance.
So, what makes some leopard gecko morphs rare? The answer lies in genetics and breeding. Just as in humans, certain genetic combinations are less common than others. When these uncommon genetic combinations manifest as unique colors, patterns, or other visual characteristics, they result in a rare morph.
Factors like limited breeding of certain morphs, spontaneous genetic mutations, and the demand among enthusiasts further contribute to the rarity. For instance, morphs with unexpected color variations or those that exhibit unique patterns due to specific genetic mutations are often more sought after. This demand, combined with the challenge of producing such morphs, makes them rare and often more valuable.
10 Rarest Leopard Gecko Morphs
The world of leopard geckos is vast and varied, with numerous morphs that captivate enthusiasts and breeders alike. While many are common and easily identifiable, there exists a select group of morphs that stand out due to their distinctiveness and rarity. These rare morphs, often the result of specific breeding practices or spontaneous genetic mutations, are celebrated for their unique appearances and the stories behind their discovery.
While we’re listing 10 of the rarest morphs, this is not a top 10, so we’ve arranged these in alphabetical order.
1. Bell Albino Leopard Gecko
The Bell Albino Leopard Gecko is characterized by its mesmerizing light pink eyes and a delicate lavender body. This morph also showcases brown markings that add depth to its appearance. Unlike other albinos, the Bell variant brings a fresh and distinct look to the table.
Often referred to as the Florida Albino, its discovery is attributed to Mark Bell, a renowned name in the reptile breeding community. As the newest strain of albino leopard geckos, the Bell Albino has quickly garnered attention and admiration for its unique aesthetics and the story of its origin.
The price for one is between $200 and $500.
2. Black Night Leopard Gecko
The Black Night Leopard Gecko is a rare morph renowned for its almost solid black color, a stark contrast to the typical patterns and hues found in most leopard geckos. However, subtle variations exist, with some individuals showcasing a faint brown tint or a deep blue-black coloration. Their bellies, interestingly, remain white, creating a captivating contrast.
This morph’s inception can be credited to breeders Ferry Zuurmond and Roy Sluiter, who pioneered the breeding techniques to produce such a distinctive appearance. The Black Night Leopard Gecko is sometimes confused with the Black Pearl morph. However, while both share dark tones, their genetic makeup and specific color distributions differ.
For enthusiasts looking to acquire a Black Night Leopard Gecko, it’s essential to note that their rarity comes with a price.
Depending on factors like age, gender, and exact coloration, the price range for these geckos can vary significantly, even between $1,000 and $4,000, reflecting their position in the world of reptile breeding.
3. Black Pearl Leopard Gecko
The Black Pearl Leopard Gecko boasts a completely black body, creating a sense of mystery and allure. However, what truly sets it apart are the delicate white, pearl-like markings scattered across its body, adding depth and contrast to its dark appearance.
The Black Pearl morph’s uniqueness is further underscored by its rarity in the market. This gecko is highly sought after, especially among collectors and enthusiasts. Interestingly, only females of this morph are available for purchase, making male Black Pearls an even rarer sight. This exclusivity in availability, combined with its striking appearance, has led to a surge in demand.
It’s quite expensive, so you might pay as much as $3,000 for one.
4. Dreamsicle Leopard Gecko
The Dreamsicle Leopard Gecko has a white body adorned with vibrant orange-spotted patterns. Its red eyes further enhance its unique charm, making it a sought-after morph among enthusiasts. The distinct appearance of the Dreamsicle is not merely a result of chance but a product of meticulous breeding.
To achieve the Dreamsicle’s signature look, breeders often combine several morphs, specifically the RAPTOR, Enigma, and Mack Snow. The fusion of these distinct genetic lines results in the mesmerizing Dreamsicle morph.
It’s one of the more accessible rare morphs, with a price between $100 and $200.
5. Eclipse Leopard Gecko
Diving deeper into the realm of rare leopard gecko morphs, we encounter the Eclipse Leopard Gecko. Distinctive for its solid-colored eyes, this morph offers a mysterious allure, with its eyes appearing almost like deep black orbs. Such a unique trait is not common and is the result of a specific recessive trait in breeding.
The Eclipse trait’s origin is fascinating, emerging from dedicated breeding practices that aim to highlight and preserve this unique eye characteristic. But the Eclipse trait isn’t exclusive to just one morph. This trait can also be found in other leopard gecko morphs, including the Mack Snow, Tremper Albinos, and Blizzards.
If you want to buy one, it will cost you somewhere around $100 to $150.
6. Lemon Frost
The Lemon Frost leopard gecko has a dazzling yellow base color, and this morph immediately stands out. Further enhancing its beauty are its whitened eyes, which, under certain lighting, can give off a subtle blue hue. This combination of colors presents a gecko that is as refreshing to look at as its name suggests.
As for its origins, the Lemon Frost is a product of careful breeding and a touch of serendipity. This rare morph was first brought to the limelight by Gourmet Rodent in 2012. Given its recent introduction and its unique appearance, it’s no surprise that the Lemon Frost has quickly risen in popularity and demand among leopard gecko enthusiasts and breeders.
7. Marble Eye Leopard Gecko
The Marble Eye Leopard Gecko captures attention with its extraordinary three-dimensional eyes that strikingly resemble marbles. This unique eye characteristic gives the gecko an almost surreal appearance as if its eyes hold depth and stories within them.
The discovery of the Marble Eye morph dates back to 2006, making it relatively new in the leopard gecko community. However, despite its recent introduction, this morph has quickly risen in stature due to its rarity.
This morph can be purchased for about $100.
8. Nieves Tangerine Leopard Gecko
The Nieves Tangerine Leopard Gecko is characterized by its vibrant tangerine-colored body, it also displays subtle pinkish spots, creating a delightful contrast that captures the eye. This blend of colors and patterns makes it not only visually striking but also emphasizes its rarity in the gecko community.
Behind this morph’s creation is Davis Nieves, a dedicated breeder whose passion and expertise led to the birth of this unique variant. While the Nieves Tangerine is a standout in its own right, it’s essential to recognize that it is a part of the broader category of Tangerine Leopard Geckos.
9. Rainwater Albino Leopard Gecko
The Rainwater Albino Leopard Gecko offers a distinct appearance that sets it apart. Characterized by a vibrant palette that can range from yellow to lavender or even orange, this gecko is further adorned with intricate bands or blotches, making each individual truly unique.
Its name pays homage to Tim Rainwater, the dedicated breeder who first discovered this morph. While there are other albino variants in the leopard gecko world, the Rainwater Albino distinguishes itself not only through its coloration but also its patterns and the specific hues it can exhibit.
Given its unique appearance and the story behind its discovery, it’s no surprise that the Rainwater Albino Leopard Gecko is considered rare.
10. Super Snow Patternless Leopard Gecko
The Super Snow Patternless Leopard Gecko is born from the union of the Mack Snow morph and the Murphy patternless morph; this gecko showcases a blend of both parents’ best traits. Its body, painted in shades of grey or white, is complemented by solid white legs and feet. Running along its spine, a pronounced white stripe adds an additional layer of beauty to this already captivating creature.
One of the standout features of this morph is its deep black eyes, providing a stark contrast to its pale body. Interestingly, the more patternless the gecko appears, the higher its market value. This is a direct reflection of the rarity and demand for such a unique appearance in the leopard gecko community.
To purchase it, you will find options that will set you back between $200 and $500.
