Of Special Note

We have noticed that a lot of people are not aware of the two major differences in head structure before all those additional structural traits such as "furred" and "crowned". Individuals with smaller more inset eyes, in most cases, have a shorter snout, while the larger buggy eyes have a longer snout. Yes there are variations of both but it is in our strong opinion that these two forms are from different locals from original capture. In tern it only makes sense that there will be a varying degree not only because in the wild there would be, but also because not many people have bothered to look closely at these structural differences while breeding. We have already missed the boat on Uroplatus sikorea sikorea and sikorea samati (a subspecies not recognized until someone opened their mouth and saw their mistake). Also locale crossing with Leachianus is being performed but at least we are aware of these locales and can try to ensure pure lines as in the future.

We have noticed that short snout cresteds seem to have a shorter svl but in a lot of cases they are a heavier bodied animal. We have also noticed that there seems to be two categories, red bicolours and pinstripes, which seem to have longer svl than tigers and fires and in our opinion, this was due too the demand for reds and pins. Captive bred animals tend to get larger through generations of captive breeding efforts however cresteds did not follow this trend and it is also our honest opinion that this was due to too many breeders going after the same traits therefore limiting the gene pool. After many years of selective breeding efforts we have reversed this trend in Canada by further educating fellow breeders on what has been working for us and any other pertinent info to help strengthen the genes of the animals we are producing.

You will notice that there are three sections to our Crested Gecko Morph Guide - Morphs, Traits and Structure. This is because we believe the three need separation due to the way they function in creating the appearance of a gecko. Please read our explanations of each category below to better understand how we have come to this conclusion. We do not claim to have created any of these morphs, traits or structures, nor do we claim to be solely producing them, if at all. 

Scroll over each photo for a definition of its Morph, Trait or Structure.  Photos and content courtesy of our friends at The Gateway Gecko.

A morph is a name given to a particular set of traits. These morphs are named by the persons who originally created these morphs through selective breeding. Morphs follow a set criteria of colours and patterns but can also present with other traits without losing their place in their morph.

A trait is a specific physical characteristic, whether structural or visual, that can not exist independently but rather appear in tandem with any particular morph. These traits are added to a particular morph without making said morph something new. For example an Orange Flame Dalmatian is simply an Orange Flame with spots. Conversely a gecko can not simple be called a Dalmatian exclusively because it has at very least a base colour morph.

Hatchling Colouration

Crested Geckos are quite often born with a striking red or orange colour.  This colouration may be deceiving as it will fade away within days of hatching.  Morph traits can appear at hatch, however their true colouration isn't evident until almost one year. 

Day Vs. Night

Cresteds get a wide variety of pigment change throughout the day and night.  Depending on their mood, temperature and the humidity of their enclosure, and the time of day, their colours can vary dramatically.  And it all depends on the gecko.  Not all geckos will colour up when angry, some will lose their colour.  A gecko that appears to be almost completely white may go brick red at night or when eating. This is just something to keep in mind while picking out a gecko.

Morph: Biology. An individual of one particular form, as a worker ant in a species that occurs in two or more forms.

Trait: Biology. A genetically determined distinguishing characteristic or quality.

Structural Dimorphism: Zoology. The occurrence of two forms distinct in structure among animals of the same species. (this is where we get the term "morph")

Dorsal: Biology, Zoology. Situated on or toward the upper side of the body, equivalent to the back.

This is list of physical characteristics that are often ignored, but are of the utmost importance in breeding. For many years Crested geckos have been bred by some for colour only with no concern for the structure of the individuals they breed. This has resulted in a lot of Crested geckos circulating with little to no crests, large disproportionate cheeks, and an over all lack of what most  people associate with Crested Geckos in general. You will find that very few if any sites have a detailed explanation of these basic structures and as such we have had to take the liberty of describing them ourselves to the best of our ability.  Breeding strong structures to weak ones strengthens the structure of a number the offspring and should be done whenever possible.