When you hear about bearded dragons you might picture a sandy colored reptile. However, there are a variety of bearded dragons based on their patterns and colors. These are called morphs or mutations. A morph is based on the looks of a bearded dragon. Each morph of the bearded dragon might have a different color, pattern, scales, spikes and nail color, etc. If you are going to purchase a bearded dragon then you must know about its different types. Some bearded dragons might be more costly than others. Moreover, there are morphs which are a combination of several morphs. Therefore, it is important to be informed and educated about the various types of morphs. Let us have a look at the different types of bearded dragons.
Types of Bearded Dragons
Standard Morph
This type of bearded dragon is usually recognized as the classic morph. Their backs have small spikes along with large triangular heads. They are present in different colors like red, yellow, tan, black and orange. These are the morphs which are most commonly seen, and they are also available at the least cost. So, if you are looking for a bearded dragon and wish to stick to your budget then opt for this variant.
Hypomelanistic Morph
The meaning of Hypomelanistic is below the usual colors. Thus, bearded dragons of this morph have pastel shades. There are no dark shades or colors found in this type of morph. You can see that the nails of these morphs are clearer as compared to the other morphs. In general, they would generally appear as dull when compared to the other types of bearded dragons. They also have spikes much like the classic bearded dragons and you can easily find this type in the market.
Leatherback Morph
The distinguishing factor about this type of bearded dragon is that they have a smooth back. Their appearance is fairly different than the other types of bearded dragons. They do not have spikes on the back, but the spikes are on their heads and sides. The leatherback morph is quite popular because of their vivid colors. Since their backs do not have any spikes, these colors stand out really well. This type of bearded dragon is rare, and you would have to look for specific vendors that sell it.
Translucent Morph
As the name suggests, a translucent morph has scales and spikes which are see through. Moreover, translucent morphs are usually typically lighter in color. The baby bearded dragons have a clear blue belly and adults have eyes that are solid black in color. The iris is not visible in their eyes and their eyelids are blue in color. The blue eyes of these bearded dragons are what sets them apart. If you are looking for a bearded dragon that has a very unique appearance and rather attractive one than opt for a translucent morph.
Silkback Morph
This type of bearded dragon does not have any spikes at all. Since there are no scales on their bodies, these bearded dragons have silky and smooth skin. You will find these bearded dragons in vibrant colors. They are usually known as silkies due to their utterly soft and silky skin. However, when it comes to taking care of these bearded dragons, they are fairly difficult to take care of. If you wish to have a pet bearded dragon that looks cool and would love to pamper them and play with the silky creatures, then this morph is indeed your ideal choice.
German Giant Morph
This type of bearded dragon resembles a lot with the classic morph. It is very large in size. However, you can only distinguish them to be giant morphs once they have grown up. These morphs also need a larger enclosure because of their size. If you are someone who likes to have giant pets then this can be an ideal choice for you.
Dunner Morph
The name of this morph is derived from the breeder who created them. When it comes to appearance, the look of a dunner morph is similar to that of the classic morph. The only exception is that they do not have a defined type of pattern on their scales. The markings on this morph can go in any direction. It does not have a set pattern like various other types of bearded dragons. You can identify this type of morph with the help of the spots on them. Moreover, dunner morphs can also be identified with their unorganized scales and they usually have more of these than the other types.
Zero Morph
This type of bearded dragon morph is very rare. You can find them lacking colors as well as patterns. These white morphs are gaining popularity quickly. It can be said that you might have to look for them a little harder as they are not available that frequently in the market.
Witblits Morph
This type of bearded dragon is not like the zero. However, it can be said that it is muted more like the hypomelanistic. The morph is also very pale and does not have any patterns. Moreover, they come in a variety of colors and you can choose from them as per your choice. If you do not want to have a pet that is brightly colored, then going for witblits morph is perhaps a great idea.
Wero Morph
There is a new morph called Wero which is essentially a combination of zero and witblits. The wero morph is much like the zero one. The only exception is that the wero morph has splotches of colors that are darker close to its tail.
Paradox Morph
The paradox morph is a crossbreed morph that has been created by the combination of several morphs. You can conveniently spot a paradox morph as it has blotches of bright colors. They look as if someone has sprayed paint on them in a haphazard pattern. If you wish to keep a pet that looks attractive, then this morph is perhaps a good idea.
Bearded Dragon Colors
The color of a bearded dragon was originally dependant on its natural habitat. However, these days you can find them in any color you wish thanks to selective breeding. Selective breeding is the process whereby two specific bearded dragons are mated based on the traits that you wish to see in the offspring. There are a lot of colored bearded dragons and it is quite difficult to keep track of them. However, they can be classified into red bearded dragons, yellow bearded dragons as well as white bearded dragons. You will also find them in standard colors like a mix of green, tan, red and yellow.
Bearded Dragon Species
There are 9 bearded dragon species and all of them are found in Australia. The species are namely Pogona Barbata, Pogona Henrylawsoni, Pogona Microlepidota, Pogona Minor Minor, Pogona Minor Minima, Pogona Minor Mitchelli, Pogona Nullarbor, and Pogona Vitticeps.
Thus, bearded dragons come in a variety of sizes and colors. It is possible to get a specific type of bearded dragon via breeding. You simply need to keep in mind the traits that you are looking for. The type of bearded dragon you choose also depends upon how easily it can be handled. Moreover, the availability of bearded dragons is also an important decisive factor.
Sources and further readings:
- The Australian Museum, Central Bearded Dragon
- Beardeddraco, How many species of Bearded Dragon are there?