The world of leopard gecko morphs is vast, with numerous color and pattern combinations that continue to captivate reptile enthusiasts worldwide. However, the Sunglow Leopard Gecko Morph stands out for its strikingly bright and vivid appearance. With a combination of vibrant yellows and oranges, this morph is sure to turn heads.
In this blog post, we’ll look in-depth at the Sunglow Leopard Gecko Morph, including its genetics, appearance, and care requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned reptile keeper or just starting, this post will give you a better understanding of the Sunglow Leopard Gecko Morph and why it’s such a popular choice among gecko enthusiasts. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Sunglow Leopard Gecko
| Appearance: | As the name suggests, this morph is characterized by its bright and vivid colors, which include shades of yellow and orange. The body of the Sunglow Leopard Gecko is typically a creamy white or pale yellow, while the head is a bright yellow-orange color. |
| First Produced: | Unknown |
| Rarity: | Average |
| Genetics: | Recessive + Selected Phenotype |
| Price Range: | $200-$250 |
| How do you Breed a Sunglow Leopard Gecko? | Select breeding pairs: Choose a male and female leopard gecko that are both healthy and have a proven track record of producing healthy offspring. Ensure that one of the geckos has a dominant Sunglow gene. |
| Issues with a Sunglow Leopard Geckos | When compared to other morphs, they are more sensitive to light. Since they are nocturnal, you can miss out on seeing some of their interesting activities. They grow too stressed to be held for an extended period of time. |
| How Much Does a Sunglow Leopard Gecko Cost? | $200-$250 |
Characteristics of a Sunglow Leopard Gecko
The appearance of a Sunglow Leopard Gecko is truly mesmerizing. As the name suggests, this morph is characterized by its bright and vivid colors, which include shades of yellow and orange. The body of the Sunglow Leopard Gecko is typically a creamy white or pale yellow, while the head is a bright yellow-orange color. The eyes are large and almond-shaped, with a deep black pupil.
One of the most striking features of the Sunglow Leopard Gecko is the absence of dark markings on its body. Unlike other leopard gecko morphs, which typically have spots or stripes, the Sunglow Leopard Gecko completely lacks these markings, making its bright colors stand out even more.
Sunglow Leopard Geckos also have a unique trait called “carrot tail,” where the tail gradually transitions from the bright yellow-orange of the head to a reddish-orange color towards the tip. This gives the tail the appearance of a carrot, hence the name.
Genetic Traits of a Sunglow Leopard Gecko
The Recessive + Selected Phenotype (RSP) genetic trait in sunglow leopard geckos is a type of breeding pattern that produces a specific coloration and pattern on the gecko’s body. This trait is also known as the “sunglow” morph.
The RSP trait results from selective breeding of two different recessive genetic traits – the albino trait and the hypo trait. Albino leopard geckos lack melanin, the pigment responsible for dark coloration, while hypo geckos have a reduced amount of melanin in their skin, resulting in a lighter coloration. When these two traits are combined through selective breeding, the resulting geckos have a bright, almost neon yellow or orange coloration, with little to no visible black pigment.
Sunglow leopard geckos typically have a very bright and uniform coloration, with little to no pattern on their bodies. Their eyes are typically bright red or pink due to the absence of pigmentation in their irises.
Combination for a Sunglow Leopard Gecko
A Sunglow Leopard Gecko results from breeding two recessive genes, the Albino gene and the Hypo gene. One possible genetic combination for producing a Sunglow Leopard Gecko is:
One parent with the Albino gene (albino) and one parent with the Hypo gene (hypo)
In this combination, both parents must be heterozygous for the recessive genes, meaning they carry one copy of each gene. When these two heterozygous parents are bred together, there is a 25% chance of producing offspring with two copies of the recessive genes, resulting in the Sunglow morph.
It’s important to note that other genetic combinations can also result in variations of the Sunglow Leopard Gecko, such as breeding a Sunglow with a Tremper Albino or a Rainwater Albino. However, the Albino and Hypo combination is the most direct way to produce the Sunglow morph. It’s also important for breeders to prioritize the health and welfare of the geckos they are breeding and to avoid breeding for traits that could be harmful or detrimental to the animals.
Habitat and Environment
As Pet Lover
To provide the best care for your Sunglow leopard gecko, you should:
- Choose a secure, escape-proof enclosure large enough for the gecko to move around and explore.
- Provide a substrate, such as a coconut coir, paper towels, or a reptile-specific substrate that is easy to clean and does not harbor harmful bacteria or parasites.
- Create a temperature gradient using a heat lamp or ceramic heater to create a basking spot and provide hide boxes or other structures for the gecko to retreat to on the cooler side of the enclosure.
- Offer clean, fresh water at all times, and change the water and clean the dish regularly.
- Feed a diet of live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, or wax worms, along with a calcium supplement to support the gecko’s overall health.
As Breeder
As a breeder, providing the best possible care for your Sunglow leopard geckos is important to ensure their health and well-being. To house your Sunglow geckos as a breeder, you should:
- Choose a secure, escape-proof enclosure large enough for the geckos to move around and explore. A 20-gallon tank is a good size for one or two adult leopard geckos.
- Create a temperature gradient by using a heat lamp or ceramic heater to create a basking spot and provide hide boxes or other structures for the geckos to retreat to on the cooler side of the enclosure.
- Feed a diet of live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, or wax worms, along with a calcium supplement to support the gecko’s overall health.
- Monitor the geckos closely for signs of illness or other health problems, and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
Food & Diet
You can give your sunglow leopard gecko a variety of commercially available live insects, including locusts, wax worms, mealworms, butter worms, and crickets.
They enjoy insects and will love a tasty treat of moist, farm-raised crickets packed with vital nutrients. Despite this, you should avoid giving them larger, wild-caught insects like cockroaches, butterflies, moths, and fireflies. Don’t ever give your gecko any fruits, either.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sunglow Leopard Gecko morph is a visually striking and sought-after leopard gecko breed. Combining the Albino and Hypo genes results in a bright, almost neon yellow or orange coloration, with little to no visible black pigment. While the Sunglow Leopard Gecko is a beautiful morph, it’s important for breeders to prioritize the health and welfare of the animals they are breeding and to avoid breeding for traits that could be harmful or detrimental to the geckos.
With responsible breeding practices, the Sunglow Leopard Gecko can continue to be a popular and fascinating morph for enthusiasts and collectors alike.