28 Crested Gecko Morphs and Color Variations With Pictures

In our previous post, we have discussed interesting facts about crested geckos. We talked about their natural habitat, if they make good pets, what they eat, if they like climbing and more. In this post, we will discuss 28 crested gecko morphs and color variations with pictures and descriptions. We will look at different traits and how they affect crested gecko’s color and other characteristics.

Crested geckos are polychromatic species, which means that they can be in different colors. In this table, we will review different crested gecko morphs that differ in color or patterns.

Please note that few traits can be found in the same crested gecko. This way a gecko will feature a color, pattern and other trait, such as a white fringe.

Selective breeding and traits

Breeders are constantly working to create new crested gecko morphs and colors. Their work is called selective breeding, to produce crested geckos of unique colors, that will sell for a high price. Some are hobbyists, while others are commercial breeders.

There are other traits that also exist in other lizards, and appear due to genetic mutations. Some of the lizards are born leucistic (white in color due to lack of pigments), hypomelanistic (reduced black pigmentation), amelanistic (albinos that lack black pigment).

These recessive traits will only show in offspring, if both of the parents carry the gene. These breeding projects will hopefully bring more interesting variations of crested geckos to the market.

Giant crested geckos

There are also other members in the genus Rhacodactylus, such as leachianus (the biggest) and trachyrhynchus (the second biggest species). These are the largest species of crested geckos.

The giant geckos are also omnivores, feeding on both plant and animal matter. Rhacodactylus leachianus usually reach 15-17 inches (38-43cm), while trachyrhynchus – 12-13 inches (30.5-33cm). To compare, crested geckos only reach 7-9 inches in total length!

An exciting fact about Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus is that they give birth to live offspring! This is the only species of Rhacodactylus that gives birth to live geckos.

Giant geckos also look different – they have an ancient looking scales that resemble dragons. On the picture, you can see a Rhacodactylus leachianus henkeli. It is amazing, isn’t it?

Rhacodactylus leachianus henkeli

Note: If reading on your phone, you might need to put it in landscape mode (or turn horizontally) to see pictures in full size.

Color variations in crested geckos
Yellow/Sulfur	Yellow crested geckos are yellow in color. Sulfur crested geckos are even brighter yellow.
Buckskin	Buckskin crested geckos are mainly brown, but can be dark brown.
Red	Red crested geckos are red in color. They can be colored in different shades of red.
Green	Green crested geckos are olive green, but there can be different shades of green color.
Orange	Orange crested geckos are orange in color. Shades of orange can range from bright to dark rusty orange.
Gray	Gray crested geckos are grayish in color.
Chocolate	Chocolate crested geckos are dark in color, often dark brown.
Bi-color	Bi-color crested geckos are very pretty – their head and body are of two different colors, or same color but different shades.
Tri-color	Tri-color crested geckos are harlequins or pinstripes or three different colors. These colors are usually yellow, brown and cream.
Halloween	Halloween crested geckos are Harlequins, flames or pinstripes that have very dark and orange patterns on the body.
Green Flame	Green flame crested geckos are Harlequins that are green in color, instead of common brown.
Moonglow	Moonglow crested geckos are white in color.
Red Flame	Red flame crested geckos are also Harlequins. They are red in color and have yellow lines on the back.
Creamsicle	Creamsicle crested geckos are Flames or Harlequins. They have an orange background and white or cream stripes on the back and the head.
Pattern variations in crested geckos
Dalmatian	Dalmatian crested geckos have a different number or small spots (usually black) on their bodies. This is an independent trait and can be seen with other types of colors and patterns.
Harlequin	Harlequin crested geckos look a lot like Fire cresties, but they have additional light patterns along their back legs and sides. There is also an extra Harlequin type, which presents with extra patterns running along the sides and legs.
Paternless	Paternless crested geckos don’t have any specific patterns and are usually one colored. Faint patterns are sometimes present.
Tiger	Tiger crested geckos have darker stripes around their bodies.
Brindle	Brindle crested geckos have patterns that are darker than their own body color.
Fire/Flame	Fire or flame crested geckos have a bright line running along the spine and the head. This bright line is separated by darker lines from the sides. Body color can be different.
Chevron-back	Chevron-back crested geckos are also fire geckos, but the line on their backs is broken, resembling chevrons, or V-shaped stripes.
Pinstripe	Pinstripe crested geckos are often harlequin or flame geckos, but sometimes they can be tiger ones. These pinstripe crested geckos have two thin lines running along the back, from head to tail. These stripes are usually lighter than the background body color. If the stripes are darker than the background color, this is a reversed pinstripe crested gecko.
White-spot	White-spot crested geckos have rows of white spots on the body, such as thighs, toes, belly, chest.
White-fringed	White-fringed crested geckos have a white fringe on the leg.
Physical variations in crested geckos
Crowned	Crowned crested geckos have long crests around the head, making their head appear larger.
Cactus	Cactus crested geckos have a wider head and long crests on the sides of the head. Similar to Crowned geckos.
Furry	Furry crested geckos have elongated crests on the back. This creates a furry look.
Reverted	Reverted crested geckos’ heads are almost twice greater in length than in width. They also have less or lack any crests on the head and back.