Learning the Terms
Before you dive into morphs, spend some time looking at the terms below used to describe the main areas on a Crested Gecko. Terms in this guide may be new to some of you and it could prove useful to start off knowing where they are located.
Overview
The Crested Gecko is a polychromatic lizard and with the vast array of pattern, colour and structural trait combinations today, it is easy for the beginner or even the more experienced keeper to get confused. Captive breeding for many generations has resulted in a larger phenotypic variation in today's animals than that of the original wild collected group. The best way to learn Crested Gecko Morphs is to break their features down into three categories: patterns, colours and structural traits. These are the characteristics or building blocks that define any given morph.
Patterns
Crested Geckos come in an array of different pattern and it's not rare to find multiple patterns on a single gecko. The harlequin pattern for example occurs simultaneously with the fire/flame pattern. There's almost an endless supply of pattern combinations that one gecko can display. Below, simply hover over a pattern to display its picture, the highlighted pattern and a description on the screen.
Other Notable Patterns
Extreme Harlequin, Super Dalmation, Chevron Back, Peppered.
Colours
 Crested Geckos come in shades of red, orange, yellow, brown, olive, mocha, cream, grey, tan, black, cream, lavender etc... Although some may appear blue or green, Crested Geckos do not actually have these pigments. Instead, two or more other pigments are combined to give those colour appearences.
Hatchling Colours
 If you're a prospective buyer, don't make the mistake of thinking a gecko will keep its hatchling colouration. More often than not, their colours are unpredictable. They may hatch out a bright red colour but may end up becoming yellow as adults. Eventually, as they get older they will show hints of thier adult colouration, but nothing is completely certain until they reach six months to one year of age.
Colours Throughout the Day
Depending on the gecko, they can either have slight or drastic colour intensity changes throughout the day. The factors that cause these changes include: humidity, temperature, stress levels etc... A gecko that is at its most intense colour at any given time is described as being "fired up."
Structural Traits
 Structural traits involve a Crested Gecko's form and proportion. Looking at a large number of geckos, you will find that there are variations in head and crest structure. Some have enormously large crests and are known to hobbyists as "Crowned." Others may have reduced crests and are often called "Crestless Cresteds." Some structural traits are more desirable than others and are then selectively bred by breeders. This may include the furry trait, thick tails, enlarged tail tips, enlarged head/crests or just an overall robust appearence.
Putting it All Together
As you've learned, pattern, colour and structural traits defines a Crested Gecko's morph. A gecko that displays lavender colouring and the fire pattern would be called a Lavender Fire. However, some pattern and colour combinations have been given alternative names such as "Creamsicles" (Bright Orange Cream Fires) or "Blondes" (Dark Cream Fires).
Other Examples
| Pattern(s) |
Colour |
Structural Trait(s) |
Morph |
Tiger |
Orange |
- |
Orange Tiger |
Harlequin, Dalmation |
Red |
- |
Red Harlequin Dalmation |
Cream Fire |
Bright Orange |
- |
Creamsicle |
Fire, Partial Pinstripe |
Yellow |
Crowned |
Crowned Yellow Fire with Partial Pinstripes |
*For more practice, visit the breeders page to test out your new skills!
Other Related Links
· Crested Gecko Care
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· What's for sale? |
Crested Gecko Morph Guide 
