Genetics and Phenotypes
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of bearded dragon genetics. 🦎
Phenotype vs. Genotype:
Phenotype: Bearded dragon colors are considered phenotypes. These are the visible traits, such as color, pattern, and physical appearance.
Genotype: The underlying genetic makeup of a bearded dragon. It determines which phenotypes are expressed.
Color Descriptions:
Breeders use various terms to describe bearded dragon colors. These names (like “sunset dragon,” “rainbow tiger,” or “blood orange”) refer to specific phenotypes.
These terms don’t necessarily correspond to specific genes or morphs. Instead, they capture the dragon’s appearance.
Phenotypes Passed to Offspring:
Some phenotypes do pass to the babies. For example:
Tiger “Blue Bars”: Dark blue markings on the back.
“Red Monsters”: Dark red pigment, often seen in the head, which intensifies over time.
While these aren’t true morphs, they’re still important to consider. Its also important to note that a baby will never be listed as a 50% citrus or 50% tiger, therefore calling a dragon a 50% red monster also truly doesn’t make sense. Be careful of people who use those terms when describing a phenotype because it may very well just mean they are trying to use it as a money-grab. A ‘100%’ or ‘75%’ red monster means they bred 2 closely related dragons together to try and make them as dark as possible. These babies are often noted as having health issues, including seizures and shorter lives. Red monsters have only been around for about 3 years so any red monster being bred should be labeled as 50% or less to be considered properly outcrossed. Many people will argue this because they don’t want you to actually think about the facts, but truthfully, I don’t see how you can argue with facts.
True Genetics:
Morphs involve combining two or more specific genes. Here are some key genetic factors:
Hypo: Reduced melanin, resulting in lighter colors, especially as they age. This gene is very stable and can be bred het x het, het x visual, or visual to visual.
Translucent: A gene affecting scale transparency. Often noted by blue bellies and black eyes as a baby. There are many issues associated with the overbreeding and sensitivity of the translucent gene and they should only be bred het x het to avoid translucent tremors as the dragon ages. There is no such thing as a “partial” translucent dragon but some dragons are considered low-expression translucent (they have normal eyes and speckled translucent scales)
Leatherback: Reduced scales, visual ‘het’ for leatherback. This gene is considered an incomplete dominant trait
Silkback: Extremely reduced / absent scales (in constant shed throughout their entire life). “Super leatherback”
Witblits: A pattern masking gene that holds color, these are still recommended to only breed het x het by many breeders because it is not widespread enough for the gene to be stable
Zero: A pattern masking gene that does not hold color, these should only be bred het x het
Dunner: A change in the direction, shape, and pattern of the bearded dragon. This is a dominant gene and only one parent must be a dunner to pass it on to roughly 50% of offspring. A weird quirk associated with dunners is they tend to hold food in their throats as babies, they do usually grow out of this as they grow.
Genetic Stripe: ‘Genetic’ Stripe behaves like a fixed poly, not a dominant genetic. There is extreme variation within a clutch. Some may have clear pattern striping, some will have b grade pattern striping, others will look normal, and it’s inconsistent. There is a ton of misinformation and confusion surrounding genetic stripes as it is a newer gene and behaves so erratically! To 100% prove a dragon is or is not a genetic stripe, you will know once its bred. There is a difference in color stripe and genetic stripes as well. The genetic stripe usually is, at least mostly, completely unbroken and runs from the neck and extends into the tail. It will literally look like racing stipes. They CAN have waves in the stipes and still be a genetic stripe.
KC Paradigm: This is a gene that only occurs in certain cases. The dragon must be a thunderbolt as well to be a KC paradigm which means they must also be translucent and a genetic stripe. All thunderbolts are genetic stripes and translucent, but not all translucent genetic stripes will be thunderbolts.
Het (Heterozygous): Carries a recessive gene without expressing it.
Visual (Homozygous): Expresses a gene.
Common phenotype names: tiger, red monster, thunderbolt, citrus, tangerine, sunburst, orange
It’s important to note, I have bred TWO adult thunderbolts this year (2024) and every single baby they produced were indeed genetic stripes. It is still a learning process and I do still think it could be “super genetic stripe” BUT more studying must occur to be sure against the people who are very combative against this possibility.
Remember, understanding both phenotype and genotype helps breeders create beautiful and healthy bearded dragons. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! 🌟🐉
