The pet world is filled with ordinary creatures. Be it a bird, a dog, a cat, a lizard, or even a monkey, we’ve seen it all. But what about people who like to strike their fancy? There’s a chance you’ll see a Cheetah, Snakes, or better yet, a “Bearded Dragon.”
These friendly (and sometimes clingy) reptiles come in hues ranging from ghostly pastels to wild, abstract patterns. The human touch adds to the genetic artistry, making each morph a piece of art itself.
But, as no two dragons are entirely the same, there is more to consider than just aesthetics while picking your pick. You need to consider their mating habits, diet, and other stuff as well. Only these details can help you make an informed decision.
Sounds like too much? Well, don’t you worry, because this article has only the necessary information compiled for your convenience. Take a look and you’ll have your final pick for sure.
What Are the Different Types of Fancy Bearded Dragons?
Breeders work with different traits of bearded dragons and make them fancy. In this process, they come up with different bread types.
Each type is cultivated to be different not only in colors but in other visible and inherent features as well. These morphized traits are refined over time and become more than 10 types. In the pet world, we don’t call them “types.” They’re known as different “morphs.”
Let’s take a look at different morphs before jumping into the top picks.
Standard Morph: These are equipped with small spikes on their large triangular heads. The classical ones come in tan, yellow, and red.
Dunner Morph: A random, disorganized scale pattern is a marker of Dunner morphs. Asymmetrical stripes set these dragons apart from others.
German Giant Morph: This is just the standard morph but much larger in size.
Hypomelanistic Morph: These dragons lack pigmentation and come in pastel-like coloration. The clearer nails and muted color tones make them stand out.
Leatherback Morph: A smooth back without spikes makes the Leatherback morph more vibrant. The spikes, as usual, stay on the head and sides.
Paradox Morph: Paradox morphs are easily recognizable by the random blotches of bright colors on their backs. It looks like a moving canvas of abstract art.
Silkback Morph: These dragons are recognized by their lack of scales and spikes. It means they have a smooth and soft body. This is complemented by intense colors.
Translucent Morph: The partially transparent scales and spikes, along with dark and solid eyes, make this morph an aesthetic choice. The blue eyelids and bluish belly of juvenile ones make it a popular pick.
Witblits Morph: It’s a minimalistic variant of bearded dragons. The patternless, colorless skin of these morphs comes in muted solid shades.
Zero Morph: These are more minimalistic than Witblits. How? Well, they have no pattern, no color, and are purely white. However, these are really rare breeds.
Wero Morph: Wero, as the name implies, is an amalgamation of Witblits and Zero morphs. How? Hint: Witblits + Zero.
Amelanistic Morph: Similar to the Zero morphs, these dragons are completely albino. Their lack of melanin and patterns makes them more similar to Zero. But unlike Zero, Amelanistic morphs have pink or red eyes.
Microscale Morph: These dragons lack scales on their back and sides, with only a few bits on their head. Vibrant colors make them noticeable.
Top 5 Fancy Bearded Dragon Species I Recommend!
Yes, I know the list of types of bearded dragons is kinda exhausting and probably only confused you more in your mission of finding the right option for you.
However, knowing these details can actually be helpful in finalizing your choice because now you know all the options to choose from.
Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Let’s help you narrow down your choices with a top 5 fancy bearded dragons. It’s not solely my opinion—my experience with other owners, breeders, and surveying online forums gave me an idea of what’s best and what’s not.
1. Leatherback Bearded Dragon
The Leatherback Bearded Dragon is a special kind of bearded dragon. It has smoother skin instead of the spiky back seen in regular bearded dragons. This gives it a sleek look and a soft feel.
These dragons have stunning colors. Since they have plain spines, their scales brightly reflect lights. It makes their shades of orange, red, yellow, and even blue look brighter and more vibrant. Many reptile lovers admire them for their colorful appearance.
Caring for a Leatherback Bearded Dragon is similar to caring for a regular bearded dragon. They need warmth, UV lighting, and a diet full of insects and vegetables.
However, the challenge is their smooth skin. Rough handling or sharp surfaces can cause scrapes. Thus, they need to be handled gently.
Leatherback Bearded Dragons are great for those who want a pet with bold colors and a unique feel. This species looks attractive because of its smooth skin and vibrant shades. They are perfect for people who enjoy physically handling their reptiles.
Without spiky scales to break up the light, their colors appear even more vivid. It makes them one of the most eye-catching bearded dragons morphs out there.
2. Silkback Bearded Dragon
The Silkback Bearded Dragon is a special type of bearded dragon with no scales or spikes. Its skin is smooth and silky, making it look very different from other bearded dragons.
The absence of scales makes their colors appear much brighter. The natural pigments appear clear with bold and striking patterns. Such a body makes them popular among reptile lovers who want a visually unique pet.
Silkback Bearded Dragons need attentive care because their skin is delicate. They are more prone to dryness and injury. Here’s what they need:
- Moisturizing: Their skin dries out easily, so they need safe lotions or creams to stay hydrated.
- Bathing: A short, lukewarm bath once a week helps with hydration but too much soaking can damage their skin.
- Habitat Setup: Their enclosure should have smooth surfaces to prevent skin injuries. Temperature and humidity must be well-balanced.
- UVB Light: They need proper UVB exposure for health, while having access to shaded areas to avoid too much direct light.
- Diet and Hydration: A well-balanced diet and proper hydration help maintain their skin and overall health.
As they need so much delicate care, they are best suited for experienced keepers who can provide the right attention.
To sum up, Silkbacks have no scales or spikes. This rare trait makes them visually stunning but also more delicate.
3. Zero Bearded Dragon
The Zero Bearded Dragon is a unique type with no patterns or colors. It has a simple, solid look that ranges from white to silver-gray. The dragon has a unique aesthetic that is subtly different from other bearded dragons.
Zero Bearded Dragons have no patterns or bright colors. Their skin is a mix of white and silver-gray, giving them a smooth and uniform look. This rare feature makes them an exclusive choice to reptile lovers.
Caring for a Zero Bearded Dragon is similar to other bearded dragons, but their light skin needs extra care. The trick is to avoid too much light exposure. Here’s how to ensure maximum care,
- Habitat: Provide a well-ventilated tank with a warm basking spot (38–42°C) and a cooler area (22–26°C).
- Lighting: Use proper UVB lighting to keep them healthy and prevent bone issues. Watch for signs of skin damage from strong light.
- Diet: Feed them a mix of insects, greens, vegetables, and some fruits for balanced nutrition.
- Handling: Handle them gently and regularly to help them get used to people.
Regular vet check-ups help keep them in good health.
These dragons are perfect for owners who want a pet with a minimalist look. They need a bit of extra care and attention to stay healthy. But the end result is really rewarding.
Overall, Zero Bearded Dragons have muted colors or patterns, making them look completely unique among all other bearded dragons. Their elegant look makes them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts.
4. Witblits Bearded Dragon
The Witblits Bearded Dragon is a special type of morph. It’s bred for specific traits, making it unlike any other typical bearded dragons. It has no patterns on its skin. While most bearded dragons have intricate designs, the Witblits have smooth, clean skin.
Witblits Bearded Dragons usually have solid colors, like sandy brown, light orange, or pale cream. These soft, earthy shades add to their sleek look. Unlike more colorful bearded dragons, their subtle color gives them a natural vibe. Each dragon’s color can vary a little, but they all share a desert-like appearance.
Taking care of a Witblits Bearded Dragon is similar to caring for a regular one. They need a proper terrarium with heat, UVB lighting, and a diet of plants and live insects.
Regular cleaning, hydration, and health checks are important for keeping them healthy. Make sure to maintain the temperature of the terrarium within 95°F to 110°F (35°C to 43°C) basking area and 80°F to 85°F (26°C to 29°C) in cool down area.
The Witblits morph comes from a recessive genetic mutation found in South Africa. This mutation stops patterns from forming on their skin. Breeders have been focusing on this trait, making it popular among those who want dragons with minimal markings.
The Witblits Bearded Dragon is great for people who love an elegant look. Its pattern less skin makes it stand out from other bearded dragons with their bright colors and designs. If you want a dragon that looks calm and refined, the Witblits is the perfect choice.
Just so you know, the name “Witblits” comes from Afrikaans, meaning “white lightning.” This name fits because of its pale skin and smooth, striking look. It looks like a flash of lightning, unlike any other bearded dragon.
5. Paradox Bearded Dragon
The Paradox Bearded Dragon is a rare and eye-catching morph known for its random color patterns. Its colors are unpredictable, with patches of vibrant hues spread across its body in a “paint-splattered” effect. Each dragon is different which makes it a unique and prized addition for reptile lovers.
Its skin is covered with bright, random patches of reds, oranges, blacks, and even blues. These colors appear in unexpected places, creating a striking and one-of-a-kind look. Every Paradox Bearded Dragon is different, which is what makes them so special.
Even with its unique appearance, the Paradox Bearded Dragon doesn’t need special care.
It requires the same care as other bearded dragons, including a suitable terrarium, UVB lighting, temperature control, and a diet of plants and live insects. Keeping the dragon healthy with regular check-ups, hydration, and a clean environment is a must.
The genetics behind the Paradox morph is still a mystery. The color patterns can appear unexpectedly due to a genetic mutation. However, breeding Paradox Bearded Dragons don’t always guarantee the same unique pattern in their offspring.
Paradox Bearded Dragons are perfect for collectors who want a pet that’s truly unique and visually stunning. Their unpredictable colors make them an exciting addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate rare and one-of-a-kind animals.
Overall, the Paradox Bearded Dragon is a genetic mystery. It doesn’t follow the usual inheritance rules. Often, each side of the dragon looks different. The colors can even change over time. This happens because multiple genes seem to interact in unexpected ways.
My Last Words
As you can see, each of these bearded dragons is suited for particular types of owners. Leatherbacks are good for those looking for vivid colors and a smooth texture.
But if you want a unique monochromatic look, go for Zero morphs. Don’t opt for Silkbacks unless you are experienced and ready for extra skin care. On the other hand, Witblits, with their minimalistic appearance, are ideal for low-maintenance owners.
Paradox dragons are best for collectors looking for rare and unpredictable aesthetics. However, in all cases, proper care is a must, and undivided attention is essential. If you are ready for the adventure, go with any one of these options that suits your preference.
