Albino Leopard Gecko

When the word albino is used to describe a Leopard Gecko it does not indicate a lack of color. It only indicates a lack of black coloration. They also do not have to have red eyes to be considered albino.

An albino Gecko's color may be hues of brown, gold, pink, white, yellow or orange. The variety of color and pattern in these animals are almost limitless - there is just no black skin or eye pigment at all.

Strain Types
There are currently three strains of Albino Leopard geckos.
• Tremper
• Rainwater
• Bell

The Tremper Albino Leopard gecko is the most common and is considered the original strain. Their color may be anywhere from brown to vivid white or even pinkish. The eye color of these geckos range from tan to bright red.

Rainwater Geckos are the smallest of the three strains of albinos. They are usually pinker in color and have darker eyes than the Tremper at adulthood.

The Bell strain stands out because they keep a paler pink eye color through adulthood. It is also not unusual for them to be more colorful and have more defined markings. The lavender Bell Albino Leopard Gecko is quite striking with its brown spots.

Genetic Incompatibility
The breeding of a male and female albino gecko from different strains will only produce normal looking Leopard Gecko Babies. This is because each strain has a different genotype. The albino gene is recessive, so two recessive genes have to line up just right to produce the phenotype (or look of) the albino lizard. Otherwise the dominate gene takes over and produces a normal looking lizard.

However these normal looking Geckos will carry the recessive gene for both albino strains.

Care of Albino Geckos
All Albino Geckos are very sensitive to light, especially as juveniles. They need to be kept in low light conditions or they will constantly hide and refuse to eat. Minimal lighting does not hinder their ability to catch and consume their prey.

Lighting is the only difference in care of normal or the albino Leopard Gecko.

Kat Magnus has been caring for geckos for over 25 years. Her newest book, "The Golden Book of Leopard Gecko Care," teaches gecko owners absolutely everything they need to know about caring for their reptiles. http://www.reptilegecko.com/beb.html

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