20 Types of Bearded Dragons Based on Morphology and Color

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bearded dragon lying on the grass

Did you know that there are many types of bearded dragons aside from the sandy-colored reptile you’re used to seeing on Instagram?

Beardies are extremely beautiful creatures and have multiple color variants, unique patterns, and different types of scales on their bodies make them beautifully diverse.

If you’re intrigued to know more, I’ve got you covered! You can also check out the 5 interesting facts about bearded dragons if you’re trying to dive deep into the topic!


Below, we’ll explore all of the different species and types of bearded dragons on the basis of their species, color, and morph form.

20 Types of Bearded Dragons (Summary)

  1. Albino Dragons
  2. Black
  3. Blue
  4. Citrus
  5. Citrus Tiger
  6. Green
  7. Lemon Fire
  8. Orange
  9. Purple
  10. Red
  11. Ruby Red
  12. Sandfire
  13. Sandfire Red
  14. Silkie
  15. Snow
  16. Sunburst
  17. Tangerine
  18. Translucent
  19. White
  20. Yellow

Read on to dive into the details.

Species of Bearded Dragons

The origin of bearded dragons can be traced back to Australia, but now, they are found almost all over the world.

There are 8 species of bearded dragons, which differ based on their morphological and physiological attributes.

Each species keeps its own specific set of habits. The most famous one is the pogona vitticeps. Out of these 8, only four can be kept as pets.

SpeciesAdult SizeColorLocation
Pogona barbata24 inches in sizeGray or red colorEastern Australia
Pogona henrylawsoni12 inches in sizeTan or yellow colorWestern and Central Australia
Pogona microlepidota4 to 6 inches in sizeTan or red colorNorthern Australia
Pogona minor minor14 to 18 inches in sizeTan or brown colorWestern and Central Australia
Pogona minor minima12 inches in sizeTan or brown colorHoutman Abrolhos Islands
Pogona minor mitchelli18 inches in sizeTan or red colorNorthwestern Australia
Pogona nullarbor14 inches in sizeTan or brown colorSouthern Australia
Pogona vitticeps24 inches in sizeYellow or red colorCentral Australia

Check out this cute Citrus Hypo-trans Cross Bearded Dragon!

20 Types of Bearded Dragons Based on Color

Bearded dragons have a wide range of color variants. This variation in color can be attributed to multiple factors.

Environmental circumstances may affect the color of a bearded dragons as they have a tendency to grow darker when they thermoregulate (homeostasis).

They may also temporarily change their color if they are angry, frightened, or shocked.

However, the primary reason for them having 20+ color variants is simply their genetic makeup.

Given below are some of the most common colors you’d see of a bearded dragon. Alongside, I have also mentioned how these colors manifest themselves.

Color Appearance
AlbinoRed eyes, white skin.
BlackDarker skin, black spots. (Its skin color and spots are a result of environmental circumstances).
BlueTranslucent.
CitrusYellow coloration, orange-red stripes.
Citrus TigerHighly defined orange stripes.
GreenOlive – green base with yellows highlights.
Lemon FireBright yellow.
OrangeMultiple shades of Orange – from mild to burnt brown hues.
PurplePurple coloration, translucent.
RedMultiple shades of red.
Ruby RedDark red – deep.
SandfireTanned skin.
Sandfire RedRed skin, yellow and orange highlights.
SilkieOrangish skin, no scales, no spikes.
SnowPure white.
SunburstYellow base, orange highlights.
TangerineOrange base, yellow highlights.
TranslucentWhite or light yellow. Infants have blue belly.
WhiteWhite base, random patches of other colors.
YellowMultiple shades of yellow.

Types of Morphs

Bearded dragons exist in several morph forms. All of these may have different colors.

However, the basic difference between morphs is that of their body size, shape, and whether or not they have spikes and patterns on their bodies.

Bearded dragon morphs have varying spikes, scales, head shapes, nail colors, patterns, and more.

Despite all these differences, there is one thing that stays common amongst all these bearded dragons: they are all extremely beautiful!

Following are the three types of morphs of bearded dragons.

  1. Scalation – centered on types, shapes and sizes of scales. 
  2. Pattern – centered on physical attributes of the pattern on their bodies.
  3. Color –  centered on color variations that they might have. These variations are based on the environment, melanin level in their bodies, or simply their natural genetic makeup.

CHECK: Bearded Dragon Life Expectancy

15 Types of Bearded Dragons Based on Morphs

1. Classic or Standard Morph

classic morph relaxing on a stone

The classic or standard morph is frequently identified as the main bearded dragon.

They have bearded triangular heads. Also, they have small spikes all over their backs.

They can come in a myriad of different colors for example: yellow, tan, red, and have black and orange patterns.

Classic morphs are inexpensive and resemble the ones found in the wild in Australia.

2. Hypomelanistic Morph

hypomelanistic morph

Hypomelanistic bearded dragon morph looks pastel in color.

Melanin is a chemical that causes pigmentation in the skin and makes it look darker.

More melanin means more (darker) color. Hypomelanism is a condition in which a bearded dragon makes insufficient melanin, resulting in lighter coloration of their skin.

Another characteristic of Hypomelanistic bearded dragon morph is that they have clear nails.

This morph type is common and has a spiked body resembling that of a standard morph.

Based on color, Hypomelanistic morphs have various types. Some of these include:

  • Hypo Het Translucent
  • English Belgium Hypo
  • Hypo Yellow
  • Blood Hypo Orange
  • Hypo Red Crawley
  • Hypo Snow
  • Pastel

3. Leatherback Morph

leatherback morph

The Leatherback bearded dragon morph has a smooth back. They completely lack spikes spikes on their backs; however, they do have them on their heads and sides.

The fact that their backs do not have spikes and are clear, their colors appear brighter than other morphs.

The Leatherback morph is rare and hard to find in comparison to Standard and Hypomelanistic bearded dragons.

Below you can find some variations within the Leatherback Morph:

  • Hypo Leatherback.
  • Red Italian Leatherback.
  • Het Hypomelanistic Leatherback.
  • Zero Hypo Leatherback.
  • Italian Leatherback.

READ MORE: How Big Do Female Bearded Dragons Get?

4. Translucent Morph

translucent morph

This bearded dragon is named translucent because its scales are see-through. Translucent morphs are generally hypomelanistic, hence their light coloration. Baby translucent morphs have clear blue eyes. However, adults have solid dark eyes.

These unique eyes that change their color from infancy to adulthood make this morph different from others.

There are several variations of Translucent Morphs:

  • Hypo Het Translucent
  • Red and Orange Hypo Translucent
  • Rally Red Trans
  • Dark Translucent

5. Silkback Morph

silkback morph on top of stones

Silkback morphs are very different from all other types of bearded dragon morphs.

The Silkbackbearded dragons have no spikes on their bodies.

Silkbacks are often also called silkies because of the delicacy and soft feel of their skin.


They are very rich in colors, which makes them so coveted by beardie lovers.

Keep in mind, though, it is more difficult to take care of these than the other types of bearded dragons since they have very fine skin that is more prone to injury.

If you do get a Silkback Morph, make sure that you remove all sharp objects from the enclosure to ensure his safety and protection.

Some breeders believe it is morally wrong to breed this morph as it is sensitive, gets hurt very easily, and consequently has a very short lifespan.

This is one of the major reasons why the Silkback morph is so hard to find. The Red Italian Silkback is one example of the Silkback morph.

6. Dunner Morph

Dunner morph crawling on a tree, one of the types of bearded dragons

The Dunner morph looks very similar to a Classic morph but its scales lack pattern or any particular arrangement.

The markings of the Dunner morph are not symmetrical. They do not have a particular direction.

Dunner morphs have spots on their bodies.

It is easy to identify a Dunner morph because of their disorganized scales. They are named after the breeder who created them.

Moreover, Dunner Morphs often do this strange thing while eating. Instead of just gulping down their food after chewing it, they hold it in their throats for some time.

If you see this happening to your beardie, do not panic. It is totally normal in Dunner morphs.

However, if you see other signs that indicate a health problem or an eating disorder, you must consult a vet.

There are different varieties of Dunner Morphs that have been bred over the year. These include:

  • Yellow & Orange Hypo Citrus Dunner.
  • Hypo Translucent Dunner.

7. Paradox Morph

Paradox morph has a very unique pattern. It is produced by interbreeding different morphs.

The Paradox Morph is a pretty famous bearded dragon. Some bearded dragon lovers try to find one because of their extremely extraordinary and distinct markings.

It looks as if the artist took a paintbrush to a canvas; they have very colorful and attractive patterns.

As this is a highly sought-after morph, it is also more expensive. Paradox Morph dragons with more bright colors and attractive patterns will cost even more.

Breeders define the value of a Paradox Morph by looking at their coloring and how attractive or evenly distributed their patterns (known as paradox shifts) are.

8. German Giant Morph

German giant morph

German Giant morph is an extremely largest bearded dragon.

It is difficult to know whether or not you have a German Giant until they are fully grown.

These morphs need a much larger enclosure because of their size. Some of the varieties of the German Giant Morph are as follows.

  • Hypo Red Dragon German Giant
  • Hypo Red Orange German Giant
  • Greenie X Orange German Giant

9. Zero Morph

Zero morph bearded dragons completely lack patterns and colors.

In the cooler environment, this morph has a grayish color. However, in a warmer environment, they have a silvery appearance.

Due to the uniqueness of their look, they are very popular amongst bearded dragon lovers.

Moreover, they are in high demand in the pet market as well but they are rarely found.

The fact that they are so unique and beautiful yet very difficult to find makes them extremely expensive to buy.  

10. Genetic Stripe Morphs

Genetic Stripe Morphs, as the name suggests, have stripes that go down their backs (from neck to tail).

The interesting thing here is that these stripes result from a very strong genetic mutation.

On the other hand, all other bearded dragons that have striped bodies have them because of their natural genetic makeup and not a mutation.

11. Witblits Morph

A Witblits Morph has light brown or light orange skin, hence the name ‘Witblits’ meaning white lightening. Its body lacks patterns or additional structures.

12. Red Bearded Dragon Morphs

Red bearded dragon morphs come in numerous shades of red. Breeders create red-bearded dragons when they mate two dragons that have a large quantity of red coloring.

The exact skin color of a red-bearded dragon varies. Some have a lighter red coloring, while others are deeply pigmented.

Bearded Dragons that have a deeper coloring are the result of multiple years of breeding. Some of the variations of red-bearded dragons that you may find include:

  • Belgium x Blood
  • European Red
  • Ruby red
  • Sand fire read

There are also Ruby Red bearded dragons that are much darker and deeper red. Red and Ruby Red bearded dragon morphs are quite expensive.

13. Yellow Bearded Dragon Morphs

yellow bearded dragon on a branch of tree

Apart from the common yellow color, there are four other shades of yellow bearded dragon morphs.

  • Citrus.
  • Sandfire Gold.
  • Lemon Fire.
  • Green.

Citrus morphs are the most famous of all. They have darker orange-red stripes along their backs and sides.

In between these dark orange stripes, there are gray-blue areas.

Sandfire gold beardies have a rather dark or ‘tanned’ appearance, and their bodies are striped.

Lemon fire-bearded dragons are equally beautiful! They have a vibrant yellow color that distinguishes them from all other yellow morphs.

14. Orange Bearded Dragon Morph

Orange morphs are produced through the interbreeding of red and yellow morphs.

These are bright and beautiful and are admired for their beauty by bearded dragon lovers.

The four most common oranges morphs are:

  • Orange.
  • Sandfire.
  • Tangerine
  • Sunburst.

Orange morphs have a pure orange color and lack the bright shades found in Tangerine and Sandfire morphs.

Sandfire red-bearded dragons have a red base with yellow and orange highlights throughout.

Tangerine morphs have a bright orange base with yellow highlights all over their bodies. Some also have a neon orange look to them.

15. Black Bearded Dragon Morphs

Some bearded dragons naturally have more pigment in their skin and consequently, are darker in appearance.

However, completely black dragons are out of the ordinary. This type can appear black because of its environment or aggression.

They have to regulate their body temperature according to the environment around them.

When they are too cold they will naturally become darker in color to absorb more heat.

Some will turn their beards black when they are ill, scared, or when they feel threatened.

Is it Safe to Own a Bearded Dragon?

Now that you know all about the different colors and morphs of bearded dragons, you can easily decide if you want to get one for yourself.

However, there is another question that many people ask before deciding to get one: is it safe to keep a bearded dragon?

Yes! Bearded dragons are pretty safe to own. However, there are some safety measures you need to follow while keeping a bearded dragon as your pet.

  • Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands with a good antibacterial soap every time you come in contact with the bearded dragon, or any of its housing items.
  • Never touch your mouth, eyes, or nose directly after dealing with a bearded dragon, or any from its habitat. 
  • Never have your bearded dragon in areas where you prepare and cook food.
  • Never forget to sanitize any area of your home with disinfectants if you allowed your bearded dragon to roam around the room(s).
  • Sanitize sinks or bathtubs after giving your bearded dragon a bath.

Related: 7 Interesting Facts About Bearded Dragons

Taking Care of Pet Bearded Dragons

You should be prepared to spend at least 1-2 hours (each day) on your bearded dragon.

You need to maintain the lighting and heating times, feed your bearded dragons several times a day, clean any leftover food and any feces in the terrarium, and take some time to mist your bearded dragon.

Also, it is very important that you spend at least a few minutes each day bonding with your bearded dragon.

You may need to spend a couple of hours cleaning and sanitizing the terrarium on weekends to maintain good housekeeping.

Also Read: Everything To Know About Fancy Dragons

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do bearded dragons come from?

They originated in Australia. However, the interesting part is that Australia doesn’t permit the export of their wildlife. This means that any bearded dragon found in other countries was born there or was illegally taken from Australia in the very distant past.

Are bearded dragons good pets?

Yes! They make amazing pets. They are very friendly and playful. Plus, they’re fairly easy to care for compared to other exotic pets.

How much time does it take to properly care for a bearded dragon each day?

You need around 1.5 – 2 hours daily to care for, and bond with your bearded dragon.

Is it safe to keep a bearded dragon?

Bearded dragons are harmless. It is completely safe to keep them as pets as long as you are keeping them away from your kitchen. Also, bearded dragon owners must regularly disinfect their living space and use anti-bacterial soaps.

How big does a bearded dragon get?

star wars bearded dragon names for your little dragon

Bearded dragons are capable of reaching a length between 18 and 22 inches including the tail. Generally, males will grow to be a bit larger than females, but this can depend on many factors, such as genetics.

How long does a bearded dragon live?

In captivity, bearded dragons have been known to live as long as fifteen years. They can live five to eight years when kept as pets. Under the best of care conditions and a healthy diet, it would be no surprise if your pet bearded dragon lives to be around ten years old!

How do I determine a bearded dragon’s gender?

yellow bearded dragon seems like finding spring mix to eat

Well, the easiest way is to simply ask your vet. In case, you want to do it on your own, there are a few other ways to make a calculated guess. Most male bearded dragons have thicker tails and wider heads as compared to female beardies.

However, the most accurate way is to wait until your pet has grown up. You can then look between their hind legs. If you see two small bumps, it is a male. If you see a single bump and a small slit, it is a female.

Can bearded dragons change their color?

Yes. Bearded Dragons are capable of changing the color of their body parts.

Why do bearded dragons change their color?

Bearded dragons change their color for a number of reasons such as to regulate their body temperature or to communicate with other lizards.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KEEP A BEARDED DRAGON?

bearded dragon sitting on a branch

At the minimum, you need a tank, heating and lighting lamps, substrate, a basking perch and hiding space, food and water (plus bowls for each), and supplements. Habitat décor is also a nice addition, and a thermometer helps you maintain a safe temperature.

Here is an extended list of things you need to keep your bearded dragon happy and healthy.

  • Enclosure (or terrarium, tank, etc.)
  • Lighting equipment
  • Heating machinery
  • Substrate (terrarium flooring)
  • Thermometers (a pair)
  • Hygrometer (measures humidity)
  • Basking perch
  • Hide hut (hiding cave, hut, etc.)
  • Decorations (rocks, fake plants, etc)
  • Food and water bowls
  • Food (insects, fruits, vegetables)
  • Powdered food supplements
  • Patience and love

Conclusion

Try imagining a bearded dragon again? I bet (read hope) you see something immensely beautiful now!

If you’re aiming for a unique pet, a bearded dragon might be the right choice for you.

If you have your eyes on a rare type of bearded dragon, you might find it hard to locate one.

Even if you succeed, it is going to cost you a lot of money.

On the other hand, there are other options of bearded dragons that are not only easy to find but also very budget-friendly.

If you buy a certain bearded dragon morph just for its appearance, you must bear in mind that the appearance can change with time.

As they grow older, beardies start to lose color pigmentation on their skin and become faded.

On the other hand, in some morphs, colors actually get more pronounced as they age.

So, make sure you read up on the specific bearded dragon morph that you’re considering.

Also, never purchase a bearded dragon off the internet, as online pictures can be misleading.

It is important that you see a bearded dragon in-person if you are planning to buy one.

References:

  • “All Bearded Dragon Species.” n.d. Www.youtube.com. Accessed June 1, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRfGHixFdVM.
  • Editorial. 2020. “Bearded Dragon Morphs and Colorations.” Pet Care Advisors. January 23, 2020. https://petcareadvisors.com/bearded-dragons/bearded-dragon-morphs-and-colorations/#:~:text=Sometimes%2C%20you%20may%20also%20get%20vendors%20with%20red.
  • Stacey. 2020. “22 Types of Bearded Dragon Morphs & Colors (with Pictures!).” Reptile.Guide. September 10, 2020. https://reptile.guide/bearded-dragon-morphs/.
  • Stromberg, Joseph. 2012. “Where Did Dragons Come From?” Smithsonian. Smithsonian.com. January 23, 2012. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/where-did-dragons-come-from-23969126/.
  • “What Is Melanin?” n.d. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-melanin.
orange morph, one of the types of bearded dragon

What types of bearded dragons have you heard of? Do you have any of these morphs? Let us know below!

Alina Hartley
Alina Hartley

Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.
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