Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi folks,

Am new to your forum. I just inherited a crestie from a herp-type coworker of mine who was very sly about rehoming a pair of juvie cresteds. First he brought in the booklet "Crested Geckos in Captivity" and left it on his "targets'" lab bench...namely mine. Myself and my lab tech looked over it for a few days, fell in love and were discussing the possibility of getting a crested someday. Then he brings in a pair of 2 month old youngsters, lets us handle them and fall completely in love and then breaks out with the "well you know I have a few too many animals these days, don't suppose you two would want one of these guys each" He's very sly is all I can say. Both geckos have good new homes.

Now after having done some reading both in book and internet form. I'm still having trouble distinguishing between the difference between the markings that constitute "fire" vs. "harlequin" I've heard there's a pretty good explanation in the book "Rachodactylus" and I'm probably going to buy it but thought I'd just throw up the question here. Below is a picture of my as yet, unsexed gecko. I'm guessing this is a harlequin, although I can't tell you why I'd say that over fire, it just feels right after the bazillion pictures I've looked at trying to figure it out.


sorry about the fuzziness of this last picture. Hopefully theres enough detail to make the call.
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"I've got a fever and the only cure is more cow bell!"

First off, welcome to the wonderful world of Rhacodactylus. I have to warn you - they're addictive.

As far as morphs go - I'd say your new baby is a harlequin. I don't think fires are supposed to have patterning on the legs - and in those pictures you posted, the patterning on the legs is pretty clear.

In any case, whatever morph s/he is, congratulations!

. . . but I re-home ugly cresteds - send her to me.

LOL.

Seriously, that is a very nice harlequin. Of course, it has the fire on the top - the harlequin in the stuff on the side.

That is a very, VERY pretty crested. The contrasts on her will get better and better. By the time she is an adult, she will be ELECTRIC.

Congrats.

Nice friend you have . . .
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Monte Meyer
Powergeckos
Email

dislectics off tha wrold untie!!

Thanks for the compliment. Will be interesting to see what this little one turns out looking like as an adult. I've seen lots of pictures, including the ones Anthony posts here as to how dramatically cresties can change as youngsters to adults. One of the cool things about them I think. I like the surprise aspect of it.

So does anyone else have anything to chime in about what differentiates the fire patterning from the harlequin?

Thanks a bunch.
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"I've got a fever and the only cure is more cow bell!"