What Is an Albino Leopard Gecko?

The albino leopard gecko is a small lizard, 10 inches (25.4 cm) at the largest, which is native to the deserts of south Asia and can be kept in an aquarium as a household pet. The main difference between albinos and other leopard geckos is coloring. Albinism is a genetic mutation that occurs in humans and animals, causing complete or partial absence of pigmentation. Therefore, while leopard geckos are yellow or tan in color with a black pattern, albinos are usually white or pale yellow with a pink pattern and pink or red eyes. Although their coloring gives them a distinctive appearance, the albino leopard gecko usually has most of the same characteristics, habits, and care requirements as its non-albino counterparts.

Albinism is a recessive genetic trait that interferes with an animal’s ability to produce melanin, the substance in the body that pigments the skin, hair, and eyes. There are albinos in most animal and human populations throughout the world. Their main characteristics are white hair, very pale skin, and pink or red eyes. The albino leopard gecko has distinctive coloring, usually in a combination of white, pale yellow, and red. Like most albinos, they have pink or red eyes.

The main difference between albino and non-albino leopard geckos is that albinos have greater sensitivity to light. They may close their eyes firmly and refuse to eat if they are exposed to brightly lit areas. In most other ways, however, the two types of lizards are similar. They are native to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other desert areas in south Asia. The males can reach a size of more than 10 inches (25.4 cm) and have an average life span of 20 years.

A popular household pet because of its unusual color patterns, the albino leopard gecko can be purchased from pet stores that sell reptiles and kept in a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium. Although more than one lizard can be housed in the same tank, the males can be territorial and usually should not be kept together. As with most lizards, geckos require a source of warmth, which may be a pad underneath the aquarium, a heated flat rock, or a heat lamp. It is also important to provide cooler areas in the tank, because reptiles are unable to internally regulate body temperature and can quickly become too warm or cold. The albino leopard gecko eats live food such as crickets, mealworms, and small mice, which can all be purchased in pet stores.

An albino leopard gecko is a genetic variant of the common leopard gecko, which lacks pigmentation due to a recessive genetic trait. This condition, known as albinism, results in a lack of melanin, giving these reptiles their distinctive pale coloration and sensitivity to light. They are popular in the pet trade for their unique appearance.

An albino leopard gecko can be identified by its lack of dark pigmentation. Their skin is usually pinkish or yellowish, and they have light-colored eyes, which can range from light blue to pink. Unlike normal leopard geckos, albinos will not have the typical black spots or darker patterns on their skin.

Albino leopard geckos are not considered rare in captivity due to selective breeding. Breeders have successfully propagated the albino trait, making these geckos relatively common in the pet industry. However, albinism is a rare occurrence in wild populations, as it can make individuals more vulnerable to predators and environmental challenges.

Albino leopard geckos require similar care to their non-albino counterparts, with some additional considerations. Due to their light sensitivity, they may need more subdued lighting in their habitat. It's also important to provide plenty of hiding spots to escape bright light and to monitor their skin regularly for signs of burns or damage.

Albino leopard geckos have vision that is adapted to low-light conditions, like all leopard geckos. However, their lack of pigmentation can result in increased light sensitivity and potential vision problems. They can see in the dark, but their eyesight may not be as sharp as that of non-albino leopard geckos.

Albino leopard geckos have a lifespan similar to that of regular leopard geckos, which is typically between 10 to 20 years in captivity when provided with proper care. Their longevity is influenced by factors such as diet, environment, and overall health management. With attentive care, these geckos can thrive for many years.