Size genetics

[Josh in CA]

OK, i was wondering about size genetics i was wondering if in replies {leos specifically} if they work like in dogs {line bred} or are they different. This might sound like a stupid ? but getting in to leo breeding but use to dogs genetics. also was wondering if anyone has tried breeding a mini gecko using line breed size.

 

[Tony C]

There is a codominant mutation discovered by Ron Tremper called Giant/Super Giant that leads to unusually large size, but there is also a line-bred aspect to size as well, leos have grown larger on average over the years as a result of selective breeding for size. I am not aware of any line breeding projects for reduced size, although dwarf leos pop up randomly from time to time.

 

[Landen]

There is a codominant mutation discovered by Ron Tremper called Giant/Super Giant that leads to unusually large size, but there is also a line-bred aspect to size as well, leos have grown larger on average over the years as a result of selective breeding for size. I am not aware of any line breeding projects for reduced size, although dwarf leos pop up randomly from time to time.

I've produced dwarfs and the mother became egg bound. She made it though but it took her 5 months to pass the last set of eggs(infertile). I would not recommend to line breed for this as they have more complications and could result in the death of your breeder female. But that's just my opinion.

 

[doodlebug86]

How big do you find the dwarfs generally become? I just adopted a girl and she's mighty small for a gecko who's apparently a year old.

 

[robin]

years ago there were several "dwarf leo projects" none of then panned out because the female has problems with egg binding and such.a naturally smaller leopard gecko though is the e. m. afghanicus, which is significantly smaller than normal leopard geckos. even pure subspecies animals.

 

[doodlebug86]

ah. well its nice to know that she's more likely an e. m. afghanicus, rather then just strangely small or not well cared for when she was younger.
Thanks!

 

[Tony C]

I doubt you adopted an afghanicus, they are uncommon and highly sought after by hobbyists, they aren't something that you are likely to find in a pet shop or up for adoption.

 

[robin]

ah. well its nice to know that she's more likely an e. m. afghanicus, rather then just strangely small or not well cared for when she was younger.
Thanks!

chances are you got just a small normal leopard gecko. e. m. afghanicus are not widely available throughout the U.S. except through certain breeders.

 

[godzillizard]

I worked with giants for 3 years, and I bred "super giants" to everything. From my experience...it is NOT co-dom at all. Size appears to be polygenic/line bred

 

[Josh in CA]

thanks for all the info very helpful have decided not to try and breed mini geckosas getting them egg bound would be bad