Axanthic
Morph
An axanthic crested gecko is a captive-bred color morph of Correlophus ciliatus in which yellow and red tones are greatly reduced, leaving the animal in shades of gray, charcoal, silver, white, or black. In crested geckos the word is usually reserved for a proven genetic axanthic line, not simply a dark or cool-toned individual. Pattern still matters: an axanthic gecko may also show dalmatian spotting, pinstriping, harlequin markings, or a mostly plain back, but the usual warm creams and oranges are muted into a monochrome look.
Care is the same as for other crested geckos: a vertical enclosure with branches and cover, moderate humidity that dries between mistings, a complete crested gecko diet, and occasional appropriately sized insects. Buyers should be aware that photographs can mislead because crested geckos fire up and down with light, temperature, stress, and time of day. For breeding projects, documented parentage is especially useful because true axanthic animals should be distinguished from line-bred dark or low-color geckos.
