Sapphire

The sapphire gerbil is a blue-toned color variety of the Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus. In practice the coat is a cool grey-blue, sometimes described as light, medium, or dark blue, rather than a vivid gemstone color. The shade may look different under natural and indoor light, and young gerbils can deepen or soften slightly as they molt into adult coat. As with many gerbil color names, acceptance and exact terminology depend on the breeder community or registry being used.

Sapphire gerbils have the same needs and behavior as other domestic gerbils: room to tunnel, dry absorbent bedding, steady access to hay or cardboard for chewing, and a secure enclosure with good ventilation. Temperament comes from handling, social stability, and line selection, not the blue coat itself. When buying or rehoming one, it is worth checking that the animal is bright-eyed, well-furred on the tail, and housed with compatible companions. Breeders pairing sapphire animals need to understand the background genetics, because blue-looking coats can overlap visually with slate, lilac, or other dilute grey varieties.

Colors: Dark Blue, Light Blue, Medium Blue