Hypomelanistic (Hypo)
⚡ Quick Summary (Customer-Friendly)
The Hypo morph is one of the most common and essential morphs in the bearded dragon world. It’s instantly recognisable by its clear nails (no black pigment at all) and its ability to brighten colours. Reds, oranges, and yellows pop more vibrantly in Hypo dragons. Think of Hypo as the “clean-up gene” — it reduces dark pigment (melanin) and makes every other morph or colour phase look sharper, brighter, and cleaner.
🔖 Morph Name
Hypomelanistic (commonly “Hypo”)
🧬 Genetic Type
Simple Recessive
📸 Visual Traits & Identifiers
- Clear nails (defining trait — must be 100% clear)
- Reduced black pigment across the body
- Cleaner, brighter overall colouration (reds, yellows, citrus, etc.)
- Softer blending of tones, less muddiness in patterns
- Beards and tails show less black compared to normal dragons
🧬 Genetic Behaviour & Inheritance
- Hypo is recessive: two copies needed for visual expression
- Visual Hypo = two Hypo genes
- Het Hypo = carries one Hypo gene, no visual signs
- Breeding odds:
- Het × Het = 25% visuals
- Visual × Het = 50% visuals
- Visual × Visual = 100% visuals
🧪 Why Breeders Love It
- Enhances vibrancy in red, orange, yellow, and citrus lines
- Creates cleaner, brighter offspring with more “pop”
- Foundation gene in most elite combos today (Hypo Trans, Hypo Zero, Hypo Leatherback, etc.)
- Works with almost any other morph to improve clarity without removing pattern
🔁 Popular Morph Pairings
| Pairing | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Hypo × Citrus | Neon, highlighter yellows |
| Hypo × Red | Red Hypo: blazing bright reds |
| Hypo × Trans | Hypo Trans: pastels + dark eyes |
| Hypo × Leatherback | Smooth-bodied, soft-toned combos |
| Hypo × Zero | Hypo Zero: pale, icy ghost dragons |
| Hypo × Witblit | Hypoblit: muted, subtle tones |
⚠️ Important Notes
- Nail check = essential. If nails aren’t clear, it isn’t a true Hypo.
- Hypo ≠ Trans. They are separate genes (Hypo = pigment reduction, Trans = translucent/glassy).
- Bright dragons aren’t always Hypo — always confirm by nails.
- Can reduce black barring, so keep this in mind if breeding for strong patterns.
💡 Fun Fact
Hypo dragons were the first true morph ever produced in the bearded dragon hobby — making them a foundational building block of modern morph breeding.
✅ Best Uses in Breeding Programs
- To brighten colour intensity in red, yellow, and citrus lines
- To “clean up” muddy or dark-toned bloodlines
- To create stunning combo morphs like Hypo Trans, Hypo Zero, Hypo Leatherback
- As a reliable foundation morph for most projects
🔚 Final Word
The Hypomelanistic gene is a cornerstone of modern bearded dragon breeding. Whether you want vibrant colour, clean combos, or foundational bloodlines, Hypo is the gene that ties almost every elite project together.
🛡️ Proudly Bred & Shared by:
🔥 BAYNTONS REPTILES 🔥
Australia’s Premium Bearded Dragon Genetics
Linebred. Legit. Legendary.
📍 Based in QLD | 🦎 Est. by Brothers | 🔗 [@BayntonsReptiles]