Translucent (Trans)
⚡ Quick Summary (Customer-Friendly)
The Translucent morph (Trans) is one of the most visually striking in the bearded dragon world. Hatchlings often look like little aliens — with jet-black eyes, see-through bellies, and glossy skin. As they grow, their colour deepens and their scales take on a wet, glassy look. Trans is a recessive gene that adds depth, mystery, and dramatic contrast — especially powerful when combined with other morphs like Hypo, Zero, or Citrus.
🔖 Morph Name
Translucent (commonly called “Trans”)
🧬 Genetic Type
Simple Recessive
📸 Visual Traits & Identifiers
- Jet-black or inky eyes (defining trait, especially in hatchlings)
- Glassy, translucent skin — shiny, wet appearance
- Blue belly tint as hatchlings (fades with age)
- Darker overall body tone compared to Hypo
- Enhances purples, blues, and greys in colour phases
🧬 Genetic Behaviour & Inheritance
- Recessive: must inherit two Trans genes to show visually
- Visual Trans = two copies
- Het Trans = carrier, looks normal
- Breeding outcomes:
- Het × Het = 25% visuals
- Visual × Het = 50% visuals
- Visual × Visual = 100% visuals
🧪 Why Breeders Love It
- Adds instant visual “wow factor” with alien-like eyes and shiny scales
- Creates darker, moodier tones that contrast beautifully with Hypo brightness
- Essential for producing ghost morphs like Hypo Trans Zeros
- Popular for high-end combo projects due to its dramatic effect
🔁 Popular Morph Pairings
| Pairing | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Trans × Hypo | Hypo Trans: pastels + glassy look |
| Trans × Zero | Trans Zero: ghost-like dragon with black eyes |
| Trans × Witblit | Transblit: muted tones with dark depth |
| Trans × Citrus | Neon yellows with purple/blue undertones |
| Trans × Leatherback | Sleek-bodied dragons with smooth, shiny tone |
⚠️ Important Notes
- Not all Trans dragons keep their jet-black eyes into adulthood — some fade to grey/brown
- Translucent skin loses some see-through effect as dragons age
- Hatchlings can be fragile; extra care with UVB, hydration, and feeding is vital
- Avoid heavy inbreeding of Trans × Trans over many generations — lines can weaken without refresh
💡 Fun Fact
When newly hatched, Trans dragons often look see-through, with glowing purple bellies where you can literally glimpse internal organs. This surreal trait usually fades after the first few sheds.
✅ Best Uses in Breeding Programs
- To create dramatic ghost morphs (e.g., Hypo Trans Zero)
- To enhance colour depth in dark morph lines (purples, greys, blues)
- For producing highly marketable, alien-looking hatchlings
- As a core ingredient in many of today’s top-tier combos
🔚 Final Word
The Translucent gene adds mystery, mood, and surreal alien beauty to bearded dragons. From ghost morphs to deep-coloured combos, Trans is a staple gene for any breeder chasing dramatic, next-level visuals.
🛡️ Proudly Bred & Shared by:
🔥 BAYNTONS REPTILES 🔥
Australia’s Premium Bearded Dragon Genetics
Built by Bloodlines.
📍 Based in QLD | 🦎 Est. by Brothers | 🔗 [@BayntonsReptiles]