Guide: Types of Chahoua Geckos (Phenotypes)

Introduction

Chahoua geckos come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns which is one of the reasons that so many hobbyists are attracted to the species. If you currently own a chahoua, you might be wondering, "What type of chahoua gecko do I have?" If you're shopping, you might be trying to determine which type of chahoua you want to have. This guide serves to answer common questions on the different phenotypes of chahoua geckos.

You might be wondering why these different forms are not called "morphs" as they commonly are with so many other reptile species, and the answer is this: "morphs" generally refer to understood genetic traits, whereas phenotypes refer to visual differences. Unlike some other species, genetic traits like albinism (albino), lacking in black pigmentation (amelanism) or lacking in yellow pigmentation (axanthic) have not proven out in chahoua yet, so the correct way to refer to their differences is "phenotypes" which refers to their visual characteristics. Here is a handy guide to common reptile morphs, if you're curious.

Super High White Chahoua Geckos

In comparison to white collar chahoua geckos or high white chahoua geckos, super high white geckos sit atop the pecking order when it comes to the amount, saturation and distribution of white pattern. Super high white chahoua geckos must have large white collars along with greater than 50% of their bodies covered in white pattern, often on the back, sides, hips, head and tail.

Here are some examples of super high white chahoua geckos:

High White Chahoua Geckos

High white chahoua geckos must have white collars and distribution of white pattern on 50% or less of their bodies, most commonly on the back, sides, hips, head and/or tail. These geckos have less white pattern than super high white chahoua but more white pattern than white collar chahoua geckos, notably on their bodies whereas white collar chahoua only have white pattern across their necks.

Here are some examples of high white chahoua geckos:

White Collar Chahoua Geckos

White collar chahoua geckos display a solid white band - or collar - across the back of their necks. Some chahoua may have larger or smaller, or taller or shorter collars, but as long as the white collar stretches continuously from one side to the other, the gecko can be considered "white collar." White collar chahoua may also display small trace amounts of white on their backs, tails, hips and dorsals, usually contributing to less than 10% of the body pattern being white in color.

Here are some examples of white collar chahoua geckos:

White Shoulder Chahoua Geckos

White shoulder -- or "white wings"-- chahoua geckos display a broken white band across the back of their necks. Whereas white collar chahoua have a solid band across their necks, white shoulder or white wings chahoua do not have a uniform, connected white collar. This often creates the appearance of white pattern being on the top of the shoulders instead of a band across the neck. Some chahoua may have larger or smaller, or taller or shorter white on their shoulders, but as long as the collar is not continuous from one side to the other, it is considered "white shoulder."

Here are some examples of white shoulder chahoua geckos:

Red Chahoua Geckos

Chahoua geckos come in many colors, but red often stands out as a favorite for many keepers. Red base color can appear in conjunction with white collar, high white, super high white or non-white chahoua geckos and every one is equally as stunning. There is a wide range of red coloration as well, ranging from neon red that is nearly orange to rusty, dark crimson maroon.

Here are some examples of red chahoua geckos:

Orange Chahoua Geckos

With so many beautiful colors across the species, it might be hard to choose one favorite, but there is no doubting that orange chahoua geckos are some of the most stunning geckos in captivity. Orange base color can appear in conjunction with white collar, high white, super high white or non-white chahoua geckos.

Here are some examples of orange chahoua geckos:

Pink Chahoua Geckos

Pink chahoua geckos are a classic option... many of the first geckos to enter the hobby were pink and there are still many available today. Pink base color can appear in conjunction with white collar, high white, super high white or non-white chahoua geckos.

Here are some examples of pink chahoua geckos: