How do they differ?
A genetic Ghost differs greatly from a regular Hypo in that they never exhibit the latter’s characteristically vivid yellowish coloring. Additionally, the majority of non-albino Ghosts and Ghost-Kombos acquire green hues that vary from a very light shade of “military green” to a deep shade over sea-green. In contrast to most young hypos, who become more dazzling and colorful with each shed, True Ghosts also become lighter and lose their color. Most ghosts also have a tendency to vary their color depending on their mood and/or the season: they may one day almost look to be “smoky dark” and then the next appear to be dazzling and light in color.
How do ghost leopards reproduce and hatch?
The “old school” color morphs include ghosts or hypo ghosts. Extremely faded colors and significantly less dark pigmentation are present. As soon as they grow to a size of 5 to 6 inches, this morph will reveal its true nature. As hatchlings, pure Ghosts might be challenging to identify. The lighter dark brown or dark violet hue of Mack Snow Ghost hatchlings, which turns into a “coffee and cream” contrast in the following sheds, allows the expert breeder to distinguish them from their usual Mack Snow clutch mates.
Numerous hypos—as well as pastel-colored geckos with faded colors—have been sold or mistakenly identified as “Ghosts” in the past and in the present. When trying to reproduce them or cross them into other projects, it will be clear that such animals do not reproduce in the conventional manner of a genetic Ghost. As a result, picking the breeder carefully and investigating their “history” and the outcomes of previous generations of breeding Ghosts are crucial for anyone interested in discovering genetic Ghosts (much like in W&Y).
Alex Hue or Ray Hine is credited with creating the initial genetic Ghost-line (exact data are unfortunately missing). The Ghosts appeared in one of their Hypo-lines, and for many years Alex Hue raised and sold them.
Appearance:
Hypos typically have a bright yellowish coloring, while true ghosts never do. As opposed to this, the majority of Ghosts & Ghost-Combos instead acquire green hues that range from a very light shade of “military green” to a deep shade over sea-green. In contrast to most young hypos, which get more vivid and vibrant in color with each shed, True Ghosts also become lighter as their color fades over time.
Unique Character:
More than any other attribute, Ghosts have the ability to alter their hue according to temperature, the season, and even their mood, ranging from “ultra-light” to “smoke dark” (some animals practically appear to be covered in black ash).
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