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The recessive leatherback gene appears to have been around for a long time, although appears to be first worked with a breeder on the west coast. This is the true leatherback. This breeder has consistently produced this type of animal. This gene does not appear to have been worked with by many breeders however. The leatherback gene acts as a recessive gene in bearded dragons such as the hypo or translucent. The bearded dragon that displays the recessive leatherback trait is a homozygous carrier of the gene. Recessive leathers show a reduction in tubercles. (What are tubercles? Tubercles are the raised scales found on the back and other body parts of the bearded dragon) This reduction does not appear to be as severe as some of the Italian leatherbacks produced, however, there is significant differences that are notable from that of a normal scaled dragon. A bearded dragon may show effects of this gene on the base of the tail located closest to the body, and the back of the dragon among other places. The animal may also show an absence or reduction in side spikes. It appears as if the recessive leatherback gene mostly affects the back side of the animal. The scales of the animal will appear as a smooth flat scale giving the animal a leatherback like appearance. We have not produced any recessive leatherbacks to date, although we do plan on this in future crossings. We do not recommend the combination of the Italian leatherback/Anna AC leatherback and recessive leatherback genes. The offspring of an Italian Leatherback het for recessive leatherback crossed to recessive leatherback for instance, would produce recessive leatherbacks, and Italian leatherbacks in the same clutch. How would you accurately tell the difference between the genes without growing the animal and breeding out its genetics? This has, can and surely will cause confusion among the different leatherback genetics. Please feel free to contact us with any additional information or questions at contact@dragonfortress.com Thanks! DragonFortress.com CLICK TO GO BACK TO GENETICS MAIN PAGE Last updated 7/27/2010 |