what exactly is an enigma???

[Royal-City-Reptiles]

what exactly is an enigma??? genetically(how was/is it made) , visually, and what do they cost? are they a 'must have' in my collection??

-Nate

 

[Jeremy Letkey]

An enigma is a random genetic mutation. It is a dominate trait. They are rather hard to explain the visual traits of an enigma. They have a rather normalish appearence as a hatchling. What sets them apart as a baby are the greyish or translucent patches of skin. They also have a unique eye appearence. In the albino form they have some amazing eye colors. They range in price from $800 - $3000. They are a must have!!! The genetic possibilities are still not totally known at this time. Some of the combination morphs being created using the enigmas as a base are stunning.

what exactly is an enigma??? genetically(how was/is it made) , visually, and what do they cost? are they a 'must have' in my collection??

-Nate

 

[GoldenGateGeckos]

The Enigma is the most exciting 'new' genetic mutation in leopard geckos we've seen, IMO. These incredible morphs 'popped' out of Mark Bell's colonies, and Kelli Hammack (HISSS) championed the project to prove them out as a true genetic mutation. They were originally called 'calicos' because of their appearance, but the name 'Enigma' (meaning: mystery: something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained; "how it got out is a mystery"; "it remains one of nature's secrets") seemed to be a more appropriate title for this truly unique and beautiful leopard gecko morph.

Look for some exciting and unique new morph combinations with this dominant (co-dominant?) creation. The albino version of the Enigma has incredible glowing red eyes, but has pigment and melanin in it's skin. It is believed to be an 'ocular albino', or albino only in it's eyes.

I would consider this morph to be a 'must have' in any collection!

 

[Royal-City-Reptiles]

so what are some of the morphs that have been created with the enigma?? and Marcia, you mentioned that it came from the bell collection... does that mean that it is only compatable with the bell strain of albino?

 

[GoldenGateGeckos]

The Enigma came from the Bell line, but since it is a dominant morph it is genetically compatible with any other morph. The albino form is a Bell Enigma. So far, there are Enigma crosses with Bell and Tremper albinos, SHTCT's, Mack Snows, Etc. No two of them look alike!

 

[Royal-City-Reptiles]

what is the difference between an $800 enigma and a $3000 enigma, wouldnt they both have the same genetic make up?

and could i also see th difference between the 2, if any one has pics.

-Nate

 

[bwirth1999]

you know whats funny.... I picked up a gecko at daytona this weekend, that the guy said was an enigma... Though I didn't pay anywhere near that... In fact is was only a 2 digit price.... I doubt it is truely an enigma... but here is a pic... the one on the left.. obviously...

 

[ColdBlooded]

you know whats funny.... I picked up a gecko at daytona this weekend, that the guy said was an enigma... Though I didn't pay anywhere near that... In fact is was only a 2 digit price.... I doubt it is truely an enigma... but here is a pic... the one on the left.. obviously...

Keep in mind that this thread is old and the price on Enigmas have dropped drastically since 2007. Since it's a dominant trait there has been a flood of enigmas into the market, ushering the price drop. It is not uncommon to find double digit enigmas anymore.

Looks like an enigma to me. An eye shot would confirm, though.

 

[T-ReXx]

I'd say that is an enigma. The coloration fits. Btw, $800-$3000 is a ridiculous price, I've seen true enigmas in the $75-$500 range, the only leopards really going for four digit prices right now are the Black Pearls, and that's only because they are so new. Enigma works best as a "morph enhancer" in that it tends to bring out the colors/contrasts in other morphs. I don't consider it a "must have" but it does bring a nice added touch to well managed bloodlines of some morphs. The genetics aren't completely figured out yet, dominant or co-dominant is most likely, but not definate.

 

[bwirth1999]

She was even less than $75.. infact, for the two i paid $35. Guy was blowing all of his stock out. She is supposed to be 66% het for raptor/eclipse. So he says anyway. I'm not holding my breath considering the price i got her for, or her soon to be mate for that matter....

 

[bwirth1999]

this is the best I can do for an eye shot

 

[ColdBlooded]

Enigma. And wow, 35 dollars for both? Talk about market crashing. But people can sell their animals for what they please. She's pretty.

 

[bwirth1999]

He said he incurred some unexpected expenses on his trip... Which knowing the Daytona area isn't a surprise. I just hope the male decides to start eating..

 

[ColdBlooded]

Give them time to settle in. Personally, I would keep them separate as you do not want them breeding too early. They can - and will - breed before they should which can lead to complications for the female.

 

[minguela]

Yes, that is an Enigma. The key is the eyes. Look at them and if you see veins and colors she is an Enigma. Also the patches when they are hatchlings. Here is an eye shoot of my Enigma to show you what I mean.

The price really crash down in the Enigmas. I pay for my beauty also a 2 digit number.

 

[bwirth1999]

Give them time to settle in. Personally, I would keep them separate as you do not want them breeding too early. They can - and will - breed before they should which can lead to complications for the female.

Yeah I have actually been thinking about that, also hopefully he will feed better if he is alone. I know they need time to adjust, but anytime I buy anything from a show, the first thing I do is offer food and of course water.

 

[BSM]

She was even less than $75.. infact, for the two i paid $35. Guy was blowing all of his stock out. She is supposed to be 66% het for raptor/eclipse. So he says anyway. I'm not holding my breath considering the price i got her for, or her soon to be mate for that matter....

One thing you should take into considering is that selling leos isn't a easy thing especially since people are trying to save money and on top of that leopards are the most commonly bred gecko. 66% just means theres a chance that it carries those genes but not guaranteed. Most people are not going to pay even 150 for a leo and i find it amazing that people actually buy a 2-3k gecko when they can get a just a nice and rare gecko in the 200-400 range.
I remember seeing dreams (snow raptor enigmas) and novas (raptor enigmas) going for 1200-3000 last year but now there down to 250-1000. Also in the beginning of this year i have seen albino blizzard enigmas het eclipse going for 700 yet i just bought a female for 125 this week. Some of the animals i have i could/can produce some cool looking animals next year, that this year i see them anywhere from 500-1400 but i doubt i would even bother selling them for that much considering looking at people bascially dumping there animals to make a sale even though they put a few thousand in there animals the year before.


Bryan

 

[missinasworld]

Enigma. And wow, 35 dollars for both? Talk about market crashing. But people can sell their animals for what they please. She's pretty.

I got leos from a few different breeders at the Daytona show and didn't pay more than $45 a leo, most of mine were enigmas to. On the last day of the show people were almost Giveing away animals.

Missina
Missina.cjb.net

 

[bwirth1999]

I think it's kinda crazy to ask that much anyway. But, I guess if someone really wants it bad enough.... and if they offered it, I would take it.

 

[LeopardGeckoBreederFan]

I got leos from a few different breeders at the Daytona show and didn't pay more than $45 a leo, most of mine were enigmas to. On the last day of the show people were almost Giveing away animals.
Missina.cjb.net

I got my enigma at the Dixie Reptile show and mine was about $40. So we got them for about the same price lol