Foundation Genetics - Brindlequin

In this article, we are discussing the Brindlequin. Breeders have named morphs since the beginning of our hobby. Morphs in Crested Geckos have always been based on visual descriptions. However, recent genetic discoveries have led us to identify genetic traits that make up the combinations that produce the phenotypes (morphs) we see. In the crested gecko community, we have always had different opinions on what defines some of the morphs and what some descriptors mean. Nonetheless, we are moving towards a more defined system as we gain a greater knowledge of genetics, granting us the ability to technically define the combinations.

A recent contention has led to defining the morph Brindlequin. A difference of opinions on the Brindlequin descriptor has led to a collaboration between Anthony Vasquez, Melissa Walker, and Tara Bowling, who as we found out, coined the description. Through collaboration and a fruitful exchange of information, leading to a better understanding of the genetics involved, the term Brindlequin has now been defined.

Brindlequin: A Brindlequin is a combo morph that displays 1) White Pattern Harlequin, 2) a lower dominance pinning, and 3) a Yellow base animal that displays strong tigering. The tigering breaks up the yellow base coloration that is usually dark in color but can also be red, due to how trait combos affect tigering. When Pinning and Tiger interact strongly with each other it causes the Brindle look. Brindlequin best describes a morph with those characteristics and does not describe a single gene at play, but rather an advanced genetic combination making them difficult to produce from scratch. The strong expression of tiger/brindle is key for the combo.

This definition has come from hobbyists working together and overcoming human descriptors to define the genetics for the phenotype.