The Big Leopard Geckos - The Giants
Standard Leopard Geckos are rather small yet highly popular creatures but amongst these popular pets, there are some rather big leopard geckos that stand out.
Of course there are some big ones that might even be considered giants or super giants and these larger varieties have grown to be quite popular among enthusiasts throughout the world.
The Giant leopard geckos generally reach their maximum size after approximately one year of growth.
The super giants can exceed 110 grams while the giants can range between 80 and 100 grams in weight, with the females weighing in at about 20 grams lighter than the males.
These big leopards can and do appear in a large variety of colors and patterns, much like their smaller cousins.
Some people believe that the giants are simply fat geckos but this is not the case.
These varieties are specifically bred for size and while they can grow quite heavy, generally they are not overweight.
There are however some unscrupulous dealers who might try to pass off a fat leopard gecko as a giant.
Beware the dealer of obese leopard geckos! Around 1999, Ron Tremper, a breeder working on giant varieties, came up with the Tremper Giant, a huge baby lizard which measured around 4 and a half inches and grew to an amazing 11 inches after a year.
Through selective breeding, from this albino giant was produced one of the most famous giants of all time, Moose.
Moose broke all previous records and ongoing efforts by Tremper and other breeders continue to produce these highly prized giant leopard geckos.
Unfortunately, Moose passed away in 2007 after reaching nearly over 11 inches in length and an enormous 156 grams.
His legacy lives on however in his sons and grandsons who have become enormously valuable.
It is not uncommon for these giants to sell for $500 or more.
One giant offspring of the Moose lineage sold for almost $1500! A grandson of Moose, known as Godzilla, is claimed to be the largest giant gecko in the world.
He was hatched in 2007 and by 2009 had reached a weight in excess of 170 grams and nearly 12 inches in length.
His offspring, great grand children of Moose, are selling in the $500 - $1200 price range.
As these giant leopard geckos continue to grow in popularity, it is not unimaginable that even larger varieties will be bred in the not too distant future.
Of course there are some big ones that might even be considered giants or super giants and these larger varieties have grown to be quite popular among enthusiasts throughout the world.
The Giant leopard geckos generally reach their maximum size after approximately one year of growth.
The super giants can exceed 110 grams while the giants can range between 80 and 100 grams in weight, with the females weighing in at about 20 grams lighter than the males.
These big leopards can and do appear in a large variety of colors and patterns, much like their smaller cousins.
Some people believe that the giants are simply fat geckos but this is not the case.
These varieties are specifically bred for size and while they can grow quite heavy, generally they are not overweight.
There are however some unscrupulous dealers who might try to pass off a fat leopard gecko as a giant.
Beware the dealer of obese leopard geckos! Around 1999, Ron Tremper, a breeder working on giant varieties, came up with the Tremper Giant, a huge baby lizard which measured around 4 and a half inches and grew to an amazing 11 inches after a year.
Through selective breeding, from this albino giant was produced one of the most famous giants of all time, Moose.
Moose broke all previous records and ongoing efforts by Tremper and other breeders continue to produce these highly prized giant leopard geckos.
Unfortunately, Moose passed away in 2007 after reaching nearly over 11 inches in length and an enormous 156 grams.
His legacy lives on however in his sons and grandsons who have become enormously valuable.
It is not uncommon for these giants to sell for $500 or more.
One giant offspring of the Moose lineage sold for almost $1500! A grandson of Moose, known as Godzilla, is claimed to be the largest giant gecko in the world.
He was hatched in 2007 and by 2009 had reached a weight in excess of 170 grams and nearly 12 inches in length.
His offspring, great grand children of Moose, are selling in the $500 - $1200 price range.
As these giant leopard geckos continue to grow in popularity, it is not unimaginable that even larger varieties will be bred in the not too distant future.
