Blue Bearded Dragon: Fake or Real?

As an avid reptile enthusiast, I’ve encountered various fascinating creatures in my time. However, there’s one type of reptile that has piqued my curiosity recently: the blue bearded dragon. Are these eye-catching creatures the real deal or just a mythical tale? In this article, I’ll share my findings and experiences to unravel the mystery behind the blue bearded dragon.

The Normal Appearance of a Bearded Dragon

Before diving into the discussion about the elusive blue bearded dragon, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the typical appearance of a bearded dragon. These popular reptilian pets, also known as Pogona vitticeps, originate from the arid regions of Australia.

Usually, bearded dragons have a range of earthy-colored scales that help them blend into their natural environments. They come in various shades of:

• Brown
• Gray
• Red
• Yellow

Owing to their triangular-shaped heads, prominent “beards,” and spiky bodies, these creatures have a unique, prehistoric-like appearance that makes them stand out among reptile enthusiasts. Moreover, their calm and friendly nature, combined with their moderate size – usually growing up to 24 inches long – make them ideal beginner pets for reptile lovers.

Photoshopped or Real? Examining Images of Blue Bearded Dragons

As I began exploring the possibility of blue bearded dragons, I came across numerous images online that showcased these mythical creatures in various shades of blue. However, upon close examination, it became apparent that these images have been manipulated in one way or another.

Some of the tell-tale signs of such forgeries include:

• Unnatural gradients: These images often feature strange, unnatural gradients in the blue scales, which are quite different from the typical seamless blending of colors found on genuine bearded dragons.
• Inconsistent shadows: When comparing the blue areas with the rest of the reptile’s body, it becomes clear that the shadows are inconsistent. This suggests that the blue pixels were artificially added after the photo was taken.
• Color bleeding: A common mistake in image manipulation is “color bleeding”, where the altered color spills over onto areas that should not have been affected. For example, the blue hue might be visible on the background or other body parts of the bearded dragon.
• Inappropriate sources: A reputable breeder or expert would likely showcase such unique specimens, but these images are often found on unreliable websites, forums, or social media posts without credible sources.

Upon further research, I’ve discovered that although blue bearded dragons would indeed be a fascinating sight, they are, unfortunately, only a product of digital manipulation, and thus, do not exist in reality.

Where Did the Blue Bearded Dragon Come From?

Now that we’ve established the absence of naturally-blue bearded dragons, it’s essential to comprehend the basis for such an intriguing concept. Here are some theories that could explain the origin of the blue bearded dragon phenomenon:

• Creative expression: In today’s digital era, individuals often manipulate images and create original artwork to capture the attention of their audience. The blue bearded dragon could be a product of someone’s imagination, capturing the interest of reptile enthusiasts and consequently going viral.
• Speculation: It’s not uncommon for reptile lovers to dream about new and exciting morphs in the reptile world. The idea of a blue bearded dragon might have merely emerged from enthusiasts speculating and discussing potential color variations.
• Miscommunication: Some bearded dragons may possess a slightly bluish tinge, albeit highly subjective and barely noticeable, due to ambient lighting or their surrounding environment. This minor visible feature might have been exaggerated and ultimately led to the creation of the blue bearded dragon concept.
• Marketing ploy: Finally, the idea of a never-before-seen blue bearded dragon could have been strategically created to generate demand and intrigue within the reptile community. This tactic might have been employed by some unscrupulous breeders looking to make a quick profit.

Regardless of where the concept originated, it’s crucial to recognize that blue bearded dragons do not exist in reality and that any images claiming otherwise are merely manipulated or modified.

Genetics of Bearded Dragons: Is a Blue One Possible?

Even though we’ve established that blue bearded dragons are not real, it’s still worth exploring the genetic aspect and considering whether a blue morph is scientifically possible.

Bearded dragons display a wide range of colors and patterns, which result from different combinations of genes, so understanding the possibilities within their genetics is intriguing. The primary color types, which I mentioned earlier, have well-defined genetic explanations behind them.

However, blue coloration in reptiles is rarely found in nature, and when it does occur, it typically arises from structural coloration rather than pigmentation. Structural coloration is the result of microscopic structures within the scales that interact with light to produce certain colors, such as the iridescence seen in some snake species.

While the possibility of a bearded dragon eventually developing blue coloration through selective breeding and genetic mutations is theoretically feasible, it would be a complex and slow process. Considering the current knowledge of bearded dragon genetics, it seems highly unlikely that a genuinely blue bearded dragon will come into existence anytime soon.

So, in conclusion, while the idea of a blue bearded dragon is undoubtedly fascinating, these creatures remain a product of digital manipulation and speculation for the time being. For aspiring reptile owners, there is still a wealth of beautiful and fascinating color variations and patterns within the bearded dragon species to enjoy and explore.

Conclusion

The concept of a blue bearded dragon has certainly captured the imagination of reptile enthusiasts across the globe. However, despite the intrigue and numerous manipulated images circulating online, we must face the reality that blue bearded dragons do not exist.

While the genetic possibility is intriguing, there’s currently no evidence to suggest that a genuine blue bearded dragon exists or could realistically emerge through selective breeding in the near future. As reptile lovers, let’s continue to appreciate the many existing variations and fascinating behaviors of the beloved bearded dragon.