🧬 Margin Unlocked: Proven Without Homozygous Phantom

When we first introduced Margin, we believed it required homozygous Phantom for expression. That assumption held until now.

As of Fall 2025, we’ve confirmed that Margin can express in het Phantom animals.

Three key examples from our lines prove it:

• Ultra, a Flame het Phantom female, has shown Margin herself.

• Linda, offspring from Ultra, a 2022 pinstripe het Phantom, also displays visible Margin markings—further evidence of the trait’s expression outside homozygous Phantom.

• Ultra's 2024 offspring, Pin het Phantom, is now displaying unmistakable Margin markings. Dark edging starting behind her eyes and leading to her neck, concentrated pigment, and the signature contrast that defines the trait.

This marks a major shift in our understanding of Margin’s genetic requirements.

💕 Breeding Implications

Through selective pairing, we believe this level of expression can be amplified, potentially rivaling or even exceeding the clarity seen in homozygous Phantom Margin animals. This opens the door to:

• Wider genetic exploration without relying on Phantom x Phantom pairings.

• Cleaner visual outcomes when paired with other traits.

• New lineage branches that carry Margin into unexpected territory.

  
  

This offspring is now part of our holdback roster and will be tracked closely as she matures. Her development will help shape the next phase of the Margin Project and may redefine how we think about trait expression in crested geckos.

🔍 What This Means

• Margin is more versatile than expected. It’s not locked behind homozygous Phantom.

• Selective pairing just got more strategic. Breeders can explore Margin in broader genetic contexts.

• Ultra’s legacy deepens. Her influence now spans multiple generations of het Phantom Margin expression.

  
  

🧠 What’s Next

We’re continuing to test Margin across diverse pairings—tracking its interactions among new and old projects. As always, we’ll share findings transparently to support the community’s growth.

Ultra

Linda

Ultra's late 2024 season offspring