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Crested Gecko Investment Guide: Market Trends & Analysis [3rd Qtr of 2021]

SUMMARY: The crested gecko market has grown over three times its size in the past two decades. Current market trends have identified the crested gecko as the reptile industry leader in market size growth. With a robust average sales price of $353 in the third quarter of 2021, minimal caging requirements, large quantities of offspring, and market trends , an investment into crested geckos is likely to have a big return.

We have scraped the internet looking for crested gecko sales for July, August, and September of 2021. Below is the results of a 100 hours of work and statistical analysis of the data. With this data we have been able to estimate what it costs to buy or sell your favorite crested gecko morph in the 3rd quarter of 2021. This data can be used to help you decide on where to invest your reptile dollars or what to charge 

Crested Gecko Investment Guide Market Trends & Analysis [3rd Qtr of 2021]

for a crested gecko for sale. We take a deep dive into present and upcoming trends for many specific morphs or traits. What I found most surprising was the difference in sales prices for selling unsexed crested geckos as compared to sexed males or females. Holding an unsexed crested gecko a few extra months until you can determine its sex could result on average in a 29% increase in the sales price

Sales Prices of Crested Gecko Morphs (July, August, September -2021)

average cost of crested geckos by morph 3rd qtr 2021

Average Trait/Morph Crested Gecko Sales Price (3rd quarter / 2021)

  1. 1
    Het Axanthic Unsexed $1,469
  2. 2
    Lilly White $1,402
  3. 3
    Super Dalmatian $515
  4. 4
    Extreme Harlequin $501
  5. 5
     Tricolor $449
  6. 6
    Red $416
  7. 7
    Harlequin $359
  8. 8
    Pinstripe $347
  9. 9
    Dalmatian $261


Tricolor Crested Gecko Mud from Altitude Exotics Crested Gecko
Market Share Percentage of each Morph Trait Sold 3rd Qtr 2021

Encouraging Financial Report Released About Crested Geckos

Jose W. Valdez just released in 2021 a great study using Google Trends keywords to identify reptiles that are tending up and those trending down. They looked at peoples search patterns on Google to determine which reptiles were being searched the most. By far, the crested gecko is the fastest trending reptile since 2004. The speculation in that the discovery of genetic mutations like the Lilly White and the Axanthic genes are what catapulted the already loveable Crestie to investable reptile status. 

Popularity Increasing

crested gecko google trends

Chart C from Valdez, J.W. Using Google Trends to Determine Current, Past, and Future Trends in the Reptile Pet Trade. Animals 2021, 11, 676. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030676

Looking towards the future of the trade, survey participants believed that blue tongued skinks, tegus, uromastyx lizards, crested geckos, and ball pythons will increase in popularity within the next five to ten years.’ Mr. Valdez went on to say, ‘...compared to the other increasingly popular reptiles, by far the most popular of these was the crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus), which has increased in popularity three-fold in the last two decades and was by far the most popular of this group, besides the ball python.’

Estimated Reptile & Exotics Industry Revenues (2018 - 2021)

2018 - 1.37 billion

2019 - 1.47 billion

2020 - 1.55 billion

2021* - 1.66 billion

*Estimated From An Estimate

Estimated Annual Revenue

crested gecko industry annual revenue

Estimated Crested Gecko Annual Revenue (2018-2021)

2018 - 32.3 million

2019 - 34.7 million

2020 -  37.1 million

*2021 - 39.2 million

*Estimated From An Estimate From An Estimate

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Extrapolation and Methology Used To Estimate Prices

We collected data from top reptile classifieds, forums, social media groups & posts, and directly from crested gecko breeders for sale pages on their websites in July, August and September. We took these data points and extrapolated the below estimates for the prices of crested geckos sold in the 3rd quarter of 2021. While these numbers are self-reported, there was thousands of data points available for comparison. 

3rd Qtr Crested Gecko Pricing

3rd qtr 2021 average crested gecko sale price

Average Unsexed Crested Gecko Prices

  1. 1
    Het Axantic - $1,469
  2. 2
    Lilly White - $906
  3. 3
    Extreme Harlequin- $344
  4. 4
    Super Dalmatian - $288
  5. 5
    Tricolor - $259
  6. 6
    Red - $253
  7. 7
    Pinstripe - $228
  8. 8
    Harlequin - $211
  9. 9
    Dalmatian - $153

Average Male Crested Gecko Costs

  1. 1
    Lilly White - $1,709
  2. 2
    Super Dalmatian - $631
  3. 3
    Extreme Harlequin - $528
  4. 4
    Tricolor - $511
  5. 5
    Red - $471
  6. 6
    Harlequin - $364
  7. 7
    Pinstripe - $347
  8. 8
    Dalmatian - $290
  9. 9
    Het Axanthic TBD

Average Female Crested Gecko Pricing

  1. 1
    Lilly White - $1,591
  2. 2
    Extreme Harlequin - $633
  3. 3
    Super Dalmatian - $628
  4. 4
    Tricolor - $577
  5. 5
    Red - $524
  6. 6
    Harlequin - $501
  7. 7
    Pinstripe - $467
  8. 8
    Dalmatian - $342
  9. 9
    Het Axanthic TBD

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Harlequin Crested Gecko Prices - 3rd Quarter - 2021 

The sale of harlequin crested geckos represented 36.12% of all crested geckos sold in the third quarter of 2021. Collectively they had an average sales price of $359 and a price range as low as $50 and as much as $1,150.

percentages of harlequins by price

Harlequins

The harlequin crested gecko is a staple of breeders around the world. This price list includes all crested geckos sold as 'harlequins'. To make sure the prices were accurate we excluded any cresties that included in their description extreme harlequin, lilly white, axanthic, or het axanthic. Keep in mind that these harlequin crested geckos may also express a pinstripe or color morph, like a tricolor or red. Those traits would also increase the price and explain the highest priced Harlequins on this list. 

Price of Unsexed Harlequin Crested Geckos (3rd Quarter - 2021)

Unsexed harlequin Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

40%

$100 - $249

37.5%

$250 - $499

12.5%

$500 - $749

7.5%

$750 - $999

2.5%

$1000 - $1499

0.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Unsexed harlequins average sales price was $211.
  2. 2
    The median price for unsexed harlequins fell in the $100 - $249 range.
  3. 3
    42.5% of all harlequins sold were sold as unsexed. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of all unsexed harlequins purchased were between $750 - $999. 

ANALYSIS: I think it is real important to notice that 77.5% of unsexed harlequin crested geckos sell for under $249. The average price of $211 is propped up by the bigger sales prices. The average sales price of those 77.5% of unsexed harlequins was only $123. Everyone is trying to produce extreme harlequins but if you miss, the return is not much. 


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Price of Male Harlequin Crested Geckos (3rd Quarter - 2021)

male harlequin Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

12.5%

$100 - $249

35%

$250 - $499

30%

$500 - $749

10%

$750 - $999

10%

$1000 - $1499

2.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Male harlequins Average Sales Price was $364.
  2. 2
    The median price for male harlequins fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    17.5% of all harlequins sold were sold as males.
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of all male harlequins purchased was between $1000 - $1499.

ANALYSIS: Waiting for an unsexed harlequin to mature into a male could increase the average value an additional $153. To get the big dollars with a harlequin male he will also need to have additional traits be it color or pattern. 

Price of Female Harlequin Crested Geckos (3rd Quarter - 2021)

female harlequin Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

5%

$100 - $249

25%

$250 - $499

30%

$500 - $749

15%

$750 - $999

17.5%

$1000 - $1499

7.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Female harlequins average sales price was $501.
  2. 2
    The median price for female harlequins fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    40% of all harlequins sold were sold as females.
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of all female harlequins purchased was between $1000 - $1499.

ANALYSIS: It is no surprise that female harlequins cost a lot more than male or unsexed harlequins. Based on the cost of female harlequins, you can could purchase 3 unsexed harlequins for less then one female adult harlequin. It would make more statistical sense to invest in three or four unsexed harlequins and hope that you get two females. Even if you only got 1 out of 3, you would still financially probably be up or even on the investment. 

Extreme Harlequin Crested Gecko Prices - 3rd Quarter - 2021 

The sale of extreme harlequin crested geckos represented 6.45% of all crested geckos sold in the third quarter of 2021. Collectively they had an average sales price of $501 and a price range as low as $80 and as much as $1,350.

percentage of extreme harlequins by price

Extreme Harlequins

The extreme harlequin crested gecko is rapidly becoming a favorite of hobbyists and breeders alike. The ability to add colors to a high expression crested gecko has skyrocketed the prices for the ones with 'the look'. This price list includes all crested geckos sold as 'extreme harlequins'. To make sure the prices were accurate we excluded any

Crested Gecko Investment Guide Market Trends & Analysis [3rd Qtr of 2021]

cresties that included in their description lilly white, axanthic, or het axanthic. Keep in mind that these extreme harlequin crested geckos may also express a pinstripe or color morph, like a tricolor or red. Those traits would also increase the price and explain the highest priced extreme harlequins on this list. 

Price of Unsexed Extreme Harlequin Crested Geckos (3rd Quarter - 2021)

Unsexed extreme harlequin Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

7.5%

$100 - $249

32.5%

$250 - $499

42.5%

$500 - $749

12.5%

$750 - $999

5.0%

$1000 - $1499

0.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Unsexed extreme harlequins average sales price was $354.
  2. 2
    The median price for unsexed extreme harlequins fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    37.5% of all extreme harlequins sold were sold as unsexed. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of all unsexed extreme harlequins purchased was between $750 - $999. 

ANALYSIS: I find it crazy the difference in price between harlequins and extreme harlequins. I guess when you call a crested gecko an extreme harlequin there should be much doubt but I regularly see crested geckos listed as 'harlequins' where I have some doubt if they are even harlequins. This is one morph where selling them unsexed doesn't kill your return, 60% of small unsexed extreme harlequins sold for $250 or more. The extreme harlequin trait is reproducible and it obviously pays to invest in this pattern morph.   

Price of Male Extreme Harlequin Crested Geckos (3rd Quarter - 2021)

Male extreme harlequin Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

5.0%

$100 - $249

22.5%

$250 - $499

32.5%

$500 - $749

17.5%

$750 - $999

7.5%

$1000 - $1499

15.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Male extreme harlequins average sales price was $528.
  2. 2
    The median price for male extreme harlequins fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    27.5% of all extreme harlequins sold were sold as males. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of all male extreme harlequins purchased was between $1000 - $1499. 

ANALYSIS: I always tell people that if you are going to invest in a crested gecko, start with a top male. I think that is what we are seeing here, the market clearly desires more extreme harlequins then are being produced. If you find a really nice extreme harlequin male, especially if it has some color trait (red, tricolor, tangerines, pinks, black, etc) snatch him up before someone else does. This morph is probably the best seller of all of them. 

Price of Female Extreme Harlequin Crested Geckos (3rd Quarter - 2021)

feMale extreme harlequin Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

2.5%

$100 - $249

17.5%

$250 - $499

15.0%

$500 - $749

25.0%

$750 - $999

27.5%

$1000 - $1499

12.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Female extreme harlequins average sales price was $633.
  2. 2
    The median price for female extreme harlequins fell in the $500 - $749 range.
  3. 3
    35.0% of all extreme harlequins sold were sold as females. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of all female extreme harlequins purchased was between $1000 - $1499. 

ANALYSIS: Here's something to think about... 55.7% of extreme harlequin females sold for over $500 in the 3rd quarter of 2021. So the next time you see a baby female crestie with that creeping pattern, you might want to snatch her up. 

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Pinstripe Crested Gecko Prices - 3rd Quarter - 2021 

The sale of pinstripe crested geckos represented 9.03% of all crested geckos sold in the third quarter of 2021. Collectively they had an average sales price of $347 and a price range as low as $70 and as much as $1,200.

percentage of pinstripes sold by price

Pinstripes

Who doesn't love a perfect pinstripe with every scale 'OCD'ly' following the next outlining the back of your crestie. Full pinstripes are striking and many people breed specifically for pinstripes. Although, after seeing the price of pins in the 3rd quarter as compared to other morphs, you may think again. Only Dalmatians and Harlequins are a worse investment than pinstripes according to the numbers.  This price list includes all crested geckos sold as 'pinstripes'. To make sure the prices were accurate we excluded any cresties that included in their description lilly white, axanthic, or het axanthic. Keep in mind that these pinstripe crested geckos may also express a pattern morph, like harlequin or color morph, like a tricolor or red. Those traits would also increase the price and explain the highest priced pinstripes on this list. 

Crested Gecko Investment Guide Market Trends & Analysis [3rd Qtr of 2021]

Price of Unsexed Pinstripe Crested Geckos (3rd Quarter - 2021)

Unsexed Pinstripe Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$1000 - $1499

0.0%

$750 - $999

2.5%

$500 - $749

10.0%

$250 - $499

17.5%

$100 - $249

25.0%

Under $99

45.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Unsexed pinstripes average sales price was $228.
  2. 2
    The median price for unsexed pinstripes fell in the $100 - $249 range.
  3. 3
    30.0% of all pinstripes sold were sold as unsexed. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of all unsexed pinstripes purchased was between $750 - $999. 

ANALYSIS: Of all the pinstripes sold in the 3rd quarter, 70% of unsexed pins were sold for under $250. 45% of pinstripes were sold for under $99 which is crazy because just holding them until they are sexable made the likelihood of getting more money increase almost 100%. Only 10% of pinstripe males were sold for under $99 and 0% of females. If you have unspectacular pinstripes, hold onto them until you can sex them to make over a $100 more on average. 

Price of Male Pinstripe Crested Geckos (3rd Quarter - 2021)

Male Pinstripe Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

10.0%

$100 - $249

35.0%

$250 - $499

35.0%

$500 - $749

15.0%

$750 - $999

2.5%

$1000 - $1499

2.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Male pinstripes average sales price was $347.
  2. 2
    The median price for male pinstripes fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    32.5% of all pinstripes sold were sold as males. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of male pinstripes purchased was between $1000 - $1499. 

ANALYSIS: I was really surprised by the overall pinstripe numbers. Only 5% of male pinstripes sell for $750 or more, I think this is real telling of the market pivoting towards the extreme harlequins over the more traditional pinstripes. 22.5% of extreme harlequin males sold for over $750 and the average sales price was $178 more than the male pinstripes. Invest accordingly as you look at 2021 purchase opportunities with an eye to your 2022 and 2023 breeders. (My Bias - Almost all of my male breeders are pinstripes, these are not the numbers I was hoping to see.)


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Price of Female Pinstripe Crested Geckos (3rd Quarter - 2021)

feMale Pinstripe Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

0.0%

$100 - $249

27.5%

$250 - $499

42.5%

$500 - $749

12.5%

$750 - $999

10.0%

$1000 - $1499

7.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Female pinstripes average sales price was $467.
  2. 2
    The median price for female pinstripes fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    37.5% of all pinstripes sold were sold as females. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of female pinstripes purchased was between $1000 - $1499. 

ANALYSIS: I feel like 40% of all female pinstripes selling for $500 or more is a solid number but not as strong as trending more popular morphs or traits. 82.5% of female pins are selling for $250 or more which puts their numbers better in line for the reptile shows target market sweet spot of $250 - $500. Pinstripes are visually striking and appealing, possibly not as strong as others but still a worthwhile morph to include in your catalogue. 

Dalmatian Crested Gecko Prices - 3rd Quarter - 2021 

The sale of Dalmatian crested geckos represented 7.74% of all crested geckos sold in the third quarter of 2021. Collectively they had an average sales price of $261 and a price range as low as $50 and as much as $1,100.

percentage of dalmatians sold by price

Dalmatians

The Dalmatian market is tough because many breeders are breeding for Super Dalmatians but when you miss you lose 50% of the value. That's right, Dalmatians averaged $261 per sale in the third quarter where as Super Dalmatians averaged $516 each, a whopping $255 difference. And don't get me started with how to determine if you have a Dalmatian or Super Dalmatian, aye caramba! This price list includes all crested geckos sold as 'Dalmatians'. To make sure the prices were accurate we excluded any cresties that included in their description super Dalmatian, pinstripe, or harlequin. Keep in mind that these Dalmatian crested geckos may also express, larger or smaller spots and different spot color morphs like the confetti line. Those traits would also increase the price and explain the highest priced Dalmatians on this list. 

Unsexed dalmatian Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

47.5%

$100 - $249

40.0%

$250 - $499

12.5%

$500 - $749

0.0%

$750 - $999

0.0%

$1000 - $1499

0.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Unsexed Dalmatians average sales price was $153.
  2. 2
    The median price for unsexed Dalmatians fell in the $100 - $249 range.
  3. 3
    35.0% of all Dalmatians sold were sold as unsexed. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of unsexed Dalmatians purchased was between $250 - $499. 

SPOT-ON-ANALYSIS: It looks like selling an unsexed Dalmatian crested gecko is almost like giving it away. By far the least expensive of all of the morphs or traits sold in the 3rd quarter of 2021. But, is it as bad as it seems? Not really, there's a lot at play here, first, the Dalmatian trait is notorious for showing up later as the crestie ages. So, an unsexed gecko is going to be younger and with not many spots showing is going to sell for much less than an older one that has had time for their spots to come in, so to speak, and literally. Looking at males and females we see the top 2.5% are similarly priced to the harlequins and pinstripes. But, more importantly, the Super Dalmatian numbers are excellent, so when you hit a good one, they will payoff.

male dalmatian Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$1000 - $1499

0.0%

$500 - $749

5.0%

$750 - $999

5.0%

Under $99

22.5%

$100 - $249

27.5%

$250 - $499

40.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Male Dalmatians average sales price was $290.
  2. 2
    The median price for male Dalmatians fell in the $100 - $249 range.
  3. 3
    32.5% of all Dalmatians sold were sold as Males. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of male Dalmatians purchased was between $750 - $999. 

SPOT-ON-ANALYSIS: The desirability of a male Dalmatian is not super high because breeding a male with not a lot of spots to anything doesn't make a lot of sense unless the male is a crazy color, has large ink spots, and/or his spots are colored anything but black (Confetti Line). Looking at these numbers, your take will come down to if you are a 'the cup is' half full or half empty type of person. 50% of of all make cresties sold for under $249. While 50% of all Dalmatian males sold for over $250. For investment purposes, look for large inkspots and spots that are any color but black. 

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female dalmatian Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$1000 - $1499

2.5%

$750 - $999

5.0%

Under $99

10.0%

$500 - $749

10.0%

$250 - $499

35.0%

$100 - $249

37.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Female Dalmatians average sales price was $342.
  2. 2
    The median price for female Dalmatians fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    32.5% of all Dalmatians sold were sold as females. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of female Dalmatians purchased was between $1000 - $1499. 

SPOT-ON-ANALYSIS: While the numbers for female Dalmatians are a little higher than for unsexed and male Dal's, they still are pretty low. Consider this, of all the morphs we took data points on, the female Dalmatian has the lowest percentage of sales at 17.5% over $499. In contrast, the extreme harlequin females sold for 55% more on average than a Dalmatian female at $633 each and 65% of extreme harlequins sold for over $499. 

Super Dalmatian Crested Gecko Prices - 3rd Quarter - 2021 

The sale of Super Dalmatian crested geckos represented 5.16% of all crested geckos sold in the third quarter of 2021. Collectively they had an average sales price of $515 and a price range as low as $85 and as much as $2,200.

percentage of super dalmatians sold by price

Super Dalmatians

Super Dalmatians have exploded on the market in price and popularity. It seems like a few years ago you couldn't give a Dalmatian or Super Dalmatian away, now people can't meet the demand. In addition to the standard super Dalmatian covered in black spots we have started to see more and more of the confetti line and ink spot super Dalmatians. These are Dalmatians with red or white spots instead of black ones or spots that are huge that are referred to as inkspots. There is always some questionable super Dalmatians for sale but it seems like the market pays the fair price based on the spots not the listing title. This price list includes all crested geckos sold as 'Super Dalmatians'. To make sure the prices were accurate we excluded any cresties that included in their description Dalmatian, pinstripe, or harlequin. Keep in mind that these Super Dalmatian crested geckos may also express, larger or smaller spots and different spot color morphs like the confetti line. Those traits would also increase the price and explain the highest priced Super Dalmatians on this list. 

unsexed super dalmatian Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$1000 - $1499

0.0%

$1500 - $1999

0.0%

$2000 +

0.0%

$750 - $999

2.5%

Under $99

10.0%

$500 - $749

10.0%

$250 - $499

30.0%

$100 - $249

47.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Unsexed Super Dalmatians average sales price was $288.
  2. 2
    The median price for unsexed Super Dalmatians fell in the $100 - $249 range.
  3. 3
    30.0% of all Super Dalmatians sold were sold as unsexed. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of unsexed Super Dalmatians purchased was between $750 - $999. 

SUPER-SPOT-ON-ANALYSIS: Whether it is a Super Dalmatian or Dalmatian the spots come in as they age and the inkspots and confetti spots need even more time to develop. For these reasons, I think you see unsexed, younger, crested geckos selling for much lower. If you are investing in Super Dalmatians, you should consider a plan that includes space for you to allow them to grow for a year or so to maximize your investment. 57.5% of Unsexed Super Dalmatians sold for under $249, whereas, only 12.5% of males and 5% of females sold for under $249. By growing out the babies to maturity you should see at least a 45% gain in the sales price. 

male super dalmatian Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

0.0%

$100 - $249

12.5%

$250 - $499

37.5%

$500 - $749

25.0%

$750 - $999

10.0%

$1000 - $1499

10.0%

$1500 - $1999

2.5%

$2000 +

2.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Male Super Dalmatians average sales price was $631.
  2. 2
    The median price for male Super Dalmatians fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    47.5% of all Super Dalmatians sold were sold as males. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of male Super Dalmatians purchased were for $2000 plus. 

SUPER-SPOT-ON-ANALYSIS: Some of the top priced Super Dalmatian males are absolutely insane looking. If you want to breed this morph I'd suggest you find a male super Dalmatian with huge inkspots or a confetti line Dal from somewhere like Altitude Exotics or Fringemorphs. There are many other breeders who have the confetti line but those two seem to consistently produce enough to sell and not just tease you with pics on Instagram. 

female super dalmatian Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

Under $99

0.0%

$100 - $249

5.0%

$250 - $499

40.0%

$500 - $749

32.5%

$750 - $999

7.5%

$1000 - $1499

12.5%

$1500 - $1999

2.5%

$2000 +

0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Female Super Dalmatians average sales price was $628.
  2. 2
    The median price for female Super Dalmatians fell in the $500 - $749 range.
  3. 3
    22.5% of all Super Dalmatians sold were sold as females. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of female Super Dalmatians purchased was between $1500 - $1999.

SUPER-SPOT-ON-ANALYSIS: This is the first crested gecko morph we have looked at where the males average sales price ($631) was higher than the females $628. This is an indicator that the true high-end of the male Super Dalmatian market is way under supplied. Which is a testament to how difficult it is to produce an investment quality Super Dalmatian. You may find it even more difficult to get a female Super Dalmatian with only 22.5% of all sold being female. In addition, of those 22.5% of females 45% of them sold were on the lower end of the pricing structure which indicates that they probably weren't Super Dalmatians but overly zealous breeders advertising Dalmatian females as Super Dalmatians. Which means that only about 10% of all the Super Dalmatians on the market were female in the 3rd quarter of 2021. If you are selling a true female Super Dalmatian in the 4th quarter, these numbers suggest the market would pay more than what people have been asking for female Super Dalmatians. If you are buyer, buy quick before the sellers realize the deal they are giving on female Super Dalmatians. 

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Red Crested Gecko Prices - 3rd Quarter - 2021 

The sale of red crested geckos represented 10.32% of all crested geckos sold in the third quarter of 2021. Collectively they had an average sales price of $253 and a price range as low as $70 and as much as $2,000.

percentage of reds sold by price

Reds

Red crested geckos have been popular for many years, they are impressive, whether you are drawn to red harlequins, phantoms, pinstripes, extreme harlequins or red lilly whites. Keep in mind that the prices of red crested geckos often are as much related to the pattern of the crestie as the color. You may get a little bit more for a red harlequin but you'll get a tremendous bit more for an extreme red harlequin. Also the richness of the red determines the price, as pinks and darker brick reds don't garner as big of a price as the 'true' red crested geckos. This price list includes all crested geckos sold as 'Reds'. To make sure the prices were accurate we excluded any cresties that included in their description lilly white, axanthic, or het axanthic. Keep in mind that these Red crested geckos may also express, varying degrees of harlequin, extreme harlequin or pinstripes. Those traits would also increase the price and explain the highest priced Reds on this list. 

Unsexed Reds Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

20.0%

$100 - $249

50.0%

$250 - $499

17.5%

$500 - $749

10.0%

$750 - $999

2.5%

$1000 - $1499

0.0%

$1500 - $1999

0.0%

$2000 +

0.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Unsexed reds average sales price was $253.
  2. 2
    The median price for unsexed reds fell in the $100 - $249 range.
  3. 3
    45.0% of all reds sold were sold as unsexed. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of unsexed reds purchased was between $750 - $999.

ANALYSIS: Unsexed red crested geckos are not going to typically fetch a high price with 70% selling for under $249. But consider this, of those 70% sold for under $249, statistically 1/2 of them should be females. And good percentage (35%) of those red females will sell for over $500. Selling unsexed reds doesn't make a lot of sense because the red doesn't usually come in until at least 20 grams. Buying reds unsexed is a pretty solid investment if you can get lineage on the babies and pick out good pairings. Investing in young unsexed red crested geckos can be a profitable venture if you know what you are looking for. 

male Reds Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

5.0%

$100 - $249

27.50%

$250 - $499

40.0%

$500 - $749

15.0%

$750 - $999

5.0%

$1000 - $1499

2.5%

$1500 - $1999

2.5%

$2000 +

2.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Male reds average sales price was $471.
  2. 2
    The median price for male reds fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    22.5% of all reds sold were sold as males. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of male reds purchased were for $2000 plus. 

ANALYSIS: 67.5% of male reds were sold for over $250 dollars as compared to 30% of unsexed reds. The red color trait takes time to develop, we've produced amazing reds that didn't start turning red until 25 grams and continued to get redder for a couple of years. When deciding to add reds, tricolors or even extreme harlequins to your breeding program you have to do a cost analysis for keeping these guys and gals until they are at least subadult to find out what you have. Only 25% of male reds sold for over $500 which makes holding on to them for much longer after subadult probably doesn't make much sense. The sweet spot for maximizing the sales prices seems to be to hold onto male reds until they start turning red and then start looking for their forever home. Now if you want to play in the high-end red extreme harlequin or red lilly white market you will want to hold onto these guys a bit longer and let them develop. 12.5% of the investment quality types of red males sold for $750 or more. 

female Reds Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

5.0%

$100 - $249

27.5%

$250 - $499

32.5%

$500 - $749

12.5%

$750 - $999

12.5%

$1000 - $1499

5.0%

$1500 - $1999

2.5%

$2000 +

2.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Female reds average sales price was $524.
  2. 2
    The median price for female reds fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    32.5% of all reds sold were sold as males. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of female reds purchased were for $2000 plus. 

ANALYSIS: 67.5% of female reds were sold for over $250 dollars which is the same amount of male reds sold, also. The crested gecko red trait is the blue collar of traits, delivering a solid return year after year. I am seeing good quality female reds, like no bull-shit red, being sold for $750 all the way up into the thousands of dollars on the reg. 22.5% of female red crested geckos sold for $750 or more in the 3rd quarter of 2021. If you can buy or produce consistent red crested geckos you will be rewarded by the market. Everybody is looking for nice reds. 

Tricolor Crested Gecko Prices - 3rd Quarter - 2021 

The sale of tricolors crested geckos represented 5.16% of all crested geckos sold in the third quarter of 2021. Collectively they had an average sales price of $449 and a price range as low as $80 and as much as $2,200.

percentage of tricolors sold by price

Tricolors

Tricolors seem to be trending up in popularity, it will be interesting to track this trend over the next couple of years to see if we can quantify the observation with numbers. The tricolor crested gecko has the same challenges as the reds and other color traits, they take a long time to develop their color. This means a breeder must hold onto them much longer than some of the other crested gecko morphs if they want to maximize their investment return. As more breeders produce better looking tricolors I expect the market for these beauties to heat up. To make sure the prices were accurate we excluded any cresties that included in their description lilly white, axanthic, or het axanthic. Keep in mind that these tricolor crested geckos may also express, varying degrees of harlequin, extreme harlequin or pinstripes. Those traits would also increase the price and explain the highest priced tricolors on this list. 

Unsexed tricolors Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

12.5%

$100 - $249

55.0%

$250 - $499

22.5%

$500 - $749

7.5%

$750 - $999

2.5%

$1000 - $1499

0.0%

$1500 - $1999

0.0%

$2000 +

0.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Unsexed tricolors average sales price was $259.
  2. 2
    The median price for unsexed tricolors fell in the $100 - $249 range.
  3. 3
    35.0% of all tricolors sold were sold as unsexed. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of unsexed tricolors purchased was between $750 - $999.

ANALYSIS: While over 67.5% of all unsexed tricolors sell for under $250 may sound alarming. If you are looking to purchase tricolors, this is a great opportunity to buy them when they are young with a reasonable expectation that they will be worth much more as they age. Keep an eye on lineage when buying young tricolors as that is probably the best indication of what you will get in the end. 

Male tricolors Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

2.5%

$100 - $249

25.0%

$250 - $499

45.0%

$500 - $749

12.5%

$750 - $999

5.0%

$1000 - $1499

2.5%

$1500 - $1999

5.0%

$2000 +

2.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Male tricolors average sales price was $511.
  2. 2
    The median price for male tricolors fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    37.5% of all tricolors sold were sold as males. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of male tricolors purchased were for $2000 plus. 

ANALYSIS: Tricolor males suffer from the same problem as red males, only 27.5% sold for over $500. I think that the difference here is that it is because of lack of quality that you don't see more expensive tricolor males. The great ones fetch an excellent price but not many people are breeding them and even less are selling them. That being said, the top 10% sold for $1,000 or more in the 3rd quarter of 2021. 

feMale tricolors Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

2.5%

$1500 - $1999

2.5%

$2000 +

2.5%

$750 - $999

7.5%

$1000 - $1499

7.5%

$100 - $249

12.5%

$500 - $749

20.0%

$250 - $499

45.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Female tricolors average sales price was $577.
  2. 2
    The median price for female tricolors fell in the $250 - $499 range.
  3. 3
    27.5% of all tricolors sold were sold as females. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of female tricolors purchased were for $2000 plus. 

ANALYSIS: Tricolor females appear to be the perfect reptile show offering. With 45% of them selling in the reptile show sweet target market spot of $250 - $499. Leaving you with another 40% to sell online for $500 or more. IF, you sell them. The market demand for good quality tricolors is extremely high with very little supply. If you can produce investment quality tricolors over the next couple of seasons you could be getting in to this morph at the right time. 

Lilly White Crested Gecko Prices - 3rd Quarter - 2021 

The sale of lilly white crested geckos represented 7.74% of all crested geckos sold in the third quarter of 2021. Collectively they had an average sales price of $1,402 and a price range as low as $400 and as much as $4,000.

percentage of lilly whites sold by price

Lilly Whites

The lilly white crested gecko is striking with its paper white base color contrasted by whatever crazy colors today's breeders can think up. Some of these lilly whites truly are living art, with the high expression reds, blacks, and tricolors plastered all over Instagram. Arguably, they are the most attractive of all the crested geckos, definitely a must have for any crested gecko lover. The nice thing about this crested gecko is that Lilly Whites are genetic and reproducible as it is a dominant gene. What this means is that statistically every time you breed a lilly white to any normal crested gecko you have a 50/50 chance of getting a lilly white. Which is why lilly whites cost 5K a few years ago and now are averaging under $1,500 each. It seems like the smart advice is to buy breeder lilly whites that are high expression like an extreme harlequin pattern and combo them with your favorite color morph. You can never go wrong with a red or tricolor high expression lilly whites. Males are going to run much more expensive as they can breed those traits into your existing collection. The combination of lilly white to lilly white is fatal to those unfortunate few geckos that actually hatch. No super lilly white has lived more than a few days after birth. The super lilly white looks leucistic but has been found to be 100% lethal. I have to believe that 100's of breeders have tried to produce a viable super lilly but none have succeeded and I'm sure 1000's of super lilly white babies have suffered a horrible death because of it. I understand that at first people may have believed their outcrossed lilly whites may be the ones to produce a super lilly but ALL have failed. The numbers that have tried and failed are staggering, please, don't join that statistic this breeding season. To make sure the prices were accurate we excluded any cresties that included in their description axanthic, or het axanthic. Keep in mind that these lilly white crested geckos may also express, varying degrees of harlequin, extreme harlequin, and/or color traits. Those traits would also increase the price and explain the highest priced lilly whites on this list. 

Unsexed lilly whites Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

0.0%

$100 - $249

0.0%

$3000 +

0.0%

$2000 - $2499

2.5%

$2500 - $2999

2.5%

$1500 - $1999

5.0%

$250 - $499

12.5%

$750 - $999

15.0%

$1000 - $1499

20.0%

$500 - $749

42.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Unsexed lilly whites average sales price was $906.
  2. 2
    The median price for Unsexed lilly whites fell in the $500 - $749 range.
  3. 3
    50% of all lilly whites sold were sold as unsexed. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of Unsexed lilly whites purchased was between $2,500 - $2,999.

ANALYSIS: If you are looking to get a deal on a lilly white consider buying a young unsexed one. 55% of all unsexed lilly whites sell for under $750. Hold onto that lilly white and grow it out for breeding for resale with 90% of males selling for over $750 and 85% of females. Unlike most morphs, the male lilly whites are more valuable so keep an eye out on the unsexed market to luck into a top quality male. 

male lilly whites Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

0.0%

$100 - $249

0.0%

$250 - $499

0.0%

$2000 - $2499

5.0%

$3000 +

7.5%

$500 - $749

10.0%

$750 - $999

12.5%

$2500 - $2999

15.0%

$1000 - $1499

17.5%

$1500 - $1999

32.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Male lilly whites average sales price was $1,709.
  2. 2
    The median price for Male lilly whites fell in the $1500 - $1999 range.
  3. 3
    22.5% of all lilly whites sold were sold as Males. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of Male lilly whites purchased were for $3,000 plus. 

ANALYSIS: Full disclosure, I struggled with finding enough meaningful data for male and female lilly whites. These numbers in some places seem accurate and in other a bit questionable. As we do more of these reports these numbers should either self correct or prove to be accurate. I don't want to make any analysis based on this limited data until more male and female lilly whites are sold. However, one thing is clear, male lilly whites typically sell for more than female lilly whites.  

female lilly whites Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

0.0%

$100 - $249

0.0%

$250 - $499

0.0%

$3000 +

5.0%

$750 - $999

7.5%

$2500 - $2999

7.5%

$2000 - $2499

12.5%

$500 - $749

15.0%

$1000 - $1499

25.0%

$1500 - $1999

27.5%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Female lilly whites average sales price was $1,402.
  2. 2
    The median price for female lilly whites fell in the $1500 - $1999 range.
  3. 3
    27.5% of all lilly whites sold were sold as females. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of female lilly whites purchased were for $3,000 plus. 

ANALYSIS: Full disclosure, I struggled with finding enough meaningful data for male and female lilly whites. These numbers in some places seem accurate and in other a bit questionable. As we do more of these reports these numbers should either self correct or prove to be accurate. I don't want to make any analysis based on this limited data until more male and female lilly whites are sold. 


Crested Geckos

For Sale


100% Het Axanthic Crested Gecko Prices - 3rd Quarter - 2021 

The sale of unsexed 100% het axanthic crested geckos represented 57.14% of all crested geckos sold in the third quarter of 2021. Collectively they had an average sales price of $1,469 and a price range as low as $750 and as much as $2,400.

Het Axanthics / Axanthics

Everyone wants an axanthic crested gecko. At this time axanthics are the only universally accepted simple recessive mutation in crested geckos. There are some promising others that we hope prove out over the next few years but right now, axanthic crested geckos are king. They are also super expensive and very little data about how much they have sold for is available. However, unsexed 100% het axanthics are regularly popping up for sale across the internet. Just to be clear, 100% het axanthics are NON-VISUAL normal looking crested geckos. They carry the simple recessive gene of axanthic which then can be passed down to their offspring. We've put together some numbers that will give us a good baseline to start.  To make sure the prices were accurate we excluded any cresties that included in their description lilly white, axanthic, or possible het axanthic. Keep in mind that these 100% het axanthic crested geckos may also express, varying degrees of harlequin, extreme harlequin or pinstripes along with darker colors or lighter colors. Those traits would also increase the price and explain the highest priced het axanthics on this list. 

unsexed het axanthic Sales Price

% Sold at Sales price

$99 & under

0.0%

$100 - $249

0.0%

$250 - $499

0.0%

$500 - $749

0.0%

$750 - $999

15.0%

$1000 - $1499

45.0%

$1500 - $1999

25.0%

$2000 - $2499

15.0%

$2500 - $2999

0.0%

$3000 +

0.0%

The Important Numbers

  1. 1
    Unsexed het axanthics average sales price was $1,402.
  2. 2
    The median price for unsexed het axanthics fell in the $1000 - $1499 range.
  3. 3
    57.1% of all het axanthics sold were sold as unsexed. 
  4. 4
    The top 2.5% of unsexed het axanthics purchases was between $2,000 - $2,499. 

ANALYSIS: I spent a lot of time looking at 100% het axanthics for sale, possible het axanthics for sale and axanthics for sale. The one thing that is almost completely absent for sale are females. If you can find a female, het, possible het or visual, snatch her up because no hardly anyone is selling them. 

Male and Female 100% Het Axanthics & All Visual Axanthics

ANALYSIS: Full disclosure, I struggled with finding enough meaningful data for male and female het axanthics and all axanthics. There is so little data out there I couldn't even accurately speculate on pricing. There isn't that many people producing or selling them for me to extrapolate what little data we have available. 

Intent, Purpose and Disclaimer

Crested Geckos are one of the top five most popular reptiles in the United States. Due to the large number of professional and hobbyist breeders, there are multiple data points that can be gathered to help determine the value of crested geckos by morph or mutation. This report gathers data from publicly available information on websites, social media, forums and private sales to compile these analyses. This report in no way should be considered an accurate depiction of the crested gecko market nor should be relied upon to make any investment, financial, or purchasing decisions. The data points we rely upon are all self-reported valuations and could easily be manipulated to reflect higher selling points than actually sold. We make no attempt to verify the reported sales prices. With that being said, we cannot think of a good reason that an entire industry would manipulate their sales prices as a collective. Our experience with the reptile industry leaves us doubting the industry could ever agree upon anything, let alone such a large and unreported manipulation of sales figures. But, who knows, you can agree or disagree with the numbers within, they are solely my opinion based on my research. Contact me with any constructive ideas to improve the report.

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3rd Quarter (July, August, September) -  2021 Crested Gecko Industry Sales in the US

Many of these numbers are starting data points that will be tracked quarterly to help identify trends in the cost changes of different crested gecko morphs. The 2021 4th quarter crested gecko industry financial report will depict gains and losses plus the percentage changes between the quarters.  

Reports Relied Upon To Estimate Annual Revenue 

All reports hyperlinked in orange. It is difficult to find a group that tracks reptile industry estimated revenue by reptile. In fact, it is difficult to find many estimates for the reptile industry at all. When you compare the findings in this report to the reptile industry available numbers over the past 20 years, it feels like these numbers are accurate. We found a report estimating that the reptile industry spent 495 million on supplies, alone in 2019. It is also estimated that 33% of all purchases are for food. The Business Wire estimates that reptile products sales will increase to 650 million a year by 2024. However, multiple assumptions had to be made without much information to base them upon to estimate crested gecko revenues. 

Distribution - Copy Right - Legal

This report was produced for the benefit of all parties interested and involved in the reptile industry but its contents are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed reflect our analysis as of September 30, 2021, unless noted otherwise, and are subject to change. The information is from sources that are self-reporting absent an audit so we make no warranty of its accuracy. I offer this report to anyone free of charge. However, its contents are property of Tenny’s Crested Geckos except where third party data has been cited. You may freely use this document so long as you credit this article with a link to this URL. 

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