The black leopard gecko is a rare morph of leopard geckos named after its color. It’s loved for its hypermelanistic pitch-black color with no pattern whatsoever. The tiny gecko is easy to care for and happy to be held, making it a popular house pet in a family of all ages.
The black night gecko is sold between $400 to $3000, making it one of the most expensive morphs currently. In fact, there’s a big chance you might pay in excess of $1000 for the very colored ones. The completely black ones are $400 – $700. The price will depend on where you buy the gecko, but you can also adopt one for free.
In this article, we look at the price of buying a leopard gecko, where to buy one, and what affects their price.
Factors That Determine the Cost of a Black Night Leopard Gecko
While the price will be affected by various factors, there’s a general price. It will vary from where you buy from, making it a little confusing to determine a fair price. Here are the factors affecting the price of a black night leopard gecko:
Breeder Price
In addition to location, certain breeders have unique lineages. For instance, a higher price may be put for black nights with a hidden pattern, brighter color, impeccable health, and docile dispositions. It’s recommended that you buy your leopard gecko from a reputable breeder.
The most reputable breeders will offer more details about the health of the chosen leopard gecko.
Breeders usually guarantee the health of the hatchlings within a certain period of time and even go ahead to offer lifetime support. The support can be invaluable for beginners who may not be conversant about their care and habitat setup.
Ethical breeders are all very transparent with what’s involved during breeding and will offer proof of their high-quality husbandry.
Getting your gecko from a private breeder will better the chances of receiving a well-adjusted, healthy gecko that has been trained for handling and had the best start in life.
There’s no doubt that paying more for a gecko from a private breeder comes with more benefits that outweigh the costs in the long run.
Pet stores and online sellers may offer hatchlings for as low as $50. It does not mean you should avoid buying your leopard gecko from them, but you should be aware that the source may not be verified.
Some of them buy their geckos in bulk from reptile mill breeders who may be selling sickly and injured reptiles brought up in poor conditions.
Not only will these cost you more in the long run with vet bills, but the pet may never even survive. Pet stores do not provide enough information about the bloodlines and genetics and will hide behind fancy leopard geckos.
It’s particularly important to know the genetics of the black night leopard gecko because they can be prone to Enigma Syndrome, a neurological illness in leopard geckos. It’s also rare for pet stores to provide health guarantees and support services.
State
In the US, black night leopard geckos can vary in price from state to state. Florida and Ohio, for example, have some of the largest reptile expos in the country and have a higher price percentage of reptile ownership.
It’s possible to buy cheaper here, compared to other states like Michigan and Virginia. Finding reputable breeders in Alaska is problematic because it’s too cold here.
Remember that reptiles aren’t supposed to be shipped in temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In Hawaii, it’s illegal to own a leopard gecko as well as other exotic pets.
Age
This is not a major factor like other factors mentioned here, but it can still impact the price. A younger leopard gecko is cheaper than a sexually mature adult.
Adults are preferred because they can breed in no time and are more affordable to care for. On the other hand, babies are more delicate and can be expensive to care for in the first few months.
Ownership Costs
The price of dark night ownership is just the tip of the iceberg. The cost of husbandry, setup, food, and maintenance is a crucial factor to consider. The prices aren’t high, but they are a larger share of what you commit to bringing home your new reptile.
The initial cost of owning a black night leopard gecko is at least $300. A 20-gallon glass tank is about $200, the heat bulbs will cost about $10, heat bulbs will cost around $10 to $15, and a reptile carpet is priced around $15.
You also need décor, thermometer, hides, hygrometers, and other necessary equipment that will cost about $150.
The first year of ownership is the most expensive because they require specific foods and more care. Thankfully, the costs will drop drastically because some big purchases like the tank will serve the pet for its entire lifespan.
| Item | Price |
| 20-gallon enclosure | $100 – $300 |
| Reptile Carpet | $10 – $15 |
| Heating Bulbs | $10 – $20 |
| UVB Bulbs | $10 – $15 |
| Substrate/Hides/Thermometer/hygrometer | $100 – $150 |
| Total | $305 – $500 |
Monthly Costs
Enclosure maintenance and food are the biggest expenses during the ownership of a black night gecko and a leopard gecko.
For one, you will need to replace the UVB bulb after every 6 months as well as yearly replacement of the heating bulb. Younger black nights eat more than adults to facilitate growth. Fortunately, foods are readily available consisting of insects, greens, and supplements.
Vitamin supplements may cost about $5 per month. Finally, you must also factor in exotic vet visits, but healthy leopard geckos rarely need any. For caution, put aside $100 per year for medical costs.
Here’s a summary of the monthly costs of owning a black night leopard gecko:
| Item | Cost |
| Substrate | $5 |
| Food | $25 |
| Supplements | $5 |
| Bulbs | $5 |
| Healthcare | $8 |
| Pet insurance (optional) | $35 – $100 |
Why Are Black Night Leopard Geckos So Expensive?
Black night morphs are arguably the most expensive of all leopard geckos on sale. Apart from their unique darker color, their price is affected by the culmination of decades of breeding.
It’s also very difficult to produce a healthy morph. There is also a high demand for this gecko which breeders capitalize on. Their higher demand level is to blame for the high price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Night Leopard Geckos Rare?
Black night geckos are some of the most sought-after and among the rarest morphs in captivity. The solid black ones are the rarest.
What Does It Mean When a Leopard Gecko Is Becoming Dark?
One of the most common reasons your leopard gecko is getting darker is due to imbalances in temperatures and humidity, which can also be caused by stress and shedding. Usually, your leopard gecko turning darker is not a major issue, but you need to correct their tank setup.
Are Black Leopard Geckos Poisonous?
No, these cute black reptiles are not poisonous, which makes them ideal for families with kids. Besides, they are not violent, so you can handle them without fear.
Which Is The Most Expensive Gecko Ever Sold?
One recorded sale involving leopard geckos was the black pearl morph that sold for $3000! The Urban Gecko was the breeder who crossbred a bloodline involving a pair of black pearls. With the advancing reptile research and breeding, you can expect to find even more expensive leopard geckos.
Do Black Night Leopard Geckos Make Great Pets?
Absolutely! Easy to care for, enjoys being handled, and non-aggressive, the black nights are a popular family pet to keep. It’s the incredible pitch-black appearance that makes them more likable than other lizards.
However, the black night is also more prone to illnesses because its production involves intensive breeding. Buying from a reputable breeder can provide reassurance about their health.
How Long Do Black Night Leopard Geckos Live?
The leopard geckos have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years in captivity, but they can live longer with the correct husbandry. The black night leopard gecko may not live longer than 15 years due to the heavy line breeding involved.
How Much Do Black Night Leopard Geckos Cost?
It’s worth noting that black night leopard geckos are among the rarest morphs, increasing their demand tremendously. Expect to chunk out up to $2000 for this morph or way above that for the striking-looking morphs from private breeders.
Conclusion
The black night leopard gecko is rare, but it’s also among the most sought-after morphs out there. If you just found one with a clean report, don’t hesitate to pick it.
However, ensure you’re ready to pay more, especially if it’s from a privately owned pet store. The price depends on their age, with adult reptiles being more expensive. Make sure your state allows their ownership.
Keep in mind the cost of caring for them, including the enclosure, heat lamps, supplements, and diet. Generally, purchasing is the most expensive bit, but they are inexpensive to own. Regardless, black nights are amazing pets that are interesting to watch.