# Flame

_Permalink: https://geckinspect.com/MorphGuide/flame_

**Rarity:** Common  
**Inheritance:** Polygenic  
**Category:** Pattern  
**Typical adult price:** $60 to $180

**Definition.** A Flame crested gecko has conspicuous lighter dorsal pattern with relatively little pattern on the flanks and limbs.

Dorsal pattern dominates; flank and leg pattern is limited.

Flame directs attention to the patterned dorsal field. Some examples have subtle lateral or limb markings, so perfectly blank sides are not a requirement. Compare the amount and organization of flank and limb pattern when discussing flame versus harlequin.

**History.** Recognized since the earliest days of the hobby. Named for the flame-like markings running along the back.

**Key features:**
- Light pattern is most conspicuous on the back
- Relatively limited lateral and limb pattern
- Broad dorsal pattern is distinct from a narrow pinstripe

**How to identify it:**
- Compare the dorsal field with the flanks and legs
- Recognize that borderline flame and harlequin labels vary

**Lookalikes and how to tell them apart:**
- Harlequin (https://geckinspect.com/MorphGuide/harlequin): Harlequin has more conspicuous lateral and limb pattern; the boundary is descriptive.
- Bicolor (https://geckinspect.com/MorphGuide/bicolor): Bicolor describes a contrasting dorsal color field with little internal pattern; flame emphasizes dorsal markings.

**Often combined with:** Dalmatian, Cream, Pinstripe, Lilly White

**Sources:**
- https://lmreptiles.com/fg-pt2-1/
- https://www.pangeareptile.com/collections/harlequin

_Source: Geck Inspect Morph Guide. Updated 2026-10-13. Cite https://geckinspect.com/MorphGuide/flame_