Common name: Enigma Leopard Gecko
Scientific name: Eublepharis macularius
Origin of species: Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwestern India, Iran (dry, rocky deserts & grasslands)
Size: 7–10 inches (adult)
Weight: 45–70 g
Lifespan: 10–20 years in captivity (though some Enigmas live shorter lives due to health issues)
Inheritance: Dominant morph (only one copy is needed to express it)
Appearance:
Irregular, “chaotic” spotting and banding patterns (hence the name “Enigma”)
Reduced spotting on the body and tail
High contrast markings that can vary dramatically between individuals
Some Enigmas show orange, lavender, or clean white tails
Eye variations are common (including Eclipse-like eyes in combos)
Cause: A neurological condition linked directly to the Enigma gene. It is always a risk, even in “mild” cases.
Symptoms:
Head tilting
“Stargazing” (looking upward for long periods)
Loss of coordination / circling behavior
Difficulty striking at food
Severity: Ranges from very mild (barely noticeable) to severe (impacts feeding and quality of life).
Breeding ethics: Many breeders avoid producing Enigmas because all offspring carry the risk of Enigma Syndrome.
Personality: Usually docile and easy to handle like other leopard geckos
Handling: Can be handled gently, but stress may exacerbate neurological symptoms
Behavior: May be more restless or easily disoriented than non-Enigma geckos
Enclosure: 20-gallon long tank minimum for one adult
Substrate: Paper towel, reptile carpet, slate tile, or packed soil/sand-clay mix (avoid loose sand for juveniles)
Temperature:
Warm side (belly heat): 88–92°F
Cool side: 75–80°F
Night: 70–75°F
Humidity: 30–40% with a humid hide for shedding
Lighting: Not UVB-dependent, but low-level UVB is beneficial
Decor: Provide multiple hides, clutter, and low climbing structures for enrichment
Type: Insectivore
Staple foods: Dubia roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae
Treats: Mealworms, hornworms, silkworms, waxworms (sparingly — fatty)
Supplements:
Calcium with D3 (every feeding for juveniles; every other for adults)
Multivitamins (weekly)
Feeding schedule:
Juveniles: daily
Adults: every 2–3 days
