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Pinstripe Crested Gecko

Pinstripe is one of the most popular structural traits in the crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus).

🗓️ Last reviewed: July 2026

Overview

Pinstripe is one of the most popular structural traits in the crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus). The name refers to rows of raised, often pale scales that run along the outer edges of the animal's back, framing the dorsal area. It is a trait of scale structure and placement rather than a distinct colour, so it combines freely with almost any base colour or pattern.

What it is

Compared with a normal or wild-type crested gecko, whose dorsal scales are fairly uniform and low, a pinstripe shows a defined line of enlarged, raised scales down each side of the back. These raised scales frequently catch light and appear cream, white, or a lighter shade than the surrounding skin, giving the impression of two "pinstripes" running from the shoulders toward the tail. The rest of the gecko can look like any other crested gecko.

The genetics

Pinstripe is a polygenic, structural trait, not a simple recessive or dominant gene. That means it is not inherited as a clean on/off switch controlled by one gene pair. Instead, several genetic factors influence how much of the dorsal edge shows raised scaling, and breeders improve and stabilise the look by selective, line-bred pairings over many generations. The "percentage of pinstripe" you often hear about (the share of the back edge that carries the full raised line) is a line-bred quality, so two pinstripe parents do not guarantee a fully-lined clutch.

Appearance

A strong pinstripe shows an unbroken row of raised, contrasting scales along each side of the dorsum, sometimes described by how complete the line is (for example, a partial line versus a full line running the length of the back). Many pinstripes pair with structural head and tail traits, and the raised scales can look especially crisp when the gecko is "fired up" and its base colour darkens. Hatchlings may show only a hint of the trait, with the raised scaling becoming clearer and more defined as the gecko matures. Colour and pattern underneath can shift with age and firing, as in any crested gecko.

How it is bred

Simple recessive traits need two copies to show and can hide in unaffected "het" carriers; dominant and incomplete-dominant traits show with a single copy. Pinstripe works differently: as a line-bred, polygenic trait it is developed by choosing the best-expressing animals and pairing them over successive generations to concentrate the look. Combos are common, since pinstripe stacks readily with colours and other structural traits to build more complex crested geckos.

Cost and availability

Pinstripe is widely available and is one of the more common structural traits in the hobby. Basic or partial pinstripes sit near the lower end of the market, while animals with clean, full lines combined with desirable colours and other traits command higher prices. Overall it is an accessible, easy-to-find look rather than a rare one.

Health and ethics

Pinstripe is a structural trait with no known welfare problem tied to it, unlike some crested gecko lines that carry health concerns. A pinstripe should be as healthy as any standard crested gecko, so the usual advice applies: choose reputable, transparent breeders, ask about lineage, and see a qualified reptile (herp) vet for any health questions or concerns.

Care

Care is identical to a standard crested gecko. The pinstripe trait changes only the look of the scales along the back, not the animal's needs. For husbandry specifics, follow reputable crested gecko care guidance and consult a herp vet.