Description
Morphdirect is a Boise, ID-based online retailer specializing in high-quality reptiles and supplies. We’ve been stocking this specific “Pennywise” Blue Bar Hypo Red Leatherback Bearded Dragon since Q1 2025, and it’s become one of our better-reviewed animals in the fancy bearded dragon category, with customers frequently coming back for another from the same bloodline.
Reviewed by Danny Voss, Senior Evaluator at Morphdirect. 10 years, 400+ products evaluated.
Last updated: April 2026
Stand-Out Features
Let’s talk about what makes this dragon special. I’ve personally handled this animal, and the photos don’t do it justice. The “Pennywise” line is known for its intense, saturated reds that hold their color into adulthood, and this male is a prime example. The “Blue Bar” refers to the subtle, steel-blue undertones in the side bars and patterning, which creates a fantastic contrast against the fiery red base. As a Hypo, he lacks the typical black markings in his scales and nails, giving him a cleaner, brighter appearance. The Leatherback trait means his scales are smoother and reduced in size, resulting in a softer texture that many keepers prefer for handling.
In our experience, the build quality and health of this animal match or exceed what you’d expect from this breeder. We’ve found animals from this line to be robust, confident feeders with excellent temperaments, which is a big part of why we see repeat customers specifically asking for it.
Technical Data
| Product Code | #101723-05 |
| Morph | Blue Bar Hypo Red Leatherback |
| Sex | Male |
| Age (approx. at shipping) | 3-4 Months |
| Length (approx.) | 9-11 inches |
| Weight (measured on our bench scale) | 3.9 oz |
| Temperament (based on our handling) | Confident, Alert, Calm |
| Feeding Response (observed) | Excellent – Takes dubias, BSFL, greens eagerly |
| Lineage | “Pennywise” Project Bloodline |
| Genetic Traits | Hypomelanistic (Hypo), Leatherback |
| Color Development | Red intensifies with age; blue barring remains visible |
| Health Guarantee | 14-Day Live Arrival & 30-Day General Health |
How It Stacks Up
We don’t just take a breeder’s word for it. Our staff compares animals side-by-side. Here’s how this “Pennywise” male held up against two other popular red morphs we carried recently.
| Feature | “Pennywise” Blue Bar Hypo Red Leatherback (This Animal) | Competitor A: Standard Red Hypo | Competitor B: Citrus Tiger Leatherback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Saturation | Deep, blood-red base with blue-bar contrast | Bright orange-red, less depth | Yellow-orange with red highlights |
| Pattern Clarity | Very defined, clean bars and patterning | Good pattern, some blurring | Banded “tiger” pattern, less defined |
| Temperament (Our Observation) | Consistently calm, handles well | Variable; some skittish | Often high-strung |
| Feeding Reliability | Our staff noted this one won on reliability in testing | Good, but occasional refusal | Selective with greens |
| Scale Texture (Leatherback) | Yes – Smooth, reduced scaling | No – Normal scaling | Yes – Smooth, reduced scaling |
| Price Point | $299.99 | $229.99 | $279.99 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
Based on my evaluation and customer feedback, here’s the honest breakdown.
✅ Pros:
- Outstanding Color Potential: The reds are intense even as a juvenile and are known to deepen, not fade. The blue barring adds a unique, sophisticated contrast.
- Proven Reliability: This isn’t just a pretty face. In our side-by-side comparisons with other animals, this line’s feeding response and hardiness consistently stood out.
- Excellent Temperament: Handles stress well, which translates to easier acclimation and a more interactive pet. Our customers report they are often the “star” of their collection for personality.
- Leatherback Trait: The smoother scale texture is not only visually appealing but is often preferred by keepers who enjoy handling their dragons frequently.
- Strong Bloodline: The “Pennywise” project is selective breeding for specific traits. You’re getting predictable, quality genetics that have earned a 4.4/5 satisfaction rating across our first 11 buyers.
❌ Cons:
- Price Point: At $299.99, this is an investment. You’re paying for specific, proven genetics and color, not a basic pet.
- Demand: Because of its quality and reviews, this specific morph can sell out quickly. We don’t always have them available.
- Color Maintenance: Like all red morphs, maintaining peak color requires proper UVB lighting and diet. He won’t stay this vibrant by accident.
Best For
Buy this dragon if: You’re a keeper who values color genetics and wants a show-stopping red with proven lineage. You want an animal with a predictable, calm temperament that’s a reliable feeder. You’re looking for a potential future breeder with desirable Hypo and Leatherback traits.
Skip this dragon if: You’re looking for your absolute first reptile on a tight budget. You prefer the classic yellow or tan wild-type coloration. You aren’t prepared to provide the high-quality UVB and varied diet needed to maintain optimal color.
Your Questions Answered
How red will this dragon actually get?
The “Pennywise” line is bred for color retention. The red you see now is the base. It will deepen and intensify into a richer, blood-red as he matures, especially with proper care. The blue in the bars will remain as a subtle contrast. We’ve seen adults from previous clutches, and the color holds.
Is the temperament really that good?
In our handling, yes. Animals from this line have been consistently calm and alert, not skittish. This matches the feedback from our customers, who frequently comment on how handleable and personable their dragons are. A good temperament starts with genetics and is reinforced by how we and the breeder work with them before shipping.
What does “Hypo” and “Leatherback” mean for care?
“Hypo” (Hypomelanistic) means he produces less black pigment. It’s purely visual—no special care needed. “Leatherback” means his scales are smaller and smoother. Some keepers feel it makes shedding slightly easier, but the main impact is appearance and texture. Care is identical to a standard bearded dragon.
How do you ship a live animal?
We ship via FedEx Priority Overnight to your door, early morning delivery. He travels in a secure, insulated box with a heat or cool pack as needed for your weather. We only ship Monday-Wednesday to avoid weekend delays. You’ll get a tracking number the evening before delivery.
What’s included with my purchase?
You receive the healthy dragon, a detailed care sheet specific to colorful morphs, and our 14-Day Live Arrival & 30-Day General Health Guarantee. The animal is shipped alone. Enclosures, food, and supplies are purchased separately, which allows us to keep shipping costs and stress for the animal lower.
Where can I buy “Pennywise” online?
You’re looking at it. Morphdirect is an authorized retailer for this breeder’s “Pennywise” line. We’ve been stocking and selling these animals since the start of 2025, which gives us direct experience with their development and customer satisfaction, currently rated 4.4/5.
Can I use this dragon for breeding?
Absolutely. He is a proven genetic morph (Hypo Leatherback) and comes from a documented bloodline bred for color. He would be an excellent choice to pair with a Red or Citrus Hypo female to produce high-color offspring. We recommend waiting until he is at least 18 months old and 350+ grams.
✅ Plain brown box — no markings
✅ Not happy? Return within 30 days.
✅ Checkout secured with SSL encryption
✅ Domestic shipping — no customs
If you’re after a high-color Red Leatherback with the genetics and temperament to back up its looks, this “Pennywise” male is the one I’d recommend. He represents what selective breeding is all about: combining stunning visuals with solid, reliable animal husbandry.
Bearded Dragons | Fancy Bearded Dragons | Full Shop
Last updated: April 2026
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