BEARDED DRAGON – PURE RED MONSTER TRANSLUCENT (Pogona vitticeps X Pogona barbata)

Here is a complete care guide tailored specifically for the Bearded Dragon – Pure Red Monster Translucent morph. While their basic husbandry aligns with standard Pogona vitticeps care, there are some special considerations for their vibrant coloration and translucent trait.

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BEARDED DRAGON – PURE RED MONSTER TRANSLUCENT CARE GUIDE

Quick Morph Info:

• Species: Pogona vitticeps

• Morph: Pure Red Monster = deep red color line

• Translucent Trait: Reduced scale opacity, often dark eyes, bluish bellies in young

• Adult Size: 18–24 inches

• Lifespan: 10–15 years with proper care

• Temperament: Friendly, inquisitive, handleable

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Enclosure Requirements

Enclosure Size:

• Juvenile: 40 gal (36″x18″x18″)

• Adult: 4’x2’x2′ (120 gal or larger) — essential for full-size morphs

• Glass, PVC, or front-opening terrariums work best

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️ Heating & Lighting

Daytime Temps:

• Basking spot: 100–110°F (38–43°C)

• Cool side: 75–85°F (24–29°C)

Nighttime Temps:

• Can safely drop to 65–75°F (18–24°C)

UVB Lighting (Essential):

• High Output T5 HO UVB tube

  • Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 OR Arcadia 12%

  • Mount 10–18″ from basking spot, inside tank with no mesh obstruction

• Replace every 6–12 months depending on brand

Notes for Translucents:

• Translucent dragons are more light-sensitive, especially in the eyes

• Avoid overly intense UVB or direct LEDs aimed at the face

• Monitor for eye closing or light avoidance

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Light Cycle

• 12–14 hours light/day using a timer

• Use white daytime basking bulbs only — no colored night lights

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Substrate

Recommended:

• Tile, slate, or non-adhesive shelf liner

• Washed play sand or bioactive (for adults only and with experience)

Avoid:

• Loose substrate for juveniles

• Calci-sand or crushed walnut — impaction risk

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Decor & Enrichment

• Basking rock or log (beneath heat and UVB)

• Multiple hides (warm and cool side)

• Hammock or driftwood for climbing

• Safe fake or live plants (no pesticides)

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Humidity & Water

• Ideal humidity: 30–40%

• Daily misting optional — not required

• Provide a shallow water bowl, refreshed daily

• Offer a lukewarm soak 1–2x/week to support hydration and shedding

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Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous — balance shifts with age

Protein (Insects):

• Staples: Dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, crickets

• Treats: Hornworms, silkworms, waxworms (infrequent)

Vegetables:

• Mustard greens, collards, turnip greens, dandelion greens, squash

Fruit (occasional):

• Berries, mango, papaya, apple (no seeds)

Feeding Schedule:

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Supplements

• Calcium + D3: 4–5x/week for babies, 2–3x/week for adults

• Multivitamin: 1–2x/week

• Dust insects lightly — do not overcoat

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Health Watch

Common Issues:

• Metabolic Bone Disease: Prevent with UVB + calcium

• Dehydration: Lethargy, wrinkled skin — provide soaks

• Impaction: Avoid large insects & unsafe substrates

• Shedding Problems: More common in morphs — use moist hide or soak

• Light Sensitivity: Watch for squinting, especially in Translucents

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Handling & Temperament

• Red Monster Translucents are typically docile and highly handleable

• Support entire body during handling

• Limit sessions to ~10–15 minutes until fully acclimated

• Never grab by the tail

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✅ Supplies Checklist

• 120+ gallon enclosure

• Basking bulb + dome fixture

• T5 HO UVB linear tube + fixture

• Digital thermometer + temp gun

• Hygrometer

• Basking spot (rock/log)

• Multiple hides

• Substrate (tile or safe loose for adults)

• Feeding tongs, dishes

• Calcium + D3 and multivitamin powders

• Insects and fresh greens

• Water bowl + optional soaking tub

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Summary Table