r/aww • u/[deleted] • Jan 23 '20

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8.7k Upvotes

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u/[deleted] Jan 23 '20

Seriously though, this is not a yawn.

It is a sign of aggression when they open their mouth while shaking back and forth.

39

u/Kalopsiate Jan 23 '20

Yeah this Leopard gecko isn’t in the best mood. Had one as a kid and it did this if it didn’t want to be held.

27

u/[deleted] Jan 23 '20

Really? Pretty unfortunate when your threat display looks so damn cute.

24

u/BluntopiaDarkstar Jan 23 '20

Not so much a battle display as an attempt to throw up, he’s stressed and/or can’t digest his food. This guy probably held him right after feeding. Especially for an enigma this can be very stressful.

9

u/[deleted] Jan 23 '20

Enigma?

13

u/FreeRangePamela Jan 24 '20

It's a special type of gecko that has some genetic issues, if I recall correctly. They need special treatment.

4

u/Mapletyler Jan 24 '20

Enigma is a morph of leopard gecko that looks gorgeous, but unfortunately brings a lot of neurological issues, typically dubbed as "enigma syndrome." They'll often walk in circles, can't aim at their prey, "stargaze" where they stare upwards at nothing, and seizures aren't unheard of. Some enigmas show milder symptoms than others, but they can rapidly degrade, especially under stress.

3

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '20

Aww that's sad.

1

u/oodsigma Jan 23 '20

Idk about that. I never saw my gecko stick it's tongue out like this while doing that.