F1 Eastern Brazil true redtail is hypomelanistic..

[RioBravoReptiles]

.. and a fabulous-looking Boa! When this popped out of our Belem, Brazil breeding in 2003 it looked nice.. now it is a show-stopper.. I hope you can see the tons of color on this snake 1/2 as much as in person..
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http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/3245belem04_f506.jpg]
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Thanks for looking.

[beastie]

that's a wonderful boa! is that lightness genetic, or a one-in-the-litter kind of deal that needs proven?


thanks for sharing!

bc

[Panama_Red]

Outstanding boa Gus!

[RioBravoReptiles]

I'm thinking the color and reduced black (hypomelanism) are genetic, but is the boa a co-dominant genetic-hypomelanistic? We'll see in a few years.

The parents are wild-collected and very beautiful, but normal in every way. And though they look a lot alike and are from the same region they are producing a range of phases, some are better-marked, some more plain.. that animal above (not the only one to come out hypo) is an example of one of the more reduced-marking phases or morphs, except very hypo..

This snake, is an example of a more classic-looking, or more heavily-patterned Belem boa (sibling to the above):
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http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/3245belem03ma_web.jpg
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.. and this snake is another much-reduced-black pigment animal, also of the same litter but more of a match for the 'normal' boa:
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http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/3245belem03fa.jpg
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Of the different looks I think that first hypo will be a rainbow of colors as an adult without a lot of contrast, this bottom photo is of my favourite, that snake will just blow your mind (I'm thinking).

I hope that answers your questions..

[beastie]

thanks! that definitely covers my question. co-dom hypo doesn't appear to be a factor, but i've also heard of a similar phenotype that's expressed by a recessive gene, so that's a possibility too! good luck either way!


bc

[thunder]

that "hypo" is fantastic, genetic or not. if it is genetic, this could be the start of a whole new thing. either way, awesome animal! congrats.