Hypo is a general term for any boa constrictor that has less black pigment than the average boa. That includes salmon, pastel, orangetail, naturally occurring populations that are lighter than the average, etc.

Salmon is a particular dominant mutant gene that produces a snake with less black pigment than average and seems to enhance yellow/orange in the ground coloration at the same time. Salmon is also the look produced by the salmon mutant gene and boas that have the mutant gene. It was named by Ihle, et al. See the www.salmonboa.com web site for an account of the discovery.

Pastel is a selectively-bred strain of boas produced by Jeff Ronne. They are lighter colored than average, but, as far as I know, pastels do not have the salmon mutant gene.

>I guess my biggest question is if I buy a Pastel 100% Het Albino X Albino would that still make sunglows or no?

Short answer: No. Sunglow requires the orange enhancement produced by the salmon mutant gene.

Paul Hollander

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