I think the polygenic makeup of bloodlines play a significant role in the way single gene mutations are expressed.

From what I've seen, its not random. There are litters that have high consistant high percentages of ladder tail motleys... and there are litters that have consistant high percentages of "whip tail" motleys.

What creates these variations? The polygenic makeup of an individual or the single gene mutation itself?

Look at other single gene mutations without the subjectivity related to pattern aberrancy, albinos for example. What determines what makes a nice albino and what makes a poor one? We've pretty well proven through selective breeding that it is the bloodline, or the polygenic makeup, that determines this. The mutation itself doesnt seem to express itself in variable ways.

I think the same thing happens with pattern mutations... jungles... motleys... etc. Look at jungle litters, some are very aberrant, others are not. These very aberrant ones tend to throw other very aberrant ones. It's the same exact genetic mutation, only a differing bloodline. The mutation along with the polygenic makeup provides a total sum of the visual end result, not just the mutation.

Just a little observation/theory of mine. My knowledge in advanced genetics is slim so take it with a grain of salt.


>>According to the breeders who make all the Motleys it is random. I think it has a lot to do with what the Motley is bred to personally. I've started to pull from the "perfect" look croud on the Motleys. I like things a little different.
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>>Best advice, pick the pattern you like the most, and hope for the best with babies. (Breeding to a Salmon can assure you wild patterns that don't make sense.)
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>>http://www.GilbertBoas.com/
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www.topnotchboas.com

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