To be "axanthic", it cannot have ANY reds/oranges/yellows whatsoever.

It really is best described as being extremely "hypo-erythristic", or "hypo-xanthic" animal, as xanthophores are responsible for these pigment colors that can work in tandem with erythrophores.

Xanthophores

These chromatophores produce red and yellow pigments known as pteridines. These may vary in color from pure yellow to pure red, as well as intermediate shades. Xanthophores possessing a predominantly red coloration are referred to as erythrophores.

Xanthophores also retain yellow to reddish pigments contained in the diet in the form of carotenoids. Carotenoid retention continues throughout life, and intensity of pigmentation varies based on the quantity and types of carotenoids contained in the diet. Additionally, the animals' genetic predisposition towards and ability to store carotenoids will affect appearance.


regards, ~Doug
-----
"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

[ Hide Replies ]

• Odd looking Texas Rat - AllenSheehan, Wed Jul 7 11:02:40 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - KevinM, Wed Jul 7 14:29:03 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - AllenSheehan, Wed Jul 7 14:49:17 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - KevinM, Wed Jul 7 16:13:00 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - draybar, Wed Jul 7 16:53:45 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - AllenSheehan, Wed Jul 7 20:46:06 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - DMong, Wed Jul 7 21:31:11 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - KevinM, Thu Jul 8 09:07:46 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - AllenSheehan, Thu Jul 8 11:51:11 2010
• but it isn't axanthic - DMong, Thu Jul 8 12:48:12 2010
• RE: but it isn't axanthic - AllenSheehan, Thu Jul 8 13:16:13 2010
• ahhh, okay! - DMong, Thu Jul 8 13:41:05 2010
• RE: but it isn't axanthic - Aaron, Thu Jul 8 22:14:16 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - MaxPeterson, Thu Jul 8 15:18:32 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - AllenSheehan, Thu Jul 8 15:40:07 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - MaxPeterson, Thu Jul 8 16:13:34 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - Alan Garry, Thu Jul 8 19:34:17 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - MaxPeterson, Fri Jul 9 00:14:30 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - Alan Garry, Fri Jul 9 13:55:22 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - MaxPeterson, Fri Jul 9 15:06:16 2010
• RE: Odd looking Texas Rat - Alan Garry, Fri Jul 9 21:11:09 2010