"Mega Line" is a term that has been used for animals that may...or may not be carriers of the "Mega Hypo" gene.



It would be analogous to saying a Hondo is from the Amel line, when it's parents were a Normal (wild type) in appearance but maybe Het Amel (but were never proven).



I equate "Mega Line" and "Possible Het Mega Hypo".



Now, having stated that...I'm not even sure the Mega gene is different from the other Hypo lines. There are all kinds of possibilities.



It could be allelic to all the other Hypo genes...but still be something different.



Think of it as layers of gray...



Hypo 1 - Normal Looking Clean Pattern (little to no tipping)

Hypo 2 - Lighter Gray (in lieu of black)

Hypo 3 - Reduction in black pattern

Hypo 4 - Lightest Gray

Hypo 5 - Mega Hypo



Combine Hypo 1,2,3,4 = Extreme



Combine Hypo 1,2,5 = Maybe the offspring I've pictured below?



I've done some preliminary test breeding (with the Mega gene) this year and I know a few others that have done it as well.



The only thing I know at this point is my Mega Hypo male has produced some really nice looking Hypos. So, he at least carries a "normal" or common hypo gene...or the Mega gene is allelic.



Like these:



















This result...just one is what makes me think that the Mega gene is something different, even if it's allelic.





This is what a pure Mega Hypo looks like:







The Mega Hypo pictured above was produced from line breeding from the original female to one of her male offspring.







Here's the original female (she was supposed to be a normal triple het):





A slightly overexposed picture to show the missing pigment:





You can see she's a chocolate color...obviously not a "normal" Hondo.



Here's her offspring (the male I'm using for all my test breeding):







I am going to do some more test breeding next year...and I still have 7 eggs due to hatch in about 3 weeks...so I'll have even more data soon.







Mega Fun Project!



-Rusty

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