Happy New Year Michael and all other herpers!

This question has come up quite a bit lately and the answer is that there is no definite way to visually distinguish between a Salmon and a Supersalmon.

One thing to look for is the amount of black on the borders of pattern between the vent and the tip of the tail. A SuperSalmon ALMOST always has no black borders on that pattern. However, we have Salmons that have zero black on that pattern, so that is not a sure fire method of determination.

Another thing to look for is the mustache. A Supersalmon will often have a very reduced mustache, or none at all. However, we have a male we proved to be a Supersalmon and he has a normal mustache.

Many say that reduced pattern and cleanliness is the way that you can tell. However, we have a SuperSalmon that is really flecked out and has loads of pattern, yet he is a proven Super. We have Salmons with almost no pattern, no flecks, just pieces of a mustache, and no black on the tail, and they are not Supers.

A well known boa breeder recently asked us if the color of the eyes was an indication, suggesting that the deep red eyes means its a Super. We have a proven super with white eyes, and Salmons with brick red eyes. We have found little to no correlation with the eye color theory.

Whats going to be more difficult is when Sunglows gain popularity. How will we tell the difference between a Sunglow and a SuperSunglow? There will more than likely be even more room for error here.

The reason we use the terms "possible" and "probable" is because we would rather error on the side of caution. We have a few Salmons for sale right now that we feel absolutely confident that they are Supers, but until we formerly prove out one of the parents, we will not guarantee it.

Its a great question Michael and one that I hope we are all working on answering. Every time we think we have the answer defined, one or two animals produces a litter that foils the theory completely!

Best of luck to everyone in the New Year and if anyone has more to add to this discussion or has another theory that has not been considered, we would love to hear it!

In the picture below we are really confident that this girl is a SuperSalmon. Do you see any black between the vent and the tail tip? Someday someone will prove her to be or not to be.

Thank you,
Salmonboa.com

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