I got this female albino burm about two months ago in a trade. She had a few of these black specks on her when I got her - I've seen mites before -these aren't between the scales they appear to be in the scales or part of the scales. Some are line shaped and some look like dust. They do not move and cannot be scratched off - they appear part of the scale. I've looked in between the deep belly scale and don't see anything but skin - they're all around the outer edge of the scales or on top of them. She's also taken 2 baths and still no movement of them & nothing in waterbowl. There does seems to be a little more of them. She's eaten a rat per week since beginning of January - has not shed or defacated. WHat do you guys think - left over particles of previous substrate? SHe's currently in a 4'x2'x2' tank & around 51"
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ALBINO? -WHAT ARE THESE?
Replies (6)
about 60% of the marks occur dorsally and i just referenced week old pics and spots are exactly same position and size
My albino female has one scale like that on her neck about two feet from her head.It's been there since she was little and doesn't get any worse or better. I actually consider it a distinguishing characteristic in the unfortunate event that something happened where I had to identify her or prove ownership. I wouldn't worry about it.
i don't think i stated this in the previous post, but they do not move at all - could they be chiggers? or just dirty spots - thankyou
Mike, they're not mites and they're not chiggers. Chiggers are a tic of sorts and attach themselves to the skin between the scales to suck blood. These appear to be just dark spots in the scales. Nothing to worry about, I would think. There are snake morphs, called paradox, that have these marks on them. I'm in no way implying that yours is a paradox, but just that the markings are similar. Either way, don't worry, it's just a discoloration of those scales.
Quig
n/p
I had the same problem with my albino green. He simply started developing these spots on his belly, that sound like the exact same thing you are describing. No one I talked with, not even a vet, knew what they were. He just shed about a week ago, and the spots are completely gone. I could easily see where the spots were on his shed skin. I dont think it is much to worry about, but I am still wondering what it is as well. If you find out, keep us posted.
Matt
