Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since hybrid offspring often exibit what's known as 'hybrid vigour' where the babies grow up to be far larger than either parents, it got me to thinking - what would happen if you crossed a reticulated python with an anaconda? Since both species regulary attain lengths of over 20 ft, would you end up with a truly gigantic snake? Is it even possible for these two to be crossed?

>>Since hybrid offspring often exibit what's known as 'hybrid vigour' where the babies grow up to be far larger than either parents, it got me to thinking - what would happen if you crossed a reticulated python with an anaconda? Since both species regulary attain lengths of over 20 ft, would you end up with a truly gigantic snake? Is it even possible for these two to be crossed?

Anaconda = Boa = Live Birth
Retic = Python = Egg Layer

So there is the major problem of the two to be crossed, as of yet the cross has not been done , snake to snake. but how knows what might happen in a lab full of genetisist's, if they wanted one im sure they would produce one.

As far as the size factor, you would more than likely get larger offspring, due to the mix of genetics that involve size and the fact that hybrids normaly do show size improvement as well as other factors that normaly improve the overall makeup of the hybrid.

im sure if it does happen the outcome would be Massive and very aggresive.lol , but very beautifull.
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************* Oh no its Me again *************

While I would never lay money on this being possible I won't ever say "it can't" or rule the possiblity out completely. In the last few years many hybrids have been produced that once upon a time the status quo would have been convinced the mix, "was not possible". Many beliefs and "facts" are being dispelled by actual breedings.

Other misconceptions that prove to not be true....

That hybrids are always larger that either contributing species. We have been producing rock/burm hybrids for many years now and it is actually the opposite. All of our rock/burm hybrids are quite small and reach maturity at about 8 feet for females and 5 feet for males. The females grow to 10 to 11 feet over time but to date never more than 10 to 11 feet. No matter how much we feed them. Males don't exceed 9 feet. This is in stark contrast with both pure rocks and pure burmese which may mature at 11-12 feet and commonly grow on to 15 foot plus within the first 4 or 5 years alone.

It is the same with their dispositions. All of our hybrids are completely tame and calm. This in stark contrast to the often high-strung pure rocks that can become somewhat confrontational (males) and very irritable (females). Even our pure burms are less laid back than our hybrids. I must admit, this is not what we were expecting, but it is how it is and we like the results.
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David Beauchemin
High End Herps.Inc
http://HighEndHerps.com

Well said, David

As for the Reconda, great idea if it was to ever happen. I would be first in line at the lab!