Reptile & Amphibian Forums

These are great animals (except that mine loves to Bite at times!) I love the dorsal stripe, silvery-tan on mine. He lacks the two, side stripes of white that females often have.

I've seen very few references to this species ANYWHERE on the Internet. Anybody reading who has behavioral stories or photos to share?

(When I learn how to re-size photos I can begin to post some of mine.)

Here's some pics for ya

Good lookin' nitida. W/C? Any locale info? Planning on working w/ those? Those are one of the (many) Kings on my wish list.

reako45

I hatched 6 last year - I'm keepin 1.1 for myself. You can check them out is ya ever make it up here!

Mines on the jumpy side, to the point he musks EVERY time I take him out of his tub. Other than that, I guess he has a typical getula appetite, rarely turning down a meal.

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Ace

Here's my female. Still looking for a male. She can be a bit nippy at times. There are a few people working with them, but they are few and far between.
-Phil

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Work is the curse
of the drinking class!

I haven't forgot about ya - as soon as I get them goin good - I'll let ya know.

Females here.

Hey Byron,
I like the Cobra-esq oval on the back of the second female's neck. Nice!!
-Phil
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Work is the curse
of the drinking class!

Thanks to all of you for the GREAT response to my question. Decent thread, mission accomplished.

I have no photos of my 2006 male yet, but I plan to photograph & post soon.

From your feedback, I am learning some things:

1. It's common that they are nippy and may bite more than other kings. Maybe just more independent & spirited? Hot-blooded southerners??

2. Stripe & pattern aberrations are quite common. A solid black body with perfect, unbroken stripe is probably quite rare.

My male has the stripe beginning at the nape, but broken in two dog bone patterns, then it becomes mostly regular going down the tail. Uncommonly, he is solid at the tail; no 6 spots.

Mostly solid black body, he has only the faintest trace of lower, side stripes. Only salty whisps of white in places.

My Baja's behavior is not so bad after all. He's predictable when he bites, mostly when first disturbed. It's just a "leave me alone!" bite that does not clasp on. Once picked up, he rarely bites again.

I've learned to bunch my hand up in a ball when I first approach, let him strike me mildy and play his game, then extend fingers and pick him up. Seems to work well, given the "nippy" disposition.

Feeding response can vary. He's mostly an aggressive feeder, but gets fickle at times. At least once he has regurgitated. He's rejected prey several times - only to eat again within days.

I really enjoy him. I've even been to his homeland and am quite intrigued with the Baja peninsula. It's neat to have a daily reminder of its uniqueness, sunshine & warmth.

Ameron, 48
Network Support Specialist
Portland, OR