Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am not a Rainbow boa expert, I think I have a pair of E.c.gaigei, I understand the mid bdy scale count should be around 41 and 44 plus if are E.c.Cenchria or a hybird?
Can any one confirm this? is the scale count done in a straight line or in the classic "V" shape?
The ones I have will hopefully breed soon and don't want to sell any off spring I am lucky enough to get as the wrong thing??

Yes, 41 or 42 scale rows at midbody for gaigei. E.c. cenchria usually have 44 or more. The scale rows are counted diagonally on the v-shape. After counting at what looks like midbody try a couple more counts a little forward and aft of there to see if you get a higher number. The higher number is the count you are looking for. Post PICs if you can.
Good luck,
Jeff

Thanks a lot Jeff, do you only count the small scales, not the larger ones on the edges of the ventral scales? I will re do it once I have another slough? I have had a bred Braz rainbows before and these look nothing like them, much thicker black markings and darker? they seem to be growning slower too, will post pictures soon! Thanks again for the help!

Include the large scales next to the vntrals in the count. If the snake will hold still while being held you can count scales on the snake rather than waiting for a shed. Some specimens hold still and are easy to count and some move enough so that scale counting is difficult.