This post is an effort to eradicate some of my ignorance regarding Super Salmon boas (or any Super hypo for that matter). I currently have 3.5 animals that are carriers of the Salmon trait. Of these animals, 1.4 are “possible supers”. My oldest Salmon boa dates to 2002 so I have never bred animals with this trait. So lets get down to business…..
Here is what I think I know (prior to you telling me that I am very mistaken) about the genetics involved:
Salmon x Normal = approx. 50% of offspring will be Salmon (carry and express hypomelanism) and 50% normal
Salmon x Salmon = approx. 75% Salmon and 25% of the offspring will be “Super” or have the ability to pass the trait to 100% of the offspring in subsequent generations
Super Salmon x Normal = 100% Salmon, 0% normal, 0% Super Salmon
Super Salmon x Salmon = 50% Salmon, 50% Super Salmon
Super Salmon x Super Salmon = 100% Super Salmons
Here is my main question:
Can we identify a “Super” prior to proving it by its offspring?
Obviously, the most certain way to “prove” a Super is by raising the animal and observing for 100% hypomelanism in any offspring that it produces. I wonder if there are definitive visual cues that can be used to identify these animals. I especially wonder about the degree of black tail banding. In Salmons and other hypos (including Hogg Island), the last 4 or 5 tail saddles are always banded in black while the others have no black border. In my possible Super Salmons, the tails range from absolutely zero black banding up to the 4-5 black banded saddles that you would expect for a “regular” Salmon. Some have banding that appears faint and grey rather than black. Have any Salmons WITHOUT black tail banding been bred and shown NOT to be Supers? I also wonder about eye color. The possible Supers show a lot of orange and red eye color.
Thanks for taking the time to consider my question.
I hope everyone will have the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones (including their boas) this Holiday season. I also hope that we all find ourselves in a mood to be thankful.
gray
co-dom X co-dom) this results in 50% co-doms,25% dominants,AND,25% "normals",or,individuals without the salmon expression...AFAIK,the only way of absolute ID in regards to dominant "hypos" is by breeding two proven dominant animals to each other...as you stated above,this results in an entire litter of dominants without doubt. I don't think eye color,or,presence of black tail-banding,are 100% absolute,they are merely indicators of the higher probability that the animal in question,may be dominant...talking directly to Rich may provide better insight into things he's noticed,or,found to be somewhat consistant?...(and,I return the Holiday wishes,right back at you! hope you have the greatest!)good post,BTW.