Reptile & Amphibian Forums

While searching for Albino Leopard Geckos I figured out that there are 3 different breeders who create 3 different types of Albino. I think I am correct with this. The 3 Types are Rainwater, Tremper, and Bell. Could somebody explain to me what the differences are of the three?
Much thanks,
Owen

Owen,

You're right, and there may be one more strain, LeShock Albinos, but the jury is still out on whether it is a different one or not. The big difference in these are that they are three separate, incompatible genetic mutations that look somewhat similar, but different. When you breed one strain to another, you end up with normal looking double hets.

Ron Tremper created/bought/imported the Tremper Albinos and mass produced them back in 1998/99 to pretty much flood the market with them. They are most prevalent today. Tim Rainwater, formerly of Rainwater Reptiles, produced/bought/imported the Rainwater or Las Vegas line of albinos, which were initially marketed as the line that is born pink and stays pink. I've seen some dark ones, though. He was based out of Las Vegas and reportedly ripped a whole lot of people off, so many people are trying to disassociate his name with the animals. Lastly, the Bell Line is named for Mark and Kim Bell, who run Reptile Industries, which is one of the largest reptile breeding businesses in the country if not the world (or that's what I've heard). They've got quite the collection of everything, from what I can gather. I've seen them at a couple shows with $10k-15k ball pythons in their displays. Their line is the least prevalent, but growing. They've got a great coloring to them and people like Kelli H are really doing wonders with them.

There are very few, if any LeShock albinos around, but someone on this forum has a het, I'm pretty sure. Hopefully he'll be able to prove what they are soon.

I hope that helps clarify the different albinos for you.

Here's a picture of a Bell Albino I got from Kelli -

And a picture of a Tremper Jungle Albino I hatched this year -

I don't have a picture of a Rainwater, because I don't have one. I'm sure someone will be able to post one, though.
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Rob Jenkins
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