Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am wondering if anyone has information on the origin of the Albino RES in the trade. Wanting to know how long they have been available, who originally produced these, and if their are more than one genetic line available? Reason is my brother caught a wild baby albino RES. We know it is like a one in a million chance to find but not sure how many other wild caught specimins have been found and how many have been put into breeding programs. While you can buy a baby albino RES for $300-500 bucks, we know this one should be worth much more. Even though it is priceless to him as a find we are trying to put a value on this specimin as to what it would be worth to a breeder or collector as well as what it could be worth to us as a start to a new breeding program to produce a new genetic line in the market. Would appreciate anyones information and/or insight.

Congratulations to your brother on the catch!

I saw albino red ear sliders in captivity approximately 20 years ago (1988, I think), so they've been around for a while. I can't remember who originated the line or when.

Paul Hollander

Don Hamper from Ohio had them way back when, but it wasnt until the late 90's other gene pools came into play. There are many now and a lot of them from Fl. You shouldnt have to pay more than $150 for hatchlings now days at the bigger Expos. The new gene pool wont mean much to the price until you can show c.b adults that keep the yellow color. That would bring more bucks with that species. The new blood was badly needed at the time they came to be as most were related many times over and were very poor. You never see to many adults for sale. Not sure why? Undoubtably one of the best looking aqu.albino turtles if you get the good ones. Many dont look so good as juvies or adults. I like the dark yellow ones that match my albino Bullfrogs. VM