![]() ![]() Crossing two separate lines would result in offspring displaying a wild phenotype, for example crossing a Kahl and sharp. Because these mutations occurred on different chromosomal locations, separate lines of albinism are generally incompatible. However, the allele for the albino mutated can still be inherited by offspring. If a boa only has one mutated allele and one normal allele then the animal is heterozygous and the phenotype will be that of a wild boa. ![]() In order to express this mutation, a boa must have two homologous alleles of the albino mutation gene. The reduction in melanin allows produces an exaggerated red appearance.Īll albino mutations are recessively inherited. This allows for the production of red, yellow, gray, brown, and white pigmentation. These animals have melanophores which synthesize a functional tyrosinase enzyme and produce melanin, however, the deposit of this melanin into melanophores is highly impaired. The second type of albino mutation is the tyrosinase positive mutations. With only the xanthophores, erythrophores, and leucophores producing pigmentation these animals are often yellow in appearance with red eyes. The melanophores in these albinos do not synthesize the tyrosinase enzyme and thus do not produce melanin. The first type of albino mutation is the tyrosinase negative mutation, this is the more severe form. Other types of chromatophores found in snakes include xanthophores (yellow pigments), erythrophores (red pigments), leucophores (white pigments), these cell pigmentation cells are not affected by any tyrosinase mutations. These melanophores produce brown and black pigmentation giving the snake its base coloration. Dopaquinone is modified into melanin and deposited into dermal and epidermal melanophores. Tyrosinase is an enzyme produced by melanophores (a type of chromatophore aka a pigmentation cell) which converts the amino acid tyrosine into dopa and then into dopaquinone. There are two mutations which result in the albino phenotype due to a mutated tyrosinase enzyme. Click the More Info button for detailed information on each boa, including breeding results and additional pictures.Oculocutaneous albinism is an autosomal recessive mutation which results in the absence or decrease of melanin, producing a yellowish snake sometimes with red eyes. Of course, hitting the odds and creating the first Sharp Snow Boa Constrictor in 2007 was icing on the cake! The first Kahl Snow Boa was produced in 1996 by Peter Kahl. At the time of my purchases in 2004, I had hoped to be lucky enough to one day successfully breed them and create a Sharp Albino. If you are interested, here is some background information about the Sharp line of Albino Boa Constrictors. Unfortunately they were way out of my price range, but I'm glad I waited. When Peter Kahl was successful in breeding them in 1992, I couldn't wait to own one. I had always wanted an Albino Boa Constrictor ever since I heard of the first Albino Boas being imported into the U.S. In 2004, I decided to buy three Double Het Sharp Snows because of the genes that they possessed and the personal appeal of what they could produce if bred together. They are very tame and are handled often (except of course while breeding, pregnant, or after a meal) to keep their pleasant demeanors. Our "collection" of Boa Constrictors are actually our pets. ![]()
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