What is BCI & BCC?

So, I'm guessing you all get this question allot?

What is BCI & BCC? If one is BCI and the other is a BCC are they both still Red Tail Boas or is one a different species? Whats the difference between the two?

BCI - Boa Constrictor Imperatus
BCC - Boa Constrictor Constrictor

Red-tail Boa is BCC as opposed to common boas (some may have red tails) which are BCI's. They are different subspecies that are found in different localities/regions.

BCC's are more expensive than BCI's and BCC's are generally larger than BCI's.

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Originally Posted by anatess

BCI - Boa Constrictor Imperatus
BCC - Boa Constrictor Constrictor

Red-tail Boa is BCC as opposed to common boas (some may have red tails) which are BCI's. They are different subspecies that are found in different localities/regions.

BCC's are more expensive than BCI's and BCC's are generally larger than BCI's.

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Do they both have the same needs or do they need different needs? And they are both Red Tail Boas no matter what right?

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Originally Posted by hunter94

Do they both have the same needs or do they need different needs? And they are both Red Tail Boas no matter what right?

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Pretty much the same needs but BCI are reputed to be easier to keep and breed and can tolerate a wider range of temps/humidity I don't have any BCC so I can't verify that.

Most purists that I've talked to consider the BCC to be 'True' redtails and the BCI to be common boas despite the fact that many BCI will have reddish colored tails. Redtail boa and common boa are really just pet industry names and have no real scientific validity so some dealers will call their BCI's redtail boas to make them sound more desirable.

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Originally Posted by MarkS

Pretty much the same needs but BCI are reputed to be easier to keep and breed and can tolerate a wider range of temps/humidity I don't have any BCC so I can't verify that.

Most purists that I've talked to consider the BCC to be 'True' redtails and the BCI to be common boas despite the fact that many BCI will have reddish colored tails. Redtail boa and common boa are really just pet industry names and have no real scientific validity so some dealers will call their BCI's redtail boas to make them sound more desirable.

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Alright, I just want to make sure before I get one.

Boa constrictor imperator are the most popular "redtails" on the market. Locales include Colombian (by far the most common), Nicaraguan, Central American, Hogg Island, etc. Boa constrictor constrictor are not as hardy as Bci and many locales are prone to "Suri sydrome"; if they are fed too often or too much, they will regurgitate and have difficulties keeping any food down. It is absolutely vital to ensure that a Bcc's temps and humidity levels are spot on and that they are fed on a VERY slow feeding schedule. Common Bcc locales include Surinames, Peruvians, and Brazilians. Bci are somewhat tolerant to fluctuations in husbandry, Bcc are not. Bci grow like weeds, Bcc grow very slowly if kept on a proper feeding schedule. However, Bcc *usually* (it completely depends on the locale) outgrow Bci. And then of course there's price... you can find a nice baby Bci for $50, but a quality pure Bcc is going to cost a lot more. For a top notch Bcc (which is definitely the way to go to avoid health issues), you would probably pay $500+. Both great subspecies, different needs.

There are also subtle differences in the shape of their heads and saddles. A BCI will have more prominent looking jaw muscles and the shape of their dorsal saddles will appear more rounded like this ( )( ). The BCC will have less prominent looking jaw muscles giving the head a smoother, more tapered appearance. The dorsal saddles of a pure BCC will usually have a small point on each side and appear something like this } {} {. Hope this helps...