Re: Axanthic ball python?
I don't know the exact history of the Axanthic lines.
I do know that when I was picking a line to work with: VPI was common, SK (TSK) was uncommon, Joliff was rare. At the time there were several large breeders using VPI and there were many nice specimens for sale.
Over time breeders dedicated to TSK have released higher quality specimens for sale. Quality of Axanthic specimens of TSK vs. VPI can only be compared now on a case by case basis for color retention. Joliff still remains present, but, is not bred to the extent of the other two lines so acquiring a compatible Axanthic Joliff Het Morph to advance a breeding project is more of a challenge.
Note: Due to the VPI lower initial cost over the years there have been an increasing amount of 'get-rich-quick' breeders producing VPI Axanthic ball pythons without regard for quality. The influx of lower quality VPI Axanthics makes TSK appear to be of higher quality and have an overall better reputation. If I was starting my breeding projects over from scratch at this point I would seriously consider picking TSK over VPI. :)