Updated Albino Snapper Pics!!!!

[sirchaosofgb]

Awwww he's a cutie! Never saw anything like him before. I used to see wild snappers all the time.

[Exotic Ectotherms]

Here are a few shots of his tank....sorry they aren't better....it's the best an iPhone can do. It's a 75 gallon tank. I drilled two holes and put in bulkheads for the intake/output from the filter so there wouldn't be any ugly hoses all over the place. It is filtered with a Rena XP3 canister. I used pool filter sand as the substrate and the heat lamp keeps the water a steady 75-77 degrees.

[Rorschach]

Wow Beavis is growing up nicely

[Quackhead]

yo 77 we need to get beavis an his two brothers together so everybody can see their family picture

[Zombie]

I have always wanted a snapper. To have an albino would just be insane!

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[mainbutter]

Are captive snappers docile if you socialize them from a young age?

Wild snappers can be docile. My avatar is the nicest snapper I've ever handled, wild or captive. Gloves help with claws and super strong legs.
From my experience with wild snappers, tiny ones are too timid to bite. Huge ones are too confident to bite. Juveniles to young adults (5''+ shells to 15lbers) are the most difficult to handle, and are the most likely to snap multiple times. The very few 20+lbers I have handled have been very reluctant to defend themselves, but their legs are difficult if they get squirmy. They seemed unconcerned with me holding them, and just seemed to try to swim away. Young'ns are the only ones I've seen prone to snort, snap, spin, and spaz out to try to scare you off.

My theory is that like many reptile species, they can grow out of any stereotypical nippy-ness, but they are all individuals. Keep in mind that it will take a snapper much longer to get to the "alpha predator in my environment" stage of life than various python species (for example). I'm not sure how much that regular handling can play a part, but I AM sure that being healthy and happy are a huge part of it, as with any captive reptile. An unhealthy reptile is more prone to being defensive.

Q to the OP:

How are you handling basking and his albinism? Any issues you know about or are experiencing?

Great looking animal, I'm super jealous. I may have to talk my girl into letting us get a snapper this year. I've got plans for a 7x12 indoor area we could convert for one that is up to size.

[Exotic Ectotherms]

Q to the OP:

How are you handling basking and his albinism? Any issues you know about or are experiencing?

Great looking animal, I'm super jealous. I may have to talk my girl into letting us get a snapper this year. I've got plans for a 7x12 indoor area we could convert for one that is up to size.

Thanks for the compliments....So far I have had no issues with basking. He actually spends a lot of time in his basking spot. I only allow the basking spot to get to about 80 degrees...and it is heated with an infrared bulb. I didn't know if a regular bulb would have any ill effects...that's why I opted for the infrared. He also has a hide that is very close to his basking spot that he can either go in or sit on top of if he wants to dry out for a bit. He definitely has plenty of ways to thermoregulate. I have noticed no issues with his eyesight...as I have heard that albino painted turtles often have poor vision. As far as aggression, he is very laid back. I only handle him once a week at the most as I don't want to stress him out, but I want to socialize him at the same time. He doesn't LIKE to be handled, but he tolerates it. It really is amazing how strong their legs are even at his small size. I'll try to post some updated pics this weekend.....he seems to be growing all the time.

[SteezyB504]

Awesome snapper!
Only seen hypos and pastels never albino.
Thanks for sharing.

[Quackhead]

i handeled 2 40plus pound snappers 2 yrs ago strong isnt the word for them those back legs were unreal i need to get my 2 albinos pics on here so yous can see them