Difference between a Ringer and Paradox

[Pancake's Momma]

So, I have a pastel het pied ball python that I was told was a paradox. He's a pretty respectable breeder/seller so I completely believed him. However, since then I discovered that instead of being a paradox, she more likely just has a ringer. I must admit I was somewhat disappointed in this. Anyways, it's made me curious about what the difference between paradox and ringers. Are ringers just lower form of paradox, or are they completely separate? What is the rarity of paradox vs ringers?

Additionally, I'd like some more opinion on whether it is possible that my girl could in fact be a paradox, or if her marking is for sure just a ringer. Here's a picture of her.

[Hannahshissyfix]

Can you share a belly shot. If thats supposed to just be a pastel het pied Im honestly wondering if its a super low white pied with that pattern distortion.

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[Ladybugzcrunch]

Honestly, I like ringers better than paradox. The only time I like paradox a lot is small patches of dark pattern on a white or light color low pattern snake. Looks like a ringer to me but you could have hit the jackpot and it turns out to be a low white pied. Looks doubtful to me though. I like her either way

[Pancake's Momma]

Can you share a belly shot. If thats supposed to just be a pastel het pied Im honestly wondering if its a super low white pied with that pattern distortion.

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Yes, here are some pics.






Hopefully these work for you. My camera does not seem to like focusing on Pancake's pattern. X.X

[Hannahshissyfix]

I vote pied

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[Godzilla78]

Beautiful. I think its a het piebald with an unusually strong piebald visual coming through.
A rare and very valuable snake. I would such a specimen in my own collection. I have a pastel het pied on hold, but not nearly as bold as yours.


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[AbsoluteApril]

Looks like a ringer to me, similar ringer as my black pewter (who is not het pied as far as the breeder knows). Ringers show up sometimes, most often in a het pied animal.
this is an old pic of mine:


edit to add - paradox seems to be more rare and usually is not an inheritable trait (for various species not just BP)

[Hannahshissyfix]

Don't pastels usually have some of the black speckles carried all of the way down to the white belly stripe? I havent had a regular pastel in a while to check bellies.

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[AbsoluteApril]

Don't pastels usually have some of the black speckles carried all of the way down to the white belly stripe? I havent had a regular pastel in a while to check bellies.

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no, pastels have clear bellies
(This one is also het pied so also has some white flame/ringer type action

[Pancake's Momma]

Oh what a beautiful pastel noodle! And thank you for your opinion. ^^