Blackbacks..? I need to know..pleeez!!!

[4theSNAKElady]

I was on NERD's site the other day and saw what were called "blackbacks". Now I have seen that phrase a few times on the forum, but wasn't sure what it meant. After looking at the pics on NERD's site, I thought hmm.....I might have those! This little guy was sired by my now passed away high gold male, and has a very similar looking brother that hatched from the same clutch. Could it be..... take a look and tell me what your opinion is, as well as any info you have on "blackbacks".

[daniel1983]

Joe Compel has some good black back and brown back pics and info.
http://www.joecompelreptiles.com/collection/

Some people would call those black backs...some would not. I am one of those that would not call those black backs. But I do see alot of snakes similar to those being labeled as 'blackbacks' but that is just probably some marketing so that they can sell normals for a higher price. IMHO...without the trait being genetic, all they are is just nice looking normals. Prove it genetic and it is something great to incorporate into another project. Pastels with no pattern on the back are amazing.

[4theSNAKElady]

Daniel, I checked out that link....I see what you are saying. From the looks of my snake, compared with Nerd's and Joe Campell's pics, he could be a black back. However, just like you said, It would have to be proven genetically. That is why the loss of Cyrax (the father) was sooo devastating.....Given that the baby (Gambit) has a similar looking brother from the same clutch, I am hoping to breed him back to his mother when he is old enough, so that I may find out once and for all.....darn all this waiting!!!!

[jknudson]

I hope it proves out for you! Very pretty little guy you've got there.

[4theSNAKElady]

Thanks JBP, I think so too...his name is Gambit...and needless to say I was pretty proud of him when I saw hatch out. Unfortunately, It's gonna be quite a wait (years)to find out if I've got the line.

[rabernet]

He's beautiful! I love the ones with less dorsal stripes/spots!