Paradox Albino Pied Ball Python

[angllady2]

In answer to the whole Paradox thing.

There seems to be two main theories. One says Paradox markings are caused by a "short-circuiting" of the genes for lack of a better term. Basically to me this is what happens in this case:

We all know albinism is reduced melanin production. Hence the yellow and white snake. To me a paradox spot is caused when some of the color producing genes go haywire and forget their job. It seems to me you most often see patches of normal coloration in a morph, so I think my theory has a little merit. It is not believed to be genetic, although some claim to have selectively bred to produce more Paradoxes.

In the case of the Chimera, it is believed that two separate fertilized ova join during development and become a single animal that carries the genes for both. There is a "Paradox Spied" out there that I am almost positive will turn out to be a true Chimera. Half of it's head is normal, the other half spider. Right down to one normal eye and one spider eye.

This one I believe to be a simple paradox, even though it has the normal coloration over part of it's head, both eyes are ruby. That tells me it's an albino.

All that aside, it's a magnificent snake and I am so glad his patience paid off.

Gale

[BALL3R]

thanks! that cleared a bit up for me!

[BroknBusted]

Great explination! Thank you!

[Dave Green]

Here is the "paradox spied" Gale mentioned above. The photos were taken by Steve Roussis who produced this snake.

[Serpent_Nirvana]

In answer to the whole Paradox thing.

There seems to be two main theories. One says Paradox markings are caused by a "short-circuiting" of the genes for lack of a better term. Basically to me this is what happens in this case:

We all know albinism is reduced melanin production. Hence the yellow and white snake. To me a paradox spot is caused when some of the color producing genes go haywire and forget their job. It seems to me you most often see patches of normal coloration in a morph, so I think my theory has a little merit. It is not believed to be genetic, although some claim to have selectively bred to produce more Paradoxes.

Actually, this theory MAY have more merit than you think.

In other species, there can apparently be a sort of "return to function" mutation than can occur in which the mutated gene regains function in that one spot. (Kinda sorta the exact opposite of your description -- although your description could also explain other manifestations of paradox.) The example that our genetics prof gave was a white cat who was developing black spots later in life.

Unfortunately, though, that works great to explain albino paradoxes (albinos with patches of normal color), but I'm less sure it can explain things like the paradox spied. My theory is that the spider pattern (and many other pattern mutations) are caused by defects and disorders of neural crest cell migration, and it's harder for me to picture, on a molecular level, how one or two patches on an animal with that sort of mutation could "go normal" when they whole system is defective.

My thinking on this is that most of them are probably chimeras ... However, there's no reason to think that some other "paradoxes" couldn't have been formed via other mechanisms.


.... (Also, boy I hope it might be possible to select for higher probability of "paradoxing," because those paradoxes you guys are all posting are NEAT!)

[Dave763]

Congrats Garrick. Awesome snake. Let me know if you get tired of looking at it,...I'll take it off your hands.

[yardy]

Here is the "paradox spied" Gale mentioned above. The photos were taken by Steve Roussis who produced this snake.

That has to be the wierdest head markings that I have seen on any royal python bar none but it is kind of cute. I can't help wondering if the 'normal' half will be more than skin deep & would love to know if it has a wobble or not.

[Dave Green]

That has to be the wierdest head markings that I have seen on any royal python bar none but it is kind of cute. I can't help wondering if the 'normal' half will be more than skin deep & would love to know if it has a wobble or not.

When it comes to a wobble it doesn't spin or corkscrew at all it merely looks at me with a slightly tilted head.

Back to Garrick's albino pied...awesome snake and an awesome accomplishment.