A paradox ball python is one that shows 2 different genetic appearances at once. For example, a paradox Albino will have part of its body Albino and part of its body normal.
A paradox expression in a simple recessive creates a dilemma for a breeder. This dilemma will probably make more sense if I stick with the Albino example. Suppose someone produces a male paradox Albino with 3/4 of his body looking like an Albino and 1/4 of his body looking normal. That’s neat, right? What happens if you breed him to a normal or a het Albino? Could anybody guarantee that all his offspring will be hets? How would you know if every one of his sperm are carrying 2 copies of the Albino gene in order to share one with his mate to produce hets? If part of the animal’s appearance looks normal (missing both copies of the Albino gene), isn’t there a good chance that some of his sperm are missing both copies of those genes as well?
To me, that is the dilemma that this snake presents. Although it is not overwhelmingly obvious in the pictures in this thread, if the OP looks at this snake, he will see 2 areas of normal pattern that wrap fully around the snake. In and adjacent to those areas, there is also wacky checkerboarding near the belly that you see in ringers, as well as an indication of het Pied belly markers.
I’ll send a private message regarding who purchased him locally here in AZ. I would guess the snake has changed hands a few times since then, especially his hatch date is now off by a year. As you have seen here, most people believe he is a Pied because they quickly recognize the obvious Pied attributes, and don’t even notice the paradox areas of normal pattern he has. If the snake were positioned differently, it would be easier to see. Regardless, it is no surprise the person you got him from did not describe him as paradox.
Paul
Reply With Quote