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Identifying types of albino

Kaini

Kaini

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A question for members more versed on Axolotl genetics than I am: how do you tell a white albino, a melanoid albino, and an axanthic albino apart? I recently 'rescued' (in quotes because I did pay for it) a very small albino from a local pet store and I'm curious as to what I should call it, morph wise.

Pictures attached: it doesn't seem to have any iridophores, at least not that I can see.

Note: It is missing limbs because it was being kept in a tiny jar with another juvenile. It also has a fluid-filled lump on its head, and I am aware of it and monitoring. It eats well.
 

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auntiejude

auntiejude

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It is very difficult to tell the difference between the different types of white albino without knowing thier parentage.

A leucistic axolotl may have a small number of xanthaphores on their head or spine, and you might be able to see iriophores around its eyes.

A melanoid and axanthic albino are so similar you really can't tell, since both genotypes exhibit the same characteristics.

However, it is believed that the axanthic gene is relatively rare, so given a white albino without iridophores around its eyes I would go with melanoid.

So check its eyes - shiney ring = leucistc, no ring = probably melanoid.
 
Kaini

Kaini

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Ah, I was afraid of that. It's hard to see its eyes (especially now that its in the temp. bin tank) so I suppose I'll find out as it grows up! Thank you auntiejude.
 
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