Albino (Rainwater)
Type: Recessive
First Produced By: Tim Rainwater
Aliases: Rainwater Albino, Las Vegas Albino
Issues: Photophobia
First Produced In: 1998
Availability: Higher
Last Updated: 2023-03-06
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About
Three distinct forms of albinism are well-established in Leopard Geckos. All three are tyrosinase positive forms, and are so similar in appearance they cannot be separated visually with 100% certainty. It is absolutely critical to be aware which line specimens to be used for breeding programs are from, use of more than one type will result in normal appearing geckos, and if bred together, these may then produce offspring of either or both types. That can be a confusing mess to sort out later! [1]
Leopard geckos have three types of pigmentation, contained in three different types of cells: melanophores, which contain black pigment (melanin); xanthophores, which contain red, yellow or orange pigment; and iridophores, which contain crystalline materals that reflect and refract light.
Albinism is usually when animals cannot produce melanin because they lack the essential enzyme tyrosinase. Albinism in leopard geckos is apparently slightly different, because they are not true albinos but rather extreme amelanistics, which roughly means that they produce virtually no melanin, but still have the potential capability to do so (because all strains do in fact have tyrosinase). Since it only affects the melanin pigmentation, albino leos can still show orange, yellow and brown coloring. [2]
Rainwater or Las Vegas Albinos were founded by Tim Rainwater in 1998. In comparison with the other two strains of Albinos, Rainwater Albinos tend to have more pink coloration and be lighter overall. When they hatch, they tend to have yellow bodies with pink bands. As a group, Rainwater Albinos are smaller than the other two strains. Rainwaters also have the darkest eyes of the three different types of Albinos. [3]
Issues
Light Sensitivity
Photophobia
While the word photophobia literally translates to a "fear of light”. Its not actually that you are scared of light, but instead, are incredibly sensitive to it. Animals with albinism experience photophobia due to the lack of pigment in the iris, which does not allow the eyes to filter out light.
Albinos are slightly more sensitive to lighting conditions.
History
Rainwater was founded by Tim Rainwater in 1998.
Appearance
Head
All three forms of albinism have an effect on eye coloration, although not as consistently as breeders would prefer. Some, but not all, hatchlings have distinct eyes, with reddish pupils and a pink colored iris. For reasons not understood, some hatchlings will have very dark eyes, almost normal appearing. It has been postulated by some that temperature plays a role in embryonic eye color development. Others feel some hidden genetic trait is at work.
Regardless of the reason, it is important to understand that this occurs and that it can be even more pronounced when combined with additional mutations. It is also important to realize that this red coloration will be lost as the animals mature. With growth, the iris thickens and the pinkish color of blood vessels previously showing through the thin cell layers of the iris will be obscured by the solid light golden color of the much thicker mature iris. [4]
They have the darkest eyes of all three forms of Albino [5]
Body
Where a Normal leopard gecko will have lemony-orange colouration with black spotting, an Albino (Rainwater) leopard gecko has a glowing pinkish-white and milky color. It still displays the usual patterning. Compared to other strains of Albinos, Rainwaters tend to have a pinker coloration.
Proven Lines
No known proven lines
Related Traits
Combos
- Crystal (Enigma Snow (Mack) Albino (Rainwater) Eclipse)
- Cyclone (Albino (Rainwater) Eclipse Murphy Patternless)
- Firewater (Albino (Rainwater) Super Hypo Tangerine)
- Rainwater Blazing Blizard (Albino (Rainwater) Blizzard)
- Rainwater Hybino (Albino (Rainwater) Super Hypo)
- Super Typhoon (Super Snow (Mack) Albino (Rainwater) Eclipse)
- Typhoon (Albino (Rainwater) Eclipse)
- Vortex (Enigma Albino (Rainwater) Eclipse Murphy Patternless)
Firewater Leopard Gecko by Suburban Geckos
Rainwater Blood Het NDBE Leopard Gecko by OG Reptiles
White And Yellow Rainwater Albino Leopard Gecko by Wet Geckos
BAE Burning Rainwater Leopard Gecko by Wt Bazaar
Female W/Y MS Rainwater Het Eclipse Leopard Gecko by Highwoods Exotics
Firewater Leopard Gecko by Suburban Geckos
