Colour Question? Melanoid or Wild Type?

My melanoid , to me looks a lot like a wild type, just with out the reflective iridophores. So I suppose I am saying I think the latest photo's are melanoid. :rolleyes:
 
I agree, melanoid.
 
Thanks guys, I don't want to milk the subject - but, although you guys have told me several times how to tell - I just don't understand the "iridophores" thing.

I've read Axolotl.org and other sites; but looking at my lot I just can't tell. The only Axolotls (that I own) that I can see what I think are the iridophores in the eyes are the Wild Types. My whites eyes seem to be just black dots.

I think I'm going to say they are Melanoid (they were sold to me as Melanoid). I supose it's possible if the whites and the melanoid breed - I get Wild Types (as I do).

Again, thanks for all your feedback. Much appreciated.
 
I have some photo's ( I think they are in the gallery section ) that show my wild type..plus a section of on eof their tails.. the bits that look like 'foil..shiny) are what I think the iridophores are. Hope it helps !!
 
Thanks Bellabelloo - will have a look. What made me question mine, was when I kept getting Wild Type hatchlings from them. Further reading I found out that Wild Types can be almost jet black.

That's when I began checking the double eyes.
 
Just hatched off a little spawn from these two; long-story-short I cracked their tank cleaning it and they were in pastic tubs when they bred.

So I know that both these black Axolotls were the only Axolotls in the tub (unless females retain sperm for several days/week?)

The hatchlings seem to be all Wild Type with what looks like one White. I can clearly see the rings on the hatchlings eyes.

I've had a closer look at the adults, there is a very, very, very faint ring in the eye. Can't be seen at a glance.

Is it possible they are half Wild Type and half Melanoid? From all the hatchlings I've raised I've never had any as dark as the parents.

Does this conclude they are probably dark Wild Types? What do you guys think?
 
Sounds like you have wild types :D. Kaysie is a wonder at explaining axolotl genetics..
 
Shucks.

Dark wildtypes happen. You can't have 'half wildtype, half melanoid', as these are two totally different genes. That's as if saying someone is half blond haired, and half blue eyed. It's not how it works.

I've found that the ring around the eyes shows up at certain angles. If you take a flashlight (torch), and shine it at them, and move it around to certain angles, you may be able to see it more clearly.

And yes, females can retain sperm. I've heard of Salamandra retaining sperm for years. Axolotls can retain it for days/weeks.
 
Thanks Kaysie, when I said half I meant that gene "thing" M/xyz - basically, are Melanoid but only breed wild types. Recessive gene?!?! (I read something on another post :)

The fact that I have what looks like white larvae - suggests that she could have been fertilised before she was introduced to the tub. But, rather than bore you all with the subject - I think I'm going to tell myself they are Wild Types and keep an eye out for a true Melanoid.

Thanks for all the input guys. Cheers, Phil
 
Two melanoids will only have melanoid babies. Melanoid is a recessive gene, meaning both parents have 2 copies of the recessive gene, and can only pass on the recessive gene. It's the same reason two albinos can only have albino offspring.
 
hmmm, I'm tempted to keep these two seperate - until they spawn again (probably end of the year).

Thanks again guys. Cheers, Phil
 
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