Eyeless gene

[Kaysie]

Ok, so I have one female who displays classic eyeless gene (e/e) characteristics. For one, she has no eyes, but has retained the optic cup. I believe she can sense shadows, but she's a VERY good scent hunter, much better than her tankmates. She is also very dark, and has much reduced iridophores and xanthophores. I initially thought she was melanoid, as per the lack of gold ring around the eye. Then as she got bigger, I realized it was because she had no eyes.

But, true to a typical female, she's quite plump. My question is: Even though eyeless axolotls are sterile, would she still produce eggs? I've had her in a tank with 4 males for a couple of years, with no eggs laid. So I don't think she picks up on the whole 'mating' thing. But I wonder if she's still physically capable of creating the eggs, even though they're not viable?

 

[Bellabelloo]

I was reading on one of the other axolotl sites about various 'mutations' earlier today, and read about this /www.ambystoma.org, As you say they are sterile, but I would think that refers to only the eggs itself being sterile. So in theory I would think she could produce non viable eggs ( was advised that females can produce non viable eggs without the presence of males), but maybe the mutation also affects the reproduction organs in such a way eggs can not be produced.. so much food for thaught ! ( and here am I supposedly trying to find out if my neutered male cat should be spraying urine at the hedge...got a little distracted!)

 

[Kaysie]

I suppose that is my question: Are the eggs inviable (maybe just the egg sac without the genetic material?), or is 'sterile' meaning incapable of creating eggs?

Ed? Jenn? any thoughts?

 

[Jennewt]

Interesting animal, and an interesting question. I have no idea offhand. You'd either have to talk to someone at the axolotl colony, or find a published paper about that particular mutation. Even if your animal matches the description of this mutation, it's also possible that she has some other mutation and could end up being fertile.

 

[Kaysie]

I would think that if she was fertile, with 4 males (who happily drop spermatophores), after 2 years, she'd have laid eggs. Maybe I'll email the colony.