enigma defects

[roger]

I was wondering if someone can explain something for me.I really want to understand.Why are enigmas so popular?? Why would anyone want to breed a leo that exhibits enigma syndrome.I just read a post where the enigma can barely stand up .the poor leo keeps on falling over.I compare it to anything else.Why would you bring into this world something that is physically defective??Any input is welcome.Maybe some breeders of enigma can post some replies with info.Just my opinion but I wouldnt want something that has a physical defect.

 

[Tony C]

Run a search for "Enigma syndrome" and you will find plenty of discussion on them. Here are a few threads to get you started:

http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=55514&highlight=enigma+syndrome

http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=53380&highlight=enigma+syndrome

http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=49990&highlight=enigma+syndrome

 

[Enigmatic_Reptiles]

+1, Tony you took the links right off my post haha

 

[Baoh]

Albinism is also a defect. Most morph traits are defects.

With that said, I do share such concerns. I have had mixed results. Some great animals and some so-so ones. I should note, though, that all of my Enigmas can eat on their own and don't appear to be in apparent discomfort despite mild disorientation when exposed to a stressor. It is really up to each individual breeder to decide for himself or herself. I actually sold every one of my Enigmas (breeders and offspring) from last season because they do not do heaps for the projects I am involved in. For many projects others have, they added or modified the appearance radically. For mine, though, Enigma accents were largely a waste. I only recently acquired two new Enigma breeders because I feel it may enhance a specific line of a specific morph I am interested in in one case and boost market value due to complexity for another. Otherwise, I have largely lost interest and leave it to breeders whose projects would benefit more from the trait's inclusion. If it does not end up panning out well for the two newer projects, then I will probably keep the one as a pet only and sell the other to someone who holds a greater interest in such things.

If you do not like them, feel free to not buy them. If you do, do.

 

[roger]

thanks for the input.Are we not jeopardizing the future of leopard geckos over all health.is it possible to eliminate the syndrome down the line.

 

[Baoh]

thanks for the input.Are we not jeopardizing the future of leopard geckos over all health.is it possible to eliminate the syndrome down the line.

Elucidate the specific impacts on overall health.

It seems to me that the errant behavior comes with the trait as it stands, but some are susceptible than others.

 

[Baoh]

Edit- *more* susceptible

 

[Alusdra]

I'm rather suspicious, as well, that the mutation that makes them pretty is the same one that causes the 'syndrome'. There are lots of color-migration associated problems in all sorts of species, like the lethal white guinea pig and paint horse, the merle Australian shepherd eye problems, white cat deafness, etc. etc. So not really a surprise to me, anyway.

On the other hand- they are absolutely stunning animals, so it is no wonder that people don't want it to be linked and are trying their hardest to separate the two traits. I've got 4 that have the syndrome, one can't eat on her own. Still gorgeous, friendly animals, though.

 

[Samantha]

now im staying away from them from sure thats too much effort and money for a gecko that is basicaly retarded or can b

 

[Western Gecko]

The color/pattern trait of the enigmas cannot be directly related the whacked out neurological issues because not all enigmas are having the syndrome. There is something else at work. Perhaps it's like the degrees of enigma-ism (my word) or in other words how much of the enigma trait they get from the single allele on the pair. Perhaps it's an interaction with another gene that doesn't even show up in the visible aspect of the gecko...

 

[Srt14292]

now im staying away from them from sure thats too much effort and money for a gecko that is basicaly retarded or can b

Take a look at my mack enigma, i've never had a problem with him, the only thing is he took a little longer to pile on the weight when he was younger, you can look around till you find one you like, more then likely you will get one without the sydrome, but theres allways a chance with any gecko you buy.

 

[Baoh]

The color/pattern trait of the enigmas cannot be directly related the whacked out neurological issues because not all enigmas are having the syndrome. There is something else at work. Perhaps it's like the degrees of enigma-ism (my word) or in other words how much of the enigma trait they get from the single allele on the pair. Perhaps it's an interaction with another gene that doesn't even show up in the visible aspect of the gecko...

It sure can. It is causal, but not absolutely guaranteed. This doesn't occur in normal animals that do not have Enigma influence. Having and exhibiting are different matters as well.

It's likely variable expression as in so many other genetic traits. The something else that induces or prevents exacerbation is currently unknown.

 

[robin]

i currently have five enigmas, none of them exhibit any "syndrome" (by the way it is not a syndrome) they may look up at you when you open the enclosure and certainly there is something a bit different than other non enigma geckos but mine eat great, do not spin, circle, wobble etc. and they have great body weight. i had one enigma several years back, she was a bell enigma. she is the only enigma i have ever had that exhibited any severe problems. one things i think breeders of enigmas need to be aware of is that some are going to have problems in that case culling is what is going to have to be done, no petting out. simply culling. if you are unable to cull an animal you have no business working with enigmas or any gecko for that matter.

 

[robin]

The color/pattern trait of the enigmas cannot be directly related the whacked out neurological issues because not all enigmas are having the syndrome. There is something else at work. Perhaps it's like the degrees of enigma-ism (my word) or in other words how much of the enigma trait they get from the single allele on the pair. Perhaps it's an interaction with another gene that doesn't even show up in the visible aspect of the gecko...

what makes the color/pattern trait is related to the neurological problems (or whatever it is). all enigmas have issues some very subtle others extreme. i think the number of subtle issues outweighs the number with serious issues.