Gem vs TUG

[cassadaga]

So right before I fell asleep last night, a thought popped into my head. How do we know TUG snows and Gem snows are different genes? They are obviously different than Macks, because a homozygous Mack has a different phenotype than the hets, and homozygous TUGs and Gems have the same phenotype as their hets, except when bred to a Mack.

We know albino strains are different genes because when you breed the different strains together, you get normal geckos, double het for both traits. When you breed a TUG to a Gem though, you get the same results, as far as the eye can tell, as TUG to TUG or Gem to Gem.

I'm confusing myself here, maybe some conversation can open this up...

 

[cassadaga]

No body has anything to say about this?

 

[yellermelon]

We don't know they are differrent. Actually I think they are very alike of course from differrent sources and blood. but that's just my opinion.

 

[carlupetz]

sorry, but, what does TUG stands for anyway?
cant find the meaning so id better ask

 

[T-ReXx]

TUG stands for The Urban Gecko, owned by Craig Stuart, who originated the morph.

I do find this an interesting thought. I suppose the only way to know for sure would be DNA testing. Anyone ever done anything like that? I would think not, Gems are still relatively new, but it would be something worth looking into.

 

[cassadaga]

That's what I was thinking, the only way to tell would be DNA testing. I know it is relatively cheap for dogs and horses, but I feel like it might be more expensive for reptiles, if only because we have less experience with reptile DNA testing. I may be completely wrong though.

I'm glad this makes sense to you guys too.

 

[Tony C]

The fact that they are dominant genes makes it more difficult to determine since you can't breed them together to check for a super form...

 

[cassadaga]

Exactly, but they have been assumed to be different. They look different, because the TUGs have been line bred for many generations. It is possible they are different genes, but it is also equally possible they are the same. I've never read anything about this.

 

[Retribution Reptiles]

I honestly believe that the Gem's are a better strain. They maintain a good high white and lavender. Hence which is why i decided to use them for my Redstripe Gem Snow project.