Hypo Redfoot Tortoise

These absolutely stunning tortoises are a new bloodline to the united states.  They are F1 (first generation) offspring of imported adults from Venezuela.  What does hypo mean? It is short for hypomelanistic.  It means reduced melanin (gene that creates pigment in your body).  The animal doesn’t lack it completely, it just has less of it, resulting in an animal that is lighter than normal but still as bright as an albino without the red eyes.

You can choose between male or female.

Hypo red-footed tortoises are a morph of the red-footed tortoise species, characterized by a reduced amount of melanin pigment, resulting in a lighter coloration. The hypo morph is inherited in a co-dominant manner, meaning that a tortoise that inherits one copy of the hypo gene from one parent will exhibit a more muted coloration, while a tortoise that inherits two copies of the gene (one from each parent) will exhibit an even more reduced amount of melanin, resulting in a very light coloration.

To breed hypo red-footed tortoises, breeders typically pair a tortoise that is homozygous for the hypo gene (i.e., carries two copies) with a tortoise that does not carry the gene. This ensures that all offspring will inherit one copy of the hypo gene, making them heterozygous for the trait. If two heterozygous tortoises are bred together, there is a 25% chance that each offspring will inherit two copies of the gene and exhibit the full hypo morph.

The genes affecting the visual appearance of the tortoise are the same genes that control melanin production. The hypo gene is thought to be a mutation that affects the melanin-producing cells in the skin and shell, resulting in a reduction of melanin. Other genes may also be involved in producing specific colorations and patterns in red-footed tortoises, such as the genes responsible for producing the distinctive red markings on the head and legs.

It’s important to note that while the hypo morph is visually striking, it does not have any impact on the health or well-being of the tortoise.

Enjoy picking out your favorite one. If you have any questions please email tortstork@tortstork.com

Remember, for every tortoise bought from Tortstork, $10 is donated to a turtle/tortoise conservation group to help save these amazing animals.

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Please note that tortoises and turtles under 4″ are for educational use only.