The Sharp Strain Albino Boa

So, what is meant by the term Sharp Strain Boa? Well, here is a little Albino Boa history lesson of sorts.

In 1992, Peter Kahl bred a male Albino Boa (one of 4 Albino Boas imported into the U.S. in 1983) to a Het Albino female to become the first person to reproduce Albino Boas in captivity. This strain (or line) of Albino Boas are referred to today as Kahl Albinos, or the "original" Albino. Most of the Albino Boas in the marketplace today are Kahl Albinos.

In 1991, Brian Sharp imported a wild caught, burnt orange female Albino Boa from Colombia. He successfully bred her and his strain (or line) of Albino Boas was created. A picture of the original imported Albino Boa can be found in the book The Boa Constrictor Manual by Philippe de Vosjoli. It has been determined that the two Albino Boa strains (Kahl and Sharp) are not genetically compatible with each other. If the two strains are bred together no Albino Boas are produced, only hets for both strains (normal looking babies). Because of this incompatibility, an Albino Boa should be referred to as either a Kahl Albino, or a Sharp Albino (or whatever albino strain - VPI Albino for example).

As of 1997, Brian Sharp no longer breeds the line of Albino Boas that he imported in 1991. Brian now has another, and completely different Albino Boa project (started in 1996). Brian bred a Kahl Albino to a Suriname Boa producing 50% Suriname Albino Boas (BCC x BCI cross). These Suriname cross Albino Boas are also not compatible with Brian's first Albino project.

Sharp Albino Boas are relatively rare. They are also usually more desirable because they retain their color or improve their color as they get older. They also have strongly contrasting tail markings, and are much more white throughout their bodies. Due to the comparative rarity and refined looks of the Sharp Albino, they are considered to be more valuable.