Meet the Animals
Ryu
Red Dragon boa · Boa constrictor
Fiery, photogenic and always hungry. Ryu is a male Red Dragon het anery type 1 boa, born in early 2023 and almost 4 feet long, who loves being in front of the camera.
Camera ready
Born for the spotlight
Ryu is fiery, loves being in front of the camera and never misses a meal. Rats and hamsters are on his menu, and he always shows up for dinner.
The genes
Here be dragons
“Red Dragon” is a combo name for a boa that is both Blood and albino. Blood boosts the reds, and albino removes all black pigment. “Het anery type 1” means Ryu carries a hidden copy of the anery gene, which removes red pigment. He doesn't show it, but he can pass it on.
Field notes
About boa constrictors
- Boas give birth to live babies instead of laying eggs, often around 25 at a time.
- Boa constrictors range from Mexico through Central and South America to Argentina.
- They're nonvenomous constrictors: they hold on and squeeze.
- With good care they can live 20–30 years, and sometimes even longer.
- Ryu was born, not hatched: boas give live birth.
Cared for by
Braxton “Gilly” Gilbert
Ryu is cared for daily by Gilly at Jefe and Friends (Gilly's Exotics LLC). Questions? Email gillysexotics@gmail.com.