Tiger (pure Coastal)

Tiger is a polygenically inherited pattern mutation originating from Coastal Carpet Pythons (M. s. mcdowelli). It replaces the typical irregular saddle markings with longitudinal striping along the dorsal and lateral surfaces. The characteristic Tiger phenotype includes a broad, nearly continuous dorsal stripe, lateral striping as elongated ovals or continuous lines, and a dark head with light markings and a connecting nuchal band.

Tiger is polygenic – there is no het Tiger, no Super Tiger, and no single-gene Mendelian inheritance. Expression quality depends on cumulative selection across generations: the best Tigers paired with the best Tigers produce increasingly consistent results. Hatchlings are very dark; striping becomes visible after the first shed.

Tiger has no associated neurological problems – a clear distinction from Jaguar. This is a subspecies-pure M. s. mcdowelli from documented Coastal lineage.