Opinions on the Halmahera Bts

[Scincoides]

I got offered a reasonable deal on some halmahera bts a few days ago and I was wondering if anyone has any info or opinions on them. Obviously they are just gigas, but are they a distinct geographical locale, or just any darker colored Indos that gets labeled as a halmahera to make a quick buck? Thanks in advance guys and gals

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

Whether or not they are a different locale no one here know because we have no proof that dealers are getting their animals where they say they are. There is an obvious difference between them and other Indonesian animals though. They are much darker, but are not worth more than a normal Indonesian.
Personally I like them, and think that there is a good possibility that they are a different locale, but I will pay only normal price for them since they are common.

[Scincoides]

See that's how I felt regarding the price. These are 80 each which I figured wasn't bad at all. Hell I'd pay 80 bucks for a healthy blue tongue of any species.

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

That's a great deal!

[jasjmm27]

Sounds like a good deal...just make sure you are truly interested in Indo's and the "standard" temperment differences between them and the Aussie species. They are often a "much different" skink than the Northerns, Easterns, and even IJ's...

Diversity is nice, too, though...

Personally, other than the gray and black (or "axanthic") Indo's, I think the Halmahera types are the most attractive so far...

[Scincoides]

The Indos do have a reputation for being allot more testy than the Aussie species, but in my experience at least, they do mellow out fairly well in time. Even our keis calmed down after some work. But regardless of how well they tame down they still don't seem to be as interested inpeople or "affectionate" for lack of a better term. I guess interactive would be the best description. The Australian species will always be my favorites, but your right, diversity is wonderful.

[Richard.C]

feisty ones arent bad,especially if you have tamer types as well,sounds like a pretty good price to me ,always good to see more of the indos being worked with to

[Jeff]

Most of the bts being labeled as "Halamaheras" simply have a lot more black on them with darker overall coloring. They are gorgeous in my opinion, but honestly just one of many distinct variations of gigas. I wouldn't pay a fortune from them, as they aren't all that rare, but if I were to decide to start a T.g.gigas breeding project, that is definitely the type I would look for.

[Scincoides]

I agree completely Richard. I have always had a soft spot for the fiesty ones. Jeff I think I may take them. They really do seem like a cool project animal. I just have to decide between them and an awesome pair of IJs that I picked out.

[Scotts1au]

Richard ended up with one of my most feisty males ever - good thing he has a soft spot for them - that thing is nuts.

[Scincoides]

Haha define nuts... I'm sensing a good story here lol