What does an albino rat look like? - briefly
An albino rat displays a completely white fur coat, pink or red eyes, and pink skin and whiskers due to a lack of melanin. Its nose and footpads are also pink, reflecting the same pigment deficiency.
What does an albino rat look like? - in detail
Albino rats display a strikingly uniform coloration that distinguishes them from pigmented counterparts. Their fur, whiskers, and skin are pure white, lacking any melanin pigment. The hair shafts are typically fine and may exhibit a slight pinkish hue where they intersect with underlying vasculature, especially on the ventral side.
The eyes are pink or reddish, a condition known as hyperemia, caused by the visibility of blood vessels through the unpigmented iris. This ocular coloration can range from a delicate rose tint to a deeper ruby, depending on individual vascular development. The lack of pigment also renders the retina more sensitive to bright light, making albinos prone to photophobia.
Nasal and oral mucosa appear pink, reflecting the underlying capillary network. The tail, like the rest of the body, is white, though the underlying skin may show a faint pink tone. The tail’s scale pattern remains typical for the species, but the lack of pigmentation makes the scales appear translucent.
Internally, the absence of melanin does not affect skeletal structure or organ size, but the skin’s reduced protection can increase susceptibility to UV damage. Behavioral observations note no visual impairment beyond light sensitivity; motor function and sensory perception remain comparable to pigmented strains.
Key visual characteristics:
- Uniform white coat, fine hair texture
- Pink or reddish eyes (hyperemic iris)
- Pink mucous membranes (nose, mouth)
- Translucent white tail with faint pink skin
- No melanin in skin, fur, or eyes
These traits collectively define the physical appearance of an albino rat.