What is a black mouse without a tail called? - briefly
A black mouse without a tail is called a tailless mouse. No distinct term beyond that is recognized in zoological nomenclature.
What is a black mouse without a tail called? - in detail
A mouse that lacks a tail and displays a uniformly black coat is commonly referred to as a tailless black mouse, often described using the term “bobtail” when the mutation produces a short stump, or simply “tailless mouse” when the tail is completely absent. In laboratory nomenclature the phenotype is designated tl (tailless) and may be combined with a strain identifier, for example C57BL/6‑tl, indicating a black‑coat background with the tailless mutation.
The tailless condition results from a recessive allele that disrupts normal vertebral development during embryogenesis. The mutation affects the embryonic expression of the Hox gene cluster, leading to failure of caudal vertebrae formation. Consequently, the animal possesses a normal body plan, functional hind limbs, and typical sensory organs, but the external tail is either absent or reduced to a small nub.
Key characteristics of a black, tail‑free mouse:
- Coat color: solid black, melanin‑rich fur characteristic of the C57BL/6 lineage or similar backgrounds.
- Tail morphology: complete absence (tailless) or a short, non‑functional stump (bobtail).
- Genotype: homozygous recessive tl/tl allele; often maintained by breeding heterozygous carriers (Tl/+) to avoid embryonic lethality associated with homozygous lethal alleles in some strains.
- Behavior: normal locomotion; the absence of a tail does not impair balance because mice rely primarily on vestibular and limb cues.
- Research usage: valuable in studies of spinal development, genetics of limb‑tail formation, and as a visual marker in behavioral experiments where tail‑based identification is undesirable.
Care considerations differ slightly from standard mice. The lack of a tail eliminates a primary site for temperature regulation and scent marking, so environmental temperature should be maintained within the recommended range (20‑26 °C) and nesting material provided to compensate for reduced heat dissipation. Handling techniques remain unchanged; the animal tolerates standard cage enrichment and social housing.
In summary, a black mouse without a tail is identified as a tailless or bobtail black mouse, genetically labeled tl, often combined with a strain code to specify coat color. The phenotype arises from a recessive mutation affecting caudal vertebrae development, presents no major functional deficits, and serves specific experimental purposes in biomedical research.