Missing Gill Plate?

[H2O]

Saw several rainbows today that were recently stocked that were missing part of their gill plate. Some of them just one side and others both sides of their face. Anybody know why the hatcheries do this?

 

[Grizz]

I don't think it's a hatchery thing, because I've caught a number of brookies from lakes that had the same anomaly over the years (to varying degrees). The brookies were a naturally reproducing pop.

 

However, in areas that have been stocked, like you I've seen the same thing. Because it is on several fish, repeatedly, I've always assumed it was a genetic expression of some sort. Perhaps an infection?

 

Good quesiton!

 

I too would like to hear anyone's thoughts on this.

[maxwell]

ive seen this also and figured the fish had a rough go or something happened when it was a fry...the gillplate is 3 plates i believe maybe 2...not 100% on this but...its possible i suppose too bust and lose one or part of the gillplate and still have the functions too survive...but i aint and expert here

[H2O]

ive seen this also and figured the fish had a rough go or something happened when it was a fry...the gillplate is 3 plates i believe maybe 2...not 100% on this but...its possible i suppose too bust and lose one or part of the gillplate and still have the functions too survive...but i aint and expert here

 

 

At first I thought it was naturally occuring too Max. But, the one pictured was identical on both of it's sides and we saw a few like this in the pond.

[Hawgstoppah]

It's the new generation of fish. You know, how human females have been steadily wearing less and less over the years??? The fish are just trying to follow suit...

[Grizz]

Maybe their smokers?