H2O Posted September 8, 2007 Share Posted September 8, 2007 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizz Posted September 8, 2007 Share Posted September 8, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxwell Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H2O Posted September 9, 2007 Author Share Posted September 9, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawgstoppah Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizz Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Maybe their smokers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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