short gill plate

[daveycrockett]

I have a large male pigeon that has a gill plate that is slightly shorter than the other one. My question is would that be hereditary if I would breed him. He has great shape and his peppering makes him look almost silver and orange. Has anybody ever seen that before?

[Carol_Roberts]

One short gill plate may be genetic . . .

[yogi]

It could be genectic or it could of been caused by enviormental conditions. If you do breed this fish you have to watch the fry very closely. If a large percentage have this defect you will have to stop using this fish as a breeder. You also can't sell any of the babies that have this defect.

[RyanH]

I've always culled babies with short gill plates. I'm heartless I guess...