Can traits in a hybrid present unilaterally?

[knifegill]

I just inherited a 'special' sunfish from my LFS. His tail is short and crooked and one of his eyes - is very creepy. When looking into his left eye, one can see a whitish object. It's probably the optic nerve, but seeing it is so strange. The other eye is normal. That's where it starts.
His left gill flap is classic longear. His right gill flap is shorter, like a pumpkinseed's. He also seems to do most of his breathing on the right side. Now, the LFS bought him in a batch sold as pure longear, so this is more likely to be a defect than a stray gene, but... . Should I try to get pics of this for opinions?

 

[MN_Rebel]

yes you should post a pic of him on here

 

[knifegill]

He's hiding, but I'll try.

I got lucky. They're ugly shots, but the key points are visible.

I don't know how to make them bigger, so I cropped them to magnify the heads...

 

[knifegill]

Also, one eye seems to be larger than the other. This fish is like two different halves pressed together. Sloppily. I think I'll call him Zipper. They were calling him Bendy and the LFS.

 

[MN_Rebel]

You are right, this sunfish's special allright. I think its just a pure longear with a defect.

 

[kzimmerman]

^^^^ I agree. I probably wouldn't try to breed him, most likely his defects will pass on. Usually, when there are gross physical asymetries, it's not good for the health and well being of the fish, so expect stunted growth and a lack of longevity. But, you may get lucky. Good luck, he sounds pretty personable.

 

[knifegill]

He's ultra mellow. Hides a lot and hasn't chased anything in the tank.

 

[kzimmerman]

Even so, remember that sunfish tend to be pretty pugnacious. He may just be aclimating, but once he establishes the tank as his domain, he wont be timid anymore.

 

[knifegill]

Sounds good. Once he proves his health he'll go with the other sunfish into the Oscar tank.