External gills-can they grow back

[Burbotman]

An observation on my new little (3 inch) endlicheri. When I got him he was scrawny and had no external gills. Two weeks later I notice that I now can see small external gills, it appears that they are growing back after being perhaps knocked off in transport???

Any thoughts, has anyone had an experiance like this?
I will post pics if they grow larger.

Joe

 

[beblondie]

Yes they can grow back however they won't necessarily be as pronounced as the orginal set of external gills-Anne

 

[fishmaven]

... new little (3 inch) endlicheri... scrawny and had no external gills... I now can see small external gills, it appears that they are growing back... Joe

I've purchased kuhli loach sized polypterus before that were showing external gills. Maybe, because it was so scrawny and the gills were small you couldn't see the gills. I don't think they go away. I believe they're just covered by the gill cover. They stay relatively small. Dan

 

[dougefresh]

i just bought a lapradei that is a little longer then 9" and he still has some of his external gills.............