Golden Dorado Gill Curl?

[pwmin]

I initially thought it was gill curl (not sure how that would have happened), but now I'm wondering if it's an operculum deformity, but it's on both sides. Only about 3-4"right now and I've had it for about a month. Only recently started to notice, but may be because I got it at around half the size it is now.

 

[Kingdoffishcraft]

Its usually a deformity either caused my a birth condition or an injury in the tank. I know it may seem unplesent to the eye but it usually doesn't effect the fishes health. He will still grow and become a beast.

 

[kno4te]

Maybe just a deformity. Not sure if they are captive bred. As long as it’s acting normal and water parameters are good then just watch as it develops.

 

[ruincccc]

I recently acquired a few Dorados as well, may you share what kind of food have you been feeding him at this size and what size of grow-out tank he is in?

 

[pwmin]

Thanks, all. Definitely leaning towards a birth defect also. I believe it was CB. They mix in other species to cut down on cannibalism and the was a stragler in the mix.

I've been feeding as much of a variety as I can. It doesn't eat everything, but pretty much anything meaty. I have some teacher fish, but it doesn't show much interest in pellets. Likes to eat mostly from the water column, but should eventually strike the surface, kind of like young peacock bass. The feeding pattern is unique. I'll have to video it, but it's eating cut up market shrimp and tilapia and frozen bloodworms, p.e. mysis and brine shrimp.

 

[pwmin]

Missed this: It's in a 5' x 16 x 18 75 gallon. Tried to upload a feeding video, but it won't attach.

 

[pwmin]

 

[pwmin]

Got some better pictures. This one shows it the best (zoomed and cropped). Definitely a deformity. Don't think it was from another fish. It is striking the surface now and will occasionally eat some pellets.