Neons without operculum

[venymae]

Several of my Neon tetras are missing their operculum (gill cover-pics below). At least one of them was bought this way (they gave him to me for free!) but I've noticed it on a couple others as well. Mostly just on one side. Ha. Not a lot of info out there about this (at least that I can find) Do they need special care? I've had them for roughly 2 months without issues (well, besides ich)

I love my gutter gills

 

[Fidgetromeo]

I have a few neons with the same problem, and some that are missing eyes (i bought from a bad batch i guess) anyway mine have been perfectly healthy and happy for about 10 months, so i think yours should be fine too

 

[Homer114]

Mine are the same I've got 5 I've had them 6 weeks all lively and eating well I don't think it'll b a problem

 

[pip walters]

Mine are the same I've got 5 I've had them 6 weeks all lively and eating well I don't think it'll b a problem

This almost certainly a genetic deformity due to intensive culture of the fish. It could also be a result of poor nutrition in early growth or even disease damage that rotted the operculum but was halted before major damage or death occured.