Morphing?

[Sarah]

Hi, this is the first time i've posted on this site. I got my "axolotl" just about 5 months ago, but lately he's shown some signs of morphing.

about 5 days ago he stopped eating, and floating at the top of the tank. and just today ive noticed over the past 2 days, his tail has shrunken, his eyes are bulging and his gills are disappearing. He also spent alot of time trying to keep his nose out of the water. After doing some research i found he was showing signs of morphing. I've lowered the water level and given him a flat surface to lie on. I uprooted some of the plastic plants and they flaot, he sometimes clings onto those too.

I've tried to feed him multiple times (i hand feed him) but its like he wants the food, but only opens his mouth a tiny bit and gives up, he also crawls up my hand when its near him, to get out of the water. My questions are:

I'm worried sick about him, Iv'e heard multiple stories about morphing axolotls that stop eating and die. He last ate 5 days ago and im really starting to worry.
2. Is he an axolotl? im not sure wether hes a morphing axolotl, or a salamander.
3. How do I provide for him once he morphs
4. how do i keep his strength up, like, how do i feed him or give him the best possible chance at life

Thanks very much, Sarah

[axie man :)]

Dont quote me but im sure its an axolotl due to im sure that salamanders are non existant in aus even in the pet trade if u can try and build some land he can get onto if needed and maybe try putting food into his mouth if u think he is trying to eat but cannot

[Kaysie]

Axolotls are a type of salamander. Once he morphs, you can provide care that's identical to the care for tiger salamanders, found here: http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Am...tigrinum.shtml

As far as food, morphing (if it is indeed morphing) is a very stressful time. Most salamanders don't eat during metamorphosis. Just keep offering. Give him lots of places to climb out, with hides so it feels safe, and keep trying.

[Sarah]

Thanks for all your help guys. I really appreciate it, but Mort passed away last night.
I went to check on him this morning and he wasn't moving, just sitting on a pile of plants. I hope he went in peace and I hope i didn't do anything to trigger this morphing, that he wasn't ready for...

Thanks again. Sarah

[rhiaaaa]

pop some photos up

[Johnny O. Farnen]

Often times, what is taken to be "morphing' in an axolotl is actually illness. Naturally morphing axolotls are very, very rare indeed.

[Julia]

rhiaaaa..this thread is nearly 2 years old, I suspect you will be out of luck regarding pictures!