Bloated face, what’s wrong?

[Tacoboi]

We have an axie that is about 3 months old, and something weird is going on ... I came home from work last night to find him looking very strange. Could this be from bad water quality? We have been struggling with the ammonia level a little bit ... We took him out, put him in fresh water, did a major water change (about 50%), and now he seems better ... just want to know if anyone else has seen this. Any advice?
Thanks,
Tacoboi

 

[EasternRomioi3]

@Tacoboi

I have no idea what is going on there. I would assume he ate something and it's stuck. Like, too much sand, a stone, anything like that?

 

[Tacoboi]

Yeah, that’s what happened. I figured it out, because he just did it again. He ate one of the Aqueon Pure bacteria balls I put in the tank to assist with the ammonia reduction. I saw him do it this time. The package says it “can’t be overdosed” ... and it’s “beneficial” bacteria ... so I hope it’s not harmful!

 

[EasternRomioi3]

Oh nooo, I am familiar with those but I have NEVER heard of an axolotl eating them!