Illness/Sickness: Axolotl not moving- is it dying?? HELP!!!

Im new to the site and new to caring for axolotls. We have two teenage axolotls, one black, one white.

We have had Axle and Lotle for 4 months now, we check the water quality, have a good canister filter (without too much current) we provide a dark place for them to hide, feed them pellets every two days and dont have any small gravel in the tank.

Today I woke to seeing Lotle (our white axi) not moving much and with no appetite. This afternoon when I got home, Lotle was in the same position. Its gills are still moving, but seems to be unable to swim.

Is Lotle dying? What can I do to help it? HELP!! We love our Axolotls and I dont want Lotle to die.

Moved to the axolotl section - this was posted in the intro section.

How do you know Lotle can't swim? She may be moving around quite happily when you're not watching!

Axies are quite lazy creatures and will find a place they like and stay there for a long time, my big male does!

Have you tried different food? How long since Lotle has eaten? Wriggly earthworms will often tempt a reluctant axie.

What are your water parameters? Temperature, Ph, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia?

Does Lotle show any signs of stress? Curled gills? Curled tail tip?

Thanks for your reply.

I think you were right! Ive returned to see her swiming happily around the tank again! Phew! I was really worred there for a minute. I have always seen them being active and rather curious. As soon as I approach the tank they usually come to the surface in search for food or just to say hello! (cute) (So, to see her be so inactive was a bit of a scare.)

Im never had water animals as pets before so everything is a learning curve.

Do you know what the correct water PH and temperature levels for axies are?

Hi Vee,

If you haven't already done so, i recommend you read up about axies via the following links.

http://www.axolotl.org/

http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/articles_axolotl.shtml

Axies do best around water temperatures between 16-18 degree celsius. At this temperature range, they are comfortable yet lively enough to feed and provide enjoyment. Temperatures beyond 22 degrees is stressful and can cause illness and death if over a prolonged period. Axies can tolerate cold temperatures well so it isn't so much an issue compared to heat. Temperatures below 10 degree celsius can occasionally cause food regurgitation due to lower rates of food digestion. These take the form of a mucus covered bolus.

In terms of pH, axies are quite resilient over a pH range of 6.5-8, however neutral around 7 is ideal. As such, you should try aim for neutral pH as much as possible. Higher pH can increase toxicity of some nitrogenous waste products. The pH can also influence the types and proportion of bacteria growing in the tank. In general, with both pH and temperature, you want to aim for stability.

Other more important parameters to watch out for are ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. You should invest in a colourimetric solution type test kit and perform regular water testing. In a well cycled and maintained tank, you should get 0 ammonia and nitrites and less than 60 nitrates.

Cheers.

Hi Vee Welcome to the site,

I agree with Kerry, axolotls aren't normally very active except for feeding and breeding they do alot of lying around.

Thanks for the feedback guys,

I still feel like there is something wrong with Lotle, This morning I notice that she seems to be off balance and is begining to show signs of stress like the cirled tail.

I will buy a testing kit to check all the relevant water levels -
The water temp is at 17 degrees, and the other axolotl is behaving normally.

How can I tell what is wrong with her?

Hi Vee,

As with most animals it is a process of elimination, there are definates like fungus otherwise its largely trial and error.

First step is usually water quality and temperature. So once you have a testing kit you will know if this is the cause. From your description it sounds like a stress related thing which will still need further investigation.

Have you added anything to your habitat lately or any other significant routine changes?

The only thing I have changed is the filter - we have a mini canister filter - however the current is not stong (we use the spray bar)

I think I need to test the water quality. She is still not looking the best. She is swimming vertically and stops to rest quite a bit. Her gills are still moving but not as often as they did before.