Salamander or axolotl?

bwidjaja1 · Oct 1, 2011

Hi, just this afternoon, I got some axolotls from someone of this site. I only the 'axolotl home and I realized that it might not be an axolotl... What is it?
The 'axolotls' fins are shrinking away. eyes are bulging. It might be a morphing salamander?
Here are some photos...

HappySkittles · Oct 1, 2011

An axolotl is a kind of salamander

It looks like an axolotl...how long have you had it?

carsona246 · Oct 1, 2011

that's an axie in poor shape.

The Banana · Oct 1, 2011

Well axolotls are salamanders, and in Australia - they are the only salamanders availible.
That is definitely an axolotl, just one who is in terrible shape.

As for morphing, although rare - it does happen (I've had it happen to one of mine myself, just recently). It's very possible - my axie looked kinda like that.

Keep him/her in cool water, that looks like a good depth for now.
I would try to feed him/her up on earthworms, rather than pellets.. you can dig them from the garden if you don't use pesitcides/other chemicals. Just rinse, soak for a mintue, and feed.

Did your axie eat some of those pellets?

Hope this helps, and please forgive my typing.. on cousin's laptop, keys are in different postitions and spacing - keep pushing the wrong ones, ugh.

bwidjaja1 · Oct 1, 2011

Oh really ? Ok than. I'll have to try help it. It looks like it's losing its fins

bwidjaja1 · Oct 1, 2011

Can I stop it from morphing? I got it today from someone on this site. I thought it would be morphing... Can I stop it? If it does morph what do I do?

Bellabelloo · Oct 1, 2011

I agree that the axolotl is not in the best of shape.
Read this link if you haven't already :- Axolotls - Housing in Captivity

Basically keep the water cool and clean with dechlorinated water, and ideally feed earthworms. It'll soon look better.
I can't really tell with the photo's if it is changing, but generally it will be less likely.

bwidjaja1 · Oct 1, 2011

I've already read it

As I said, I just got today in hope of getting my axie a buddy .

Kaysie · Oct 1, 2011

I hate to sound like a broken record, but like everyone else has said, keep it cool and clean, and watch it for signs of continuing morphing. It may not morph, but you'll need to be prepared if it does. If it's already got bulging eyes and developing eyelids, it will probably continue to undergo metamorphosis. So you may be needing to house a terrestrial salamander.

michael · Oct 1, 2011

How big is it. It looks more like you received a very sick axolotl and not like it is metamorphosing. They do occasionally metamorphose but normally at subadult or adult size. Small juveniles don't metamorphose.

bwidjaja1 · Oct 2, 2011

Kaysie said:
I hate to sound like a broken record, but like everyone else has said, keep it cool and clean, and watch it for signs of continuing morphing. It may not morph, but you'll need to be prepared if it does. If it's already got bulging eyes and developing eyelids, it will probably continue to undergo metamorphosis. So you may be needing to house a terrestrial salamander.

It's eyes are already bulging, but they are getting smaller? I didn't even know that was possible. I don't know what eyelids look like but sometimes, it looks like his eyes vanish and come back again. But I'm not sure if those are her eyelids... But she has been doing it less and less.

Also, some good news, she has eaten some pellets and some earthworms. Here previous owner said she hadn't eaten in three days so I suppose that's not long? Also, after continuously keeping her head out off the water, she seems to not like the air as much as her head is often underwater and she doesn't go near the small bit of land I gave to her

These are good signs... right?

smily sam · Oct 2, 2011

How are here gills have they shrunk, and do you have any more pictures?
Sam

bwidjaja1 · Oct 2, 2011

Here are some photos... Has she improved do you think ?

kiathepooch · Oct 2, 2011

She does seem to have improved a little.can't believe those first photos though

---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=53.776333,-2.381968

bwidjaja1 · Oct 2, 2011

I didn't realize it was in poor condition

But the owner gave another one, that I think was in the same tank, and it was fine... I gave that to my friend because he wanted one and I didn't think he could take care of a sick one... So anything else I can do besides keeping the water clean and cool? It's sad watching her in this condition with short gills

bwidjaja1 · Oct 2, 2011

My axolotl just ate a small worm and a pellet. It seems to only like worms so thanks for the tip .

So, she hasn't stayed up in the air for more than a gulp (her head I mean) so I think she may be recovering...

I'm going to get more worms tomorrow (I have a small supply of earthworms..) and I'm going to try feed her everyday because she looks rather thin... VERY thin actually. Would that be ok? She's about 16cm so shes an adult... right?

pent565 · Oct 2, 2011

feed her as much as she'll take at this point. Her eyes might have been bulging due to excessive thinness/swelling, as it looks like the gills are re-growing.

bwidjaja1 · Oct 2, 2011

pent565 said:
feed her as much as she'll take at this point. Her eyes might have been bulging due to excessive thinness/swelling, as it looks like the gills are re-growing.

Right, ok than. Only earthworms right?

yellowpebble · Oct 3, 2011

pellets are just as good nutritionaly, but they prefer worms and its best to give her what she will take at this point. Good to see she is recovering

Salamander or axolotl?

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