Rapid gulping and floating

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eyestooawake

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Hello I am new to owning an axolotl and he has started to rise to the surface a rapidly gulp air. It's almost like he is actively trying to stay at the surface of the water. I have attached three pictures for reference. I don't know if I am freaking out for no reason or not. I'm like a first time mom with a new baby.
 

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Oh, I forgot to say that I tested the water with my API master kit and ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite were all at 0 and the pH is at 7.6.
 
Hi. What temperature is your tank at? Is your filter creating a lot of flow? How long have you had your animal?

Personally, I'm not sure that you've got an axolotl. It looks a lot like a tiger salamander larva to me. Could you upload a good profile picture of it?


This is our care sheet on axolotls, if you haven't read it, please do.
Caudata Culture Species Entry - Ambystoma mexicanum - Axolotl

Also look through this site
Axolotls: The Fascinating Mexican Axolotl and the Tiger Salamander


IF we find out that your axolotl is actually a tiger salamander, please become familiar with this caresheet, as it will need drastically different care than an axolotl once it reaches adulthood.
Caudata Culture Species Entry - Tiger salamander

Caudata Culture Articles - Tiger Salamander 101
 
I have read the care sheet already and have read the axolotl.org website fairly well. The temperature is 19 degress C and the filter is low-flow. It is made to disperse water over the surface rather than down into the tank. I have had him/her for over 2 weeks now and to be honest I have been thinking he might be a tiger too but the man who sold him to me said he was an axolotl and seemed fairly positive but it was at the mall so I doubt his credibility...
 

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Ok well thank you. Now I can be prepared for when he grows up and changes. I'll make sure to have a plan in place for converting the tank. Thanks again.
 
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    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
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    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
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    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
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