Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!

Signs of Fighting

NadeZ

New member
Joined
Dec 13, 2013
Messages
130
Reaction score
1
I have 3 axolotls of 23cm, 18cm, and 15cm long, all in a 200L tank with large hides for each of them. I've never seen any signs of aggression between them but today I noticed that the largest has had one of her gills chopped/bitten off. The second largest has a small nick on his tail ridge and has had part of his jaw cut/bitten. The right side of his jaw is hanging a little and there is a small nick in the left side. He often sits there 'yawning' repeatedly. They still seem fine sitting right next to each other and the smallest one is fine.
Is there anything that could have caused this other than fighting? What is the best treatment? If I see the situation change or any signs of aggression then I will immediately set up dividers.
Since moving into this tank 2 weeks ago, the axolotls have been extremely shy, Rarely straying from the hides unless the room is pitch black. The largest has also not been accepting food much. She hasn't eaten in at least 3 days and whenever I put a worm near her face, she walks away.
Pictures coming..
 

NadeZ

New member
Joined
Dec 13, 2013
Messages
130
Reaction score
1
6y8uru2a.jpg

asa5e2a2.jpg

u7yvuru9.jpg


A water test gave a surprising result: Ammonia 0.5, Nitrite 0.25, Nitrate 30
Very odd that the cycle still seems to be present, but is not fully controlling the waste.. Or do these numbers indicate something else?
I immediately did a 60% water change.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

Boomsloth

Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2014
Messages
903
Reaction score
14
Location
Florida
The test indicates you're going through a minicycle. It should stabilize quickly.

Your axolotls look healthy and might just be injuring themselves by accident. If you don't see them fighting or bite marks then i don't think its aggression. Are you feeding regularly?
 
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • Shane douglas:
    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
    +1
    Unlike
  • Thorninmyside:
    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
    +1
    Unlike
  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
    +1
    Unlike
  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
    +1
    Unlike
    Clareclare: Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus... +1
    Top