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Axolotl with asymmetrical twisted gills on one side

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AidansAxolotls

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Hi I have had my axolotl for a few months now and before he was looking completely fine. Recently his gills have started to become oddly shaped on one side. On the left side he has the normal slightly curved look but on the other they’re straight but twisted somewhat and pointing a different direction and seem to have less color or blood flow, it’s hard to explain so I’ll add a picture. Is he sick and is there a way to reverse this I’m very worried about him. Sorry for the sideways picture.
 

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Murk

Murk

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Hello!

Gills are weird. They change shape often, depending on oxygen in the water, water flow, excitement, laziness, age, phase of the moon and the current value of the South African dollar.
OK, the last two are nonsense, but gills are weird. They change a lot, and most of the time it's no reason to get worried. They can be very interesting!
Only if the gills are curved very much to the front, and very bright, it could be a sign of stress (but isn't always).

In this case, I wouldn't worry. If the axolotl seems happy and healthy everything is fine.
Could it be that the axolotl is a young one still?

If you want to be absolutely sure, a good starting point is measuring the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates in the water. Most problems start there.
 
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