I had never even laid my eyes on a mudpuppy when I caught one with a minnow last weekend. The hook injured it slightly and I took it home out of fascination and the urge to nurture it. I’ve spent hours researching mudpuppies and have completely fallen in love with them. Ive got him (not sure the gender but I named him Leon) in a 20 gallon tank with a log he hides in frequently, along with sand and pebbles both. I’ve been filtering the water with a filter that had come with the tank, I also use a small aerator every once in a while because I’m freaked out about him not having enough air in the water.
Okay okay okay, here’s my issue. He’s not eaten in a week. I figure stress has a lot to do with that, but I’ve kept minnows and earthworms and I even tried a millworm. He’s not taken anything. A couple days ago two of his minnows died, covered in weird snot-like...algae-looking.. slime. Well the next day Leon himself started getting this weird slime on his body, and a little on his head. Today it’s gotten worse and I’m very worried. But I really don’t know if I should be! I read somewhere that they emit toxins when they’re stressed.. is that correct? I’m going to try to find a small crawfish to entice him with soon but I just need answers! Is he sick? Do I need to try this salt bath concept that I keep reading about on here? I’m not experienced but I am very passionate and eager to learn!!
Okay okay okay, here’s my issue. He’s not eaten in a week. I figure stress has a lot to do with that, but I’ve kept minnows and earthworms and I even tried a millworm. He’s not taken anything. A couple days ago two of his minnows died, covered in weird snot-like...algae-looking.. slime. Well the next day Leon himself started getting this weird slime on his body, and a little on his head. Today it’s gotten worse and I’m very worried. But I really don’t know if I should be! I read somewhere that they emit toxins when they’re stressed.. is that correct? I’m going to try to find a small crawfish to entice him with soon but I just need answers! Is he sick? Do I need to try this salt bath concept that I keep reading about on here? I’m not experienced but I am very passionate and eager to learn!!
