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New member intro - my baby is either sick or morphing?!?

fishbebefish

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Mar 16, 2016
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Oklahoma!!
Hello! My name is Valerie. This is my first axlotl. His name is toothless. He has been completely fine the whole time I've had his, since Christmas. I feed him earth worms and sometimes those pellets that came w him.
Almost a week ago my axlotls gills shrank up. They are completely gone. It happened very fast. He also has dark spots all over his belly and tail. I have put him in a small tank and change his water two or three times a day. He is still eating and he swims to the top to gulp air. He is also shedding this gunky (for lack of better word), clear colored skin? What can I do for him? Is he morphing? Is he sick? Can I give him vitamins? Please help!!
Also I was talking to my mom and she brought it to my attention, I have fed him bait worms, magic bait worms, to be exact. Could this be my problem? It never occurred to me that it might cause a problem but I didn't check to see if they were organic or not. I feel stupid and horrible. I'm still learning.
 

AxolotlChris

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May 15, 2015
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Are you aware of the Nitrogen Cycle? Commonly known as the 'Cycle'.

You should read this thread for information related to Cycling.
http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-beginner-newt-salamander-axolotl-help-topics/f48-axolotls-ambystoma-mexicanum/105507-new-owner-cycling-help.html

Also, these articles will give you most the information you need to understand Cycling:
Caudata Culture Articles - Cycling
Caudata Culture Articles - Water Quality
Axolotls - Requirements & Water Conditions in Captivity

Google shows me that 'Magic bait worm' is actually a company called 'Magic Products' who sell products related to fishing bait, including worm farms. I don't think the species of worm you have are called 'magic bait worm'.. Where are you purchasing your worms?

It sounds to me that your Axolotl is suffering from poor water conditions.

What temperature is your tank water?

Do you have a test kit for testing ammonia, nitrite, nitrAte, and PH?
 

CocoaAndTea

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Feb 25, 2016
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It might be morphing, are you sure it is an axolotol? It could be a tiger salamander.

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Foree

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Feb 11, 2015
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Arkansas
I agree with AxolotlChris we would all be better equipped to assist you if we could see pictures of your axolotl, to determine what it is and what could possibly be wrong. personally I have a barred tiger salamander larva that at first I thought was an axolotl but quickly ruled it out because of his markings and location. So now Im getting a terrestrial tank set up for him when he begins to morph.

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