Photo: Axolotl jumped out and sat on carpet overnight-- now has big fuzzy white patch on tummy :(

[yicksin]

Hi everyone!

I placed my axolotls in a big tupperware container overnight a few days ago and one of them unfortunately jumped out and fell on the floor sometime during the night. He was on the floor about 12 feet away covered in debris and wasn't moving, but when he was placed back in water he swam around and started recuperating. It's been a few days and he's looking a lot better-- aside from a few things:

He walks around now with an arched back. If you see my first picture you can see his back is curved more compared to my other axolotl in the back.

His front arms are also kind of skinny looking and bent extra? I don't know if this is a big concern but his arms are always bent like they are in the picture instead of having them out to the side.

Anyway today I was watching him swim up to the water surface for air (he didn't actually make it :c still kind of weak I think) and noticed a large fuzzy spot on his abdomen. When he first fell I thought this was just part of his slimy coat shedding because his entire body was shedding and I couldn't tell the difference between what was going on with his tummy and everything else.

From what I've read and seen I think it may be a fungus? His belly was on the ground when I found him so it might have gotten damaged and got infected.. but I'm not sure. What do you guys think?

And what should I do from here? I'm going to take him out and put him in a separate tupperware container and change the water in the tank in case there's fungus floating around.

Should I keep the tupperware water cold, salty, black tea-y, etc.? Any input is appreciated; I'm really concerned.

Last two pictures are of his belly. The patch is pretty big-- about 1 inch long?

 

[HayleyK]

The photos aren't really clear although it just look like dead skin is sloughing off. Fungus literally looks like the fuzz you see when mould grows.

I would separate him, a single Tupperware container in a cool dark place, make sure temperatures are between 16-18 celcius. You can add Indian almond leaves, or black tea if you can not get access to them. Keep feeding him and try not to disturb him too much maybe pop a towel over the container too. I don't think fridging is necessary right now. Keep an eye out for fungus too.

 

[yicksin]

The photos aren't really clear although it just look like dead skin is sloughing off. Fungus literally looks like the fuzz you see when mould grows.

I would separate him, a single Tupperware container in a cool dark place, make sure temperatures are between 16-18 celcius. You can add Indian almond leaves, or black tea if you can not get access to them. Keep feeding him and try not to disturb him too much maybe pop a towel over the container too. I don't think fridging is necessary right now. Keep an eye out for fungus too.

Thanks for the reply! I separated him and changed the water in the tank. The patch is kinda fuzzy. Like white and soft looking? Is the only thing to do if it is a fungus to let him sit in black tea water?

 

[HayleyK]

Thanks for the reply! I separated him and changed the water in the tank. The patch is kinda fuzzy. Like white and soft looking? Is the only thing to do if it is a fungus to let him sit in black tea water?

This is a fungus, you one just looks like loose skin that's falling away from drying out. Indian almond leaves are mildly antifungual as well so it can help with fungus. If its a a true fungus you can salt bath him but keep in mind he wont like it as it is irritating but it will definitely help cure the fungus however I believe it isn't a fungus at this point.

 

[Shivermetim]

This is the first time im hearing about this Indian almond leaf or black tea bath can you please elaborate or point me to where to find the best information about it

 

[Sweetie]

You can get Indian almond leaves through the internet if your LFS doesn't stock them. You put the leaves into the tank, where they take a day or two to break down and start releasing tannins. They have a slightly antibacterial and antifungal effect, but they also tighten up the pores, making it harder for medication to penetrate if you do subsequently need to treat them for something. So if you are unsure on that issue, use the tea baths instead. They have a similar effect. Just add to the tank one cup of (cold) tea, made with an ordinary black unflavoured teabag and dechlorinated water, per 10 gallons of tankwater. Leave it in for a week or so, topping it up as necessary after water changes. Some people leave Indian almond leaves or tea in their tanks most of the time, as a prophylactic measure to prevent fungus or minor infections.