Baby axolotl won't stop floating.

[Chak]

I have a baby golden albino, very young, doesn't even have their back legs but I'm determined to keep them alive. They've been having floating problems for a while, an obvious bubble in them. I don't know what to do. I've tried water changes, I've tried fridging (many people recommended), I've tried just leaving them be to see if they'll burp it out but the bubble is not gone. What do I do? I feel real bad and I've been really excited about this guy. If you need photos I'll attach but it's just a baby with a bubble in it's neck.

 

[Chak]

I don't want to keep putting him in and out of the fridge as I'm afraid it'll stress him too much.

 

[axolotl nerd]

I have a baby golden albino, very young, doesn't even have their back legs but I'm determined to keep them alive. They've been having floating problems for a while, an obvious bubble in them. I don't know what to do. I've tried water changes, I've tried fridging (many people recommended), I've tried just leaving them be to see if they'll burp it out but the bubble is not gone. What do I do? I feel real bad and I've been really excited about this guy. If you need photos I'll attach but it's just a baby with a bubble in it's neck.

i’ve heard that axolotls can hold their breath for up to a year - it’s only really a problem in especially tiny ones who can’t control their buoyancy. the only thing i'm especially concerned about is how small they are - as well as the location of the bubble? could you attach pictures?

 

[Chak]

i’ve heard that axolotls can hold their breath for up to a year - it’s only really a problem in especially tiny ones who can’t control their buoyancy. the only thing i'm especially concerned about is how small they are - as well as the location of the bubble? could you attach pictures?

difficult to tell in the photo, but in person it's def right there. He's alive. His heart is beating (right where the bubble is...) and he's swimming around.

 

[Chak]

View attachment 87871View attachment 87872difficult to tell in the photo, but in person it's def right there. He's alive. His heart is beating (right where the bubble is...) and he's swimming around.

and he is upside down. Might be hard to tell.

 

[axolotl nerd]

View attachment 87871View attachment 87872difficult to tell in the photo, but in person it's def right there. He's alive. His heart is beating (right where the bubble is...) and he's swimming around.

first off, gorgeous axie. second, i worry about digestion and eating with them floating upside down. are they digesting/having good bowel movements? also, how well do they eat?

 

[Chak]

first off, gorgeous axie. second, i worry about digestion and eating with them floating upside down. are they digesting/having good bowel movements? also, how well do they eat?

I'd say they've been pooping good. Eating is difficult to say but seeing as they've been pooping I think they're eating. I could set up something to record him all day, see if he eats or not.

 

[Chak]

I'd say they've been pooping good. Eating is difficult to say but seeing as they've been pooping I think they're eating. I could set up something to record him all day, see if he eats or not.

god I keep switching up the pronouns when referring to the axie, sorry lol.

 

[axolotl nerd]

god I keep switching up the pronouns when referring to the axie, sorry lol.

oh i’m awful with it lol, i refer to my unsexed/female axie as “he” exclusively. i’m just praying he’s really male so i can get some eggs from him and a female im caring for

i’d suggest setting up something to record them with, just to make sure they’re doing alright with eating.

 

[Chak]

oh i’m awful with it lol, i refer to my unsexed/female axie as “he” exclusively. i’m just praying he’s really male so i can get some eggs from him and a female im caring for

i’d suggest setting up something to record them with, just to make sure they’re doing alright with eating.

what should I do about the bubble though? That's honestly my main concern. It's been there for the longest time.

 

[axolotl nerd]

what should I do about the bubble though? That's honestly my main concern. It's been there for the longest time.

im really not sure at this point. i’ve never had a problem with it (i’ve only had one that i’ve raised lol) but i’d suggest just waiting really. maybe feeding more to help pass it? how long has it been there?

 

[Chak]

im really not sure at this point. i’ve never had a problem with it (i’ve only had one that i’ve raised lol) but i’d suggest just waiting really. maybe feeding more to help pass it? how long has it been there?

Since his front legs grew. It hasn't been there constantly, he'd get a bubble, burp it out, and continue that, but now the bubble won't leave. The constant bubble has been there for a few days.

 

[axolotl nerd]

Since his front legs grew. It hasn't been there constantly, he'd get a bubble, burp it out, and continue that, but now the bubble won't leave. The constant bubble has been there for a few days.

oh that must be so stressful for both of you! i’m so sorry lovey, i’ve been checking other threads to try and help but all ive seen is to try and feed them more :/

 

[axolotl nerd]

oh that must be so stressful for both of you! i’m so sorry lovey, i’ve been checking other threads to try and help but all ive seen is to try and feed them more :/

found this in another thread

”Just checked caudata.culture, it appears to be gas bubble disease which is where the water is supersaturated with oxygen, the reccomended treatment is very shallow water with lots of plants.”

 

[axolotl nerd]

this too

“The only way supersaturated water could get into the tank to cause this issue is via the taps and all you need to do to prevent it is ensure that the water is "degassed" as you change the water. Let it sit for a bit, agitate it as you fill the tank, use a spraybar etc.”

i hope this is a little bit helpful

 

[Chak]

found this in another thread

”Just checked caudata.culture, it appears to be gas bubble disease which is where the water is supersaturated with oxygen, the reccomended treatment is very shallow water with lots of plants.”

I lowered the water quite a bit and he managed to get right side up for a bit, but then when back to floating. At least it's progress?

 

[axolotl nerd]

I lowered the water quite a bit and he managed to get right side up for a bit, but then when back to floating. At least it's progress

really, the most importatn thing to me is that they have a good quality of life and a will to thrive. as long as they’re trying, keep caring for them as best you can

 

[Chak]

really, the most importatn thing to me is that they have a good quality of life and a will to thrive. as long as they’re trying, keep caring for them as best you can

It does seem like he's eating, I've put him in my room so I can keep tabs on him, and he does seem to be lunging for the food every once and a while. Not sure if he's actually catching them, but he's trying.

 

[axolotl nerd]

It does seem like he's eating, I've put him in my room so I can keep tabs on him, and he does seem to be lunging for the food every once and a while. Not sure if he's actually catching them, but he's trying.

good. hope the little one makes it

 

[Chak]

good. hope the little one makes it

He's attempting to get a blackworm down so I do know he's actively seeking food.