The new addition

Here are some photos of our latest axie as yet unamed and unsexed. Can anyone tell me what this colouration is called.

The new axie is about 4 inches long and is really active. It has a cool personality and loves attention, it always comes to the front of the tank when people are around and does sort of cartwheel things until you go look at it. I got it from a pet shop and it always seems hungry. It was really thin when we got it.

I have been feeding it once everyday. Is that enough? It always seems to want more, so we are leaning towards Oliver as a name but will wait until we can determine its sex.

I left the pebbles in the tank until the sand arrives and I will change it then, or should I take the pebbles out in the meantime. They seem to big for it to fit in its mouth but I would like to know if I should err on the side of caution.

Cheers

Ian

This is a dark coloured wildtype. He looks a bit skinny. How much do you feed him and what? You could feed him twice a day till he fattens up a bit.

Also, is this your second axolotl, or the one that was a gift?

If its another one, then you should keep it separate from the other one. It has to be quarantined for 30 days. This is extremely important. Quarantining is to ensure it is healthy and doesn't make your other one sick. Many people who have visited this forum have usually made the mistake of introducing their new axolotl straight away into their other axie/s tank as they are too impatient to wait, and/or don't have a spare tank to put them in.

You don't need a spare tank. This new one, if it is, could be put into a bucket/vegie bin (if you can spare it!) or one of those plastic storage bins or fish bins from Warehouse or Mitre 10 or the Plastics Warehouse Shop. Just put treated tapwater in the container and put "Oliver" in. The water will need to be changed every day.

The cartwheels could be irritation or stress. If s/he's been doing it since you bought him, you should get your tankwater tested for ammonia and nitrites. I have mentioned this before I'm sure in other threads to you. Cartwheels are not normal unless there's a problem, be it water quality/stress or parasites. I'm more likely to believe it's a combination of water and stress as your tank is fairly new and in the middle of cycling. (also mentioned in other thread)

I understand you're excited over your new edition/s but I know you want to do the best for them.

You can remove the gravel straight away. Just remove the axolotls into separate containers (separate icecream containers with some of the dechlorinated water put in; cover them with lid till you finished and so they don't jump)

Siphon 3/4 of the tankwater into a bucket or two; remove the decos/plants and place in the buckets of tankwater (they need to be kept wet).

Then use a plastic cup or jug to scoop the gravel out. You'll probably find a bit of gunk/waste once you've removed gravel. Just siphon out the dirt (don't wash the tank out).

Then pour the tankwater, replace the decos etc. and put one axolotl back in the tank. Top up with dechlorinated water.

Thanks again

Kia Ora Kapo,

This is the new one and it is in the old tank, I got a much bigger tank for the gifted axolotl. I have been changing 20-30% of the water every second day and read the cycling material as you suggested. I filled Olivers tank and let it stand for two days before putting him in. I am also doing this with the big tank and axolotl.

It seems to be mellowing out now haven't had any cartwheels since this morning. I think it was really stressed, its gills were pointing forward but they are looking more normal now. I assumed this would have been due to the transfer from tank to plastic bag, the car ride and then the transfer into a new environment.

I am not planning on putting them together at all. Unless Oliver turns out to be Olivia but I would imagine this to be months away if ever.

I will feed Oliver twice a day until he gets a more robust appearance, and post another photo in a week for comparison.

The gifted axolotl has been named Hendrix and he seems way happier in his new tank. I have put in more plants and a couple of things for him to hide in.

Thanks for your advice and help.

Hi Ian,

After removing my big feet from my mouth, I only discovered your other thread a few seconds ago!

Nice looking axies, the pair of them.

Sorry, I probably went and jumped right in there. Many times I've been asked or answered some of the problems that occur usually with quarantining, axies with fungus etc... and sometimes you just feel like banging your head on the wall when you know the person/s involved are not really reading the thread. Especially when they come back time and again and ask the same things over and over.

It's nice to know that some people do listen to some of our advice/help and we (members that answer and other moderators) aren't just banging our heads against a brick wall !

Its all good

Kia Ora Kapo, No worries I eat a good amount of leather myself. I will remove all the gravel from the Olivers tank as well. Bunnings and Mitre ten in Htown didn't have the right sand and the pet shop only had one small bag so they have ordered me a 20 kilo sack of golden sand, should be here early next week.

I appreciate it must get frustrating answering the same questions repeatedly. In this instance you could tell me I needed to stand on my head and spin three times and I would take it as gospel. Please be assured that I take everything you guys tell me seriously and do read the material you suggest.

As a teacher of year 7 to 10 students I know what its like to have to go over and over the same stuff cause people aren't listening to the answers or following the instructions.

In all sincerity thanks for all of your advice and help so far and I hope in the future too.

The only problem is these amazing animals are addictive. Can you tell me or direct me to where I can find the scientific names for these two?

Cheers

Ian

Ambystoma mexicanum

I agree they're very addictive!