a newbie saying hi with a question

[gato]

hi all fellow axie lovers. my name is gato and just recently i got marshall he is a golden albino his home is a 60 litre tank with the temp around 18 - 19 degrees and the water is treated with stress zyme. i actualy have 2 questions 1st one is how can i actually tell the difference between the sexes he is already at sexual maturity and would like 2 get him a female partner.
secondly he does not seem to be eating much i feed him once every second day at night because i find him to be more active then probably because of the lower temps. i feed him frozen bloodworms but am considering earthworms if i can find a reliable source.could there be a reason for him not eating that i have overlooked.
thanks for any advice in advance

gato and marshall

 

[Kiowa]

Hello

Welcome to the Axolotl Family Gato, I am new here to and have done alot of research on axololts over the past few months.

Here is are links which provides information about sexing, breeding, feeding and the requirements for your axolotl.
http://www.axolotl.org/biology.htm
http://www.axolotl.org/feeding.htm
http://www.axolotl.org/requirements.htm
http://www.axolotl.org/breeding.htm

It is normal for an axolotl not to eat much or not eat food all together for the first few days or even weeks because of stress from travelling, entering a new environment and each axolotl had different metabolizm rates. When I bought my axolotls they did not eat for five days but now they are finally eating . Your temperature is very good and yes it is good to feed them in afternoons when they are active.

How long have you had your axolotl and have you checked the pH levels, Ammonia levels and Nitrite Levels just in case. If your axolotl not eating after a week I will try and find more infomation and provide a link.


See you later and good luck.

 

[Jacquie]

Welcome Gato,

At sexual maturity, the male axolotl has a very distinct swelling (the cloaca) behind his rear legs - the female doesn't.

Earthworms are a great food source! He'll love you for it . If you don't have a garden, I believe they can be purchased at Bunnings and any fish baiting shop will have them.

How much bloodworm do you feed him? Some axies can be 'finicky'. If he is not keen on bloodworm, I would definately try earthworm. His belly should be about as wide as his head.

Could you provide your water parameters? (ie. Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate/PH).

Water quality is very important to the health of your axie and will effect your axolotl's eating. The most important readings are for Ammonia and Nitrite - both should be zero - anything higher can be deadly toxic to an axolotl.

Cheers Jacq.

 

[Kiowa]

G'day

Jacq is absolutely right, his advice is very important.

See you later.

 

[Jacquie]

G'day

Jacq is absolutely right, his advice is very important.

See you later.

Jacq is actually a girl - short for 'Jacquie'.

I'll let you off this time Kiowa - and with a belated 'Welcome to the forum!'.

Cheers Jacq.

 

[blueberlin]

... would like 2 get him a female partner.

Hi Gato, welcome to the forum!

When I got my axolotls I bought them as a m/f pair so they would not be lonely. They were not. Within 2 months, they laid eggs three times. I now have bought a second aquarium and separated the two. I would very strongly recommend getting two axolotls of the same sex.

-Eva

 

[Kiowa]

Hello

I am very sorry Jacq and I thank you for telling me, it was nice to know you.

See you Later

Kiowa

 

[markre]

yes welcome to the forum from new zealand!...never mind these dumb australians who talk funny...

 

[ali000]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

Your axie may not be eating if s/he's stressed, other signs of stress to look out for are a slightly curled tail at the tip and gills curling forward.

What is the stress zyme? Axolotls are very sensitive to chemicals and most that are intended for 'fish' tanks are unsuitable, if it's to mature the water then I take it your tank hasn't been cycled, If this is the case then I suggest you ditch the stress zyme and perform daily 20% water changes until you tank has cycled. If stress zyme is a tap water conditioner, then the safest way to remove chlorine is to let the water stand for at LEAST 24hrs, 2-3 days is even better.

Enjoy your new pet, they are truly captivating.

Alison