Illness/Sickness: Another newbie needing help please with unwell axie

[Klo mami]

Hi there

I have had my axolotl nearly a month now and he has been ok but recently I have noticed that his tail has got a lot pinker (he is an albino with dark eyes) also one of his legs looks a bit darker pink. I have searched the web and read about the red leg condition but I don't know what I need to do to treat it and I also don't want to start giving him medicines as I might make him worse. The vet in my area has told me to contact a local aquarium but they haven't been any help. I was told by the shop I brought him from that he will be easy to look after but since buying him they have not been helpfull either. I am really fond of him and would really appreciate any help or advice from an experienced axie handler.

Also his gills are slightly forward but are not like they were on his first day home so I don't think he is stressed by water flow. I have the pressure on the lowest and have a spray attachment too and I feed him frozen bloodworm which I was told was the best food? Also I clean his tank about 25% of water 3 times a week and I remove him when I do this.

Thanks again for any comments, I really want to give him the best life possible.

K

 

[hanniebumblebee]

Heya, I'm sure his leg isn't anything to worry about my axies pink colour usually varies depending on temperature, food etc im sure he will be fine as long as he is eating and active I'm sure he will be ok. Try feeding him a variation of food as blood worm is slightly too rich for every day. I feed mine frozen fish from the pet shop cut up, or cut up earth worms which I buy live from the local fishing tackle shop. The forward gills are usually to do with water flow I face my filter up out of the water so its like a little fountain as i had the same problem last week, its worked well lol good luck I'm sure your axie will be fine

 

[John]

Hannie's point about the gills being due to water flow stress is correct. You need to fix this now or you will lose that animal within the next few months.

 

[Klo mami]

Hi thank you for your reply.

I have brought him frozen fish today and I will adjust the water flow to point out of the water, do you have the flow coming out of the water with a spray bar or without? Also when I change his water 75% is it best to take him out of the tank each time or will this upset him more? I just want to do the least stressful thing. I definately think his gills are less forward and I was told that younger ones slightly tip forward more than older, is this right. He is eating fine and is very active likes to swim sometimes the length of the tank.

Thank you again, your comments are really appreciated. :happy:

 

[gr33neyes]

Ok, You probably haven't been given the correct advice on axolotl keeping by the store where you bought him and unfortunately that is beginning to show.
You do not need to take the axolotl out of the tank when you do a water change. Any type of handling is stressful to them and I am not surprised it is showing signs of stress. You say you have only had him a month, so its possible that your tank is still cycling. You only need to replace about 20% percent of the water 2-3 times a week until the tank is cycled.
I would suggest you buy a water testing kit from your local aquarist shop. You're looking for a kit that tests for ammonia, nitrItes and nitrAtes.
Where in the UK are you?
The young axolotl does tend to be more active and if he is eating this is a good thing. Earthworms are very good also and free if you have access to a patch of grass that hasn't had any chemicals put into it (weed killer that sort of thing). Being in the UK in our damp climate you should be able to get plenty of worms. Try to find tiny ones that a baby axie will swallow easily.

 

[kira]

Yes that is true about the gills.

I also like using a spray bar.