Illness/Sickness: Axie gills drooping

[PatchworkClocks]

Wow really strange! It might be trying to go threw metamorphosis hopefully, VERY RARE

Axolotls only go through metamorphosis if there is a problem with its environment. And it has to be a really BIG problem. Other than that, there is only a very, very slim chance that any axolotl has the genetics necessary to undergo metamorphosis naturally without any sort of environmental aid.

What's more likely to be going on with Hynesy's axolotl is curiosity. Axolotls have poor eyesight, so they don't always know where they're going. Could be that the animal in question was just crawling along and ended up finding the top of the rock, most likely in search of food or a place to hide.

Anyway, back on topic, what all have you tried to get them to eat? And is your tank's temperature where it needs to be? Axolotls become stressed from heat very easily and that usually puts them off of food for a while. Just keep trying, they'll come around when they're hungry enough.

 

[Hynesy]

Axolotls only go through metamorphosis if there is a problem with its environment. And it has to be a really BIG problem. Other than that, there is only a very, very slim chance that any axolotl has the genetics necessary to undergo metamorphosis naturally without any sort of environmental aid.

What's more likely to be going on with Hynesy's axolotl is curiosity. Axolotls have poor eyesight, so they don't always know where they're going. Could be that the animal in question was just crawling along and ended up finding the top of the rock, most likely in search of food or a place to hide.

Anyway, back on topic, what all have you tried to get them to eat? And is your tank's temperature where it needs to be? Axolotls become stressed from heat very easily and that usually puts them off of food for a while. Just keep trying, they'll come around when they're hungry enough.

Thanks for the everyone, the gills don't seem to be shrinking so I don't think its metamorphosis, the temp is always between 17-18C because of the chiller so I don't think its that but when I put my ear to the aquarium glass with the chiller on there is a loud tick tick tick from the chiller, turning off the chiller stops this noise. PH is still 7.6, ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and nitrate 40. I use dechlorinator during water changes too. This is the only thing I can think that would be causing issues. The loss of appetite/behaviour started around the time I got the chiller I guess. I might try suspending the spray bar so out vibrations from the chiller don't reach the tank.
Cheers
Hynesy

 

[Hynesy]

Hi All,

I thought I'd just provide an update on this situation just in case someone else experienced something similar and this might help. After tossing it up I figure it was the water so I did a complete tank clean and half filled the tank after the clean with established water from my housemates tank.

Couple days later Suzie started eating, and now a week later she has fully recovered and back to her cheeky self.

I am worried about Sam tho, she hasn't eating I at least three weeks and is looking weak. She has grab the food a few times but spat it back out. I have force fed her the last two days using the instructions in the pinned thread, she's kept most down. Poor girl, I still can't understand what happened but since Suzie recovered I think I have solved the cause just need Sam to eat. I've tried earthworms, bookworms, crickets, lamb liver and beef and axie pellets with no luck. I know some of those things aren't ideal but I jut want her to get some food into her.

Amy ideas would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Hynesy

 

[auntiejude]

I found that a worm, blanched to kill it but not cook it, was a great way to get an anorexic axie to eat. It's not challenging as it doesn't wriggle but still smells like live food and is just as nutritious.
Just put a clean worm in a little plastic pot, add a dash of boiling water then cool it immediately with cold tap water. You could also try black worms if you can get them, or maggots/waxworms/butter worms.

 

[Hynesy]

Thanks Auntie Jude I will try that and let everyone know how it goes. And in my previous post I meant bloodworms not bookworms damn auto correct.

 

[Hynesy]

I found that a worm, blanched to kill it but not cook it, was a great way to get an anorexic axie to eat. It's not challenging as it doesn't wriggle but still smells like live food and is just as nutritious.
Just put a clean worm in a little plastic pot, add a dash of boiling water then cool it immediately with cold tap water. You could also try black worms if you can get them, or maggots/waxworms/butter worms.

Just thought I'd give everyone another update, Sam ate today!!

She struggled to muster the energy to even eat but she managed a few nibbles of liver, then ate a whole piece!! Very happy they are both eating, the leucistic is back to a really healthy weight, eating earthworms. Just need to get Sam, the golden albino there too.

I hope my experience and difficulties in determining the issue can help others.

Cheers,
Hynesy

 

[Kaysie]

Axolotls only go through metamorphosis if there is a problem with its environment. And it has to be a really BIG problem.

I have to clarify this: generally axolotls will not undergo metamorphosis, even if there's an environmental issue in the tank. Most axolotls have lost the genetic information to induce metamorphosis. If the tank goes bad, most axolotls will die before they undergo metamorphosis.