Axie's gills shrinking

[sliemm]

OK, got a new dilemma with one of my axies. Recently I wrote that Ernie (melanoid) attacked Eric (leucistic) and did serious damage to his arm and tail. I had to isolate Ernie in a large tub and he's been there for about two weeks.

However, Ernie hasn't eaten now for 5 days and it's worrying me. Tonight I noticed his gills have shrunk to practically nothing - he always had small gill feathers, but right now they're practically gone.

I heard this could be stress or water temperature - does anyone have any ideas and possible solutions? I've put him back in the tank now with Eric, but am going to monitor him closely - I can't have him tearing at poor Eric again while his arm regrows.

I swear, sometimes it's like bringing up children!

 

[Neotenic_Jaymes]

I'd keep the injured one separate for now. Easier to monitor. Also depending on your setup it can be hard to notice fungus or other issues if theres lots of plants and hides in a tank. Usually when the skin or mucus coat is broken on an axolotl theres a chance for fungus to attack.

Also if your 2 axolotls injure each other it could mean they need more hides and barriers between them. Or if you have an aggressive individual its not safe to house them together. Trust me some axolotls need to be housed alone.

As for the gills shrinking. Water quality and oxygen level effect the gills and also morphing axolotls undergo shrinking/absorbing gills.