Question: Axolotl behaviour - do they remember me?

[blinky000]

If you're sitting comfortably, then I shall begin. It's a fairly lengthy story lol.
I got my first axolotls about 8 years ago: 2 males, Bailey and Lou and one female, Advocaat. Obviously they had babies, of which one survived, a female called Jackie. Then Jackie had babies Tripod and Lola. When Tripod and Lola were about a year old and the original three had been with me about 5 years, they had to live with my parents for a few years. In the meantime, more babies arrived: Timmy and Lucie.

When I had the oldest 4 and their many offspring, I used to spend a lot of time with them, hand feeding, generally making a fuss and Bailey used to even come over for a gentle head rub. They were very friendly axolotls. Now, all 8 of them have been home with me for about 2 weeks but I've noticed something quite upsetting about their behaviour. Only the youngest two are responsive to me. They'll come up to the front of the tank and demand attention but the rest seem to ignore me. Tripod and Lola will accept being hand fed but Advocaat, Lou, Jackie and Bailey literally ignore me

I'm not sure how good an axolotl's memory is but my initial thought is they remember me and maybe they're bitter that I had to leave them? I don't think my parents did much more than feed them so maybe they're not used to people anymore? Perhaps they're just getting old? I don't really know.

I'm usually a bit of a buff when it comes to animal psychology but the axolotl has me stumped. Anyone know what's going through their heads, or know of any good articles of axolotl psychology?

 

[Kaysie]

I don't think their memory is that long, nor do I think they're capable of spite. There just isn't enough room in their little brain for things like that. It's all devoted to 'eat, sleep, poop, mate', or activities that contribute to being successful in any of those fields.

Keep trying, and soon they'll recognize you as the Bringer of Food again.

 

[sillymoogle7]

I'm certain mine were resentful of me after they had to have a course of salt baths, they sulked for about two weeks! They were still happily snapping up their food of course (not much seems to put an axie off it's worms) but they wouldn't come up to the side and look at me for ages! Thankfully I assume I have been forgiven because now they are straight over as soon as they see me and even paddle up to the top of the water for a little nose rub now and then. Of course this could be pure coincidence, they had had a little spot of gill fungus and might not have been feeling up to hanging out.
I'm sure your guys will be as friendly as ever soon. Kaysie is right, as long as they regard you as the great god Feedalotl you will be their favourite person in no time! Would love to see some pictures of them, it sounds like you have a lovely little brood

 

[blinky000]

Lol Feedalotl. Love it. I'll get some photos of all of them tomorrow. Tripod and Lola are a bit camera shy. I'll post a new topic later. Here's a taster in the meantime This is Bailey (front) and Timmy.

 

[emz]

Bailey and Timmy are lovely! looking forward to seeing your others.

 

[sammie68]

I understand where your coming from Blinky, my poor Taco who we have had for only a month or so, is really out of sorts with me at the moment. First off he was in a small 20 litre tank,( I also dropped the poor little guy when I first bought him home, while adding him to the little tank), then I moved him to a 3ft tank, then the 3ft tank sprung a leak and had to move him back to the little tank. Yesterday I got a new tank (yipeeeee) and added Taco to that, as I was adding him, he lurched forward out of my hands and actually fell behind the sideboard where the tank sits, (I'm so inexperienced) I scooped him up quick smart and put him in the new big tank, now the poor little fellow will not look at me. I can't see any damage from the drop and I'm really hoping he returns to his happy self after being in his new home for a few weeks !

 

[sillymoogle7]

blinky they are little beauties! I always think wild types look like little dinosaurs Bailey has the sweetest expression, his little smile is really cheeky! And Timmy has very pretty eyes
Happy Axi I think I know of you and Taco from the Facebook group Axolotlaholics. Poor Taco, he didn't buy the holiday theory then?! It's taken mine at least two weeks to forgive me for the salt bathing so I'm sure Taco will come around. Lots of little snacks will undoubtedly help

 

[kiathepooch]

They are impressive!!
I haven't got to the stage of mine even thinking of me as the bringer of food yet,though ive only had them a week,so plenty of time yet!