Axolotl dorsal fin shrinking

[Rubensito]

I’ve had this small axolotl for about one month. It is currently in a 10 gal quarantine tank. I was out of town for about 2 weeks and had someone feed it in my absence w/bloodworms. But upon my arrival I noticed the axolotl is looking somewhat frail, but the dorsal fin is shrinking and in regards to the gills, they’ve never been “fluffy”. I tested the water and the nitrates are pretty high. The temperature is at 67. I did a 60% water change, but it otherwise has not had an appetite. I’m worried as to what I can do, and I fear it might be metamorphosing. Can it do so at such a small size?

 

[xxianxx]

Looks underweight and a high level of nitrates probably hasnt helped its condition. I think axolotls generally morph as they hit adulthood or latter in life, that one looks immature. Losing the gravel may prevent future impaction ie intestinal blockage. Feed it, keep the water clean and its condition should improve.

 

[AMurry24537]

I would agree with xxianxx on all of the advice and really want to emphasize: get rid of that gravel as soon as possible. Axolotls are not smart and will try to eat anything. They can and will swallow anything that is smaller than their heads, but they obviously cannot digest rocks.

I did also want to ask about where you got your axolotl from. The coloration and general body shape (though it could just be this photo) are unusual enough for me to suspect that this might not be a real axolotl.

 

[xxianxx]

I did also want to ask about where you got your axolotl from. The coloration and general body shape (though it could just be this photo) are unusual enough for me to suspect that this might not be a real axolotl.

It doesnt look like a regular axolotl because its malnourished and in poor condition. Its colour points to a juvy melanoid, they darken as they get bigger. The eye appears to have a pupil but i think its just glare off the camera.

 

[Wilkow]

Looks underweight and a high level of nitrates probably hasnt helped its condition. I think axolotls generally morph as they hit adulthood or latter in life, that one looks immature. Losing the gravel may prevent future impaction ie intestinal blockage. Feed it, keep the water clean and its condition should improve.

Love the gravel very bad. Must do while he bites at the little blood worms he's eating rocks. Also for food switch from blood worms to like daphines or what ever they called. Let some bio organisms start to build up in the tank let it get a lil dirty and then try to do just 40% percent change water leave 60on the next water change. Hope he recovers sucks they're cool dudes

 

[Chak]

I’ve had this small axolotl for about one month. It is currently in a 10 gal quarantine tank. I was out of town for about 2 weeks and had someone feed it in my absence w/bloodworms. But upon my arrival I noticed the axolotl is looking somewhat frail, but the dorsal fin is shrinking and in regards to the gills, they’ve never been “fluffy”. I tested the water and the nitrates are pretty high. The temperature is at 67. I did a 60% water change, but it otherwise has not had an appetite. I’m worried as to what I can do, and I fear it might be metamorphosing. Can it do so at such a small size? View attachment 88614

Please get rid of the pebbles. Get it out of the tank asap and put it in dechlorinated water. I would recommend putting about 5 pieces of aquarium salt, it really does help with the gills. Make sure it "melts" before putting it in the water. Use bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, etc. to encourage eating. I hope the little guy does okay. He's lookin really sick.