Axolotl gills turned white, and now is very weak. Help would be appreciated.

[Leigh25]

Hello,

I've had my axolotl for 2 months, and I think he's about six months old. I had to move him yesterday because I had snails in my tank at home and I didn't want his intestines to get obstructed. He hadn't gone to the bathroom for a few days previous to moving him, but he did go last night.

The tank that I moved him to has been sitting for about 30 hours and has a running filter. However, after moving him, his gills turned white and he has become extremely lethargic. He won't eat now, although he ate this morning.

The pH of the tank is around 7.8 and there is no ammonia in the water.

I'm putting him in the fridge, but I was wondering if anyone has ever experienced this or knows how I can help him.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[NeekaLovesYou]

If the water quality's good and you've conditioned the water hes' probably just readjusting being moved to a different tank. Has he been quite active or not very active at all? If he's just been sitting around this could be the cause for the color loss in his gills - the lack of blood flow from not being active can make them appear dull. It's also not unusual for them not to eat when they've been moved. For example, I rehomed a juvenile and she hardly ate, if at all, for over a week. For now I'd keep an eye on him but keep us updated if his condition worsens.

 

[xxianxx]

where did you get the information that snails were a risk to your axolotl?

 

[Leigh25]

I read it in a little manual. It was along with the information that pebbles shouldn't be used on the bottom of the tank.

 

[Leigh25]

Thanks! I've put him in the fridge and he seems to be less lethargic, but the gills are still white. I'll see how he looks tomorrow. Thanks for your help! I really appreciate it!

 

[NeekaLovesYou]

Thanks! I've put him in the fridge and he seems to be less lethargic, but the gills are still white. I'll see how he looks tomorrow. Thanks for your help! I really appreciate it!

Again, the white gills could be because he doesn't have a lot of room to move around in his container, plus he's cold! I wouldn't be too worried :happy: