Axolotl hasn't eaten in 6 days

[Giuseppe]

I'm new to axolotls. I've had my golden albino for about 3 weeks. They are around 6" currently. Right now they're in a 10 gallon tank but I plan to move them to a 30 gallon once it's cycled. Water parameters normal (I don't have a test kit ATM so use my LFS). I hand feed them half an earth worm every day. The last 6 days my axie has been refusing food, and actually moving/running away from it almost as tho they were frightened. Up until now they've been a very enthusiastic eater. Within this time I have also noticed what I believe to be the development of a normal male cloaca but I'm not 100% sure. Could this be the reason for their refusal of food?

 

[Otterwoman]

It might just be biologic changes, has he eaten yet? Keep trying, if he's healthy he'll eat eventually. They can go quite a while without food. I feed my animals only every week!

 

[Giuseppe]

My axolotl has now lost one of his gills. He is still not eating. I did a complete water change yesterday and afterward is when I noticed the first missing Gill. He is still not eating but otherwise behaving normally. I don't see any sign of fungus and I don't believe there are any edges enough for him to injure his gills on and has no tank mates. I don't know how to move this to sick axolotl instead of general discussion but would really appreciate some help. Was wondering if I should fridge him but don't know if it will help since I don't know what's wrong?

 

[myfirstaxolotls]

I had the same problem with my albino. I didnt see him eat for about 2 weeks.
Did also the mistake to leave food and recieved white worms in return.

Difference between him and the other to axies is that he dosent move about as
much either. A tiny curl at the end of his tail as well so perhaps he is stressed for
some reason. But to me he looks more like a bit depressed.

Have you tried other food than worms?
Have you tried to wiggle the worm in front of him?
Do you use different feeding spots?

I think my one finally swallowed his worm once he was close to another
that where eating. Perhaps it triggered his instinct to eat by see the others do it.

I usually drop the worms down in the tank also. When they notice that the
worm is attached to my stick, they dont want to eat either.

And since I started to feed them worms, they no longer want the pellets.

No good deed goes unpunished!

 

[Wooperlotl]

Hello Giuseppe!

I was wondering if your little guy started eating again?
My axi has refused food for three days now and seems to be very still and quiet. No curled tail or gills. Just quiet and bad appetite. I'm a little concerned and hopefully hearing your axi is doing okay will raise my spirits!

Best wishes,

Maggie