Illness/Sickness: Axolotl lost it's appetite.

[SuperSteve]

Hello I had 8 axolotls at home and brought 1 of the 9 month olds to my sisters because she wants one. For the last few days he hasn't eaten at all. I've tried earthworms and mealworms and dropped them in front of him but all he does is snap at them then spit em straight out. He is being kept alone in a 2 foot long tank in dechlorinated water approx 17 degrees celsius which is a bit colder than we kept him in our house. My sister hasn't got a filter for it yet but we've done partial water changes twice. I only bought him a few weeks ago from a breeder. He had been kept in a small plastic tub for 9 months but was fine until we brought him here. His gills have recently turned from bright red to pale. He is a 5 inch leucistic, 9 months old. Not sure what other info to give except he had a bit of a bumpy ride in the car on the way here but no more bumpy than when I've picked up him or any of the others. I'll be moving house in a few days. Will my others lose their appetite after the move? I have 3 9 month old leucistics, 2 9 month old wild types, 1 4 month old golden and a 2 year old leucistic. Any help or advice would be great. I'm relatively new to keeping axolotls. Thanks.

 

[Treagle]

I'm not an expert but , have you checked the water PH levels if it's too low these are usually the symptons.

 

[NeekaLovesYou]

Axolotls can loose their appetite when moved into a new environment - I've rehomed several in the past and all had a fasting period bar one (my greedy male). His gills may have become a paler shade if he's been less active whilst getting used to his new surroundings - their gills are more vibrant when they are being energetic. Give him some alone time for a couple of days then see if he's willing to eat. When moving try to get their tank temperature the same as their traveling water - fluctuations in temp can lead to shock and strange behavior and it would be be a good idea (if possible) to keep your filters submerged in water whilst the tanks aren't set up as this will stop any good bacteria from dying out, saving you the hassle of tank cycling. Easier said than done, I know! - Good luck! :happy: