Axolotl Not Eating, Now Floating Sideways

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ranbow129

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Hello. So I've had my adult axolotl since July, and for about a month he was a great eater. He was really cool to watch swim around and everything. But he began hardly eating, and then not eating at all. Nothing changed as far as I know, not with his tank or environment. We have him in a ten gallon, which usually is at more like 7-8g so he can sit on his log near the surface, in a cool room, and we change his water somewhat regularly. Since he hasn't been eating we've mostly kept him in the fridge, thinking maybe he was sick and he'd get well that way. I'd take him out maybe once or twice a week to try to get him to eat, but for three weeks, no luck. Not even with shrimp, which seemed to be his favorite. The poor guy is rail thin and his activity level was dropping. Needless to say I'm concerned.
So yesterday I was reading forums, desperately trying to figure out what to do. I couldn't post on here for awhile because my account had to be approved, so I just read instead. The best thing I could find was to force feed him- which I thought about for awhile. I ended up deciding to do it, because he was slowly becoming thinner and less active- dying, from the looks of it. And I really don't want him to die. The first time I tried to do it I did not do it as instructed; I hadn't yet read about how to do it properly on these forums. And it failed. However, later, with some help, I gently managed to get a mixture of varying crushed fish foods and water down him. A good bit of it, and most seemed to stay down. Since, I have put him back in his tank. He seems much more active, but he's lopsided since the first time I tried and doesn't seem to be able to go to the bottom. He floats sideways on the top. He isn't dead and I feel he has more energy- he moves around quite often, similar to how he used to, and flaps his gills like normal. But it looks like he has a hard time getting to the bottom, and he can't stay there. He gets air fine and we have a log that allows him to sit on it near the surface; that's what he mostly does since being put back in his tank. I'm not sure if I hurt him on accident, and I'm not sure if I should try feeding him again, or what. I'm considering putting him back in the fridge once the food has been in him for 24 hours just in case he is injured. Any opinions or suggestions would be very helpful. I am not very experienced with these guys- he's my first one. I just want to make him better.
Also I read that ammonia can cause them to be unwell, so I put some stuff in there that lowers the levels, and I refreshed about two gallons of his water yesterday. I plan on doing that again soon.
 
have you ever feed him live worms ? Shrimp and fish food not very good nutrition for any axolotl to live on . And 10 gallon is too small you need 20 gallon for 1 adult size and more water change than just few gallon each time. You need good filter and good oxygen added in tank. Not to mention fish food water down is polluting your water even more. Instead of putting him the fridge again ( super cold temperature made him less hungry) I suggest you get a new bigger tank if not then go find a clean water container that is 20 gallon or more then put non-chlorinated fresh new cold water in ( temperature must be below 70F ) this will be his new tank till you find a real 20 gallon aquarium for him.
Now just before putting him in it , I want you to give him a quick salt bath in a small 1 gallon bucket with non-chlorine cold fresh water + 1 tbsp of regular salt mix for a few minutes. This would get rid of any small simple fungus , bacteria or parasite ( unless he is in much serious condition) then rinse him and put him in that 20 gallon . Feed him with live small earth worms if he doesn't eat it just put a few clean live earth worm in the tank with him . Add big air drifting sponge filter (4-5 inches diameter ) inside it and wait. Meanwhile see if you can find dry Indian almond leaf ( you can also buy it online) clean it and put it in the tank with him that should help soothing his slime coat over time. Watch him closely for temperature in tank . Do not let it get higher than 70F . change water every day ( at least half tank) till he start to eat again . Which should give you enough time to shop for real big aquarium , aquarium chiller ( or aquarium cooling fan) and good canister filter. Never feed him fish food unless you have axolotl pellet or soft salmon pellet but don't mix it in the water please.
 
Do you have an ammonia test kit? I wouldn't add anything to the tank without know what you are dealing with. Ammonia is very damaging and could be contributing to the appetite loss.

While being treated with refrigeration, they can lose their appetite. Unless you KNOW that there is an injury or illness that needs treated like that, I would not continue.

What is the temperature of the tank? What type of filtration does the tank have?

Have you tried feeding him earth worms? Have you tried hand feeding him a chunk blood worms ( hold in you hand and wiggle in front of him mouth)?
 
Thank you for your replies.
As an update, I just finished siphoning out about 80% of his water and filling it up just enough to where he could sit on the top of his log- so about seven gallons. I put him in his temporary feeding tub and he is still sideways, but he actually halfheartedly snapped at a minnow, which is more than he's done in two weeks. He hasn't done it again even with me waving one in his face, but that's still exciting to me. He's moving around and all.

NYC Axolotl:
As for the tank size, I've been told repeatedly, but both professionals (such as who I bought him from) and others, that ten is enough for one or two adults.
I haven't tried worms, mostly just minnows and shrimps. I'd been told shrimp were pretty good for them, not to feed them many goldfish, and that minnows were meh. He has always had an easier time eating minnows, so while he's been ill, we've mostly been trying to get him to eat those. Today I'll go try to get some earthworms. Maybe he'd like that.
I didn't know that you could give them salt baths- I'll try that since he's currently still in his little tub.
I have a sponge filter but I haven't set it up yet cause frankly it looks weird and I've been a bit confused as to how to set it up even after reading different sites. I've just always changed the water often. I used to change it completely about once a week, but since he's been in the fridge for most of three weeks I didn't really do it. However, between yesterday's change and today's, there is mostly fresh water in there. There was a lot of residue from his plants, which was sucked up and is mostly gone now thanks to the siphon.
I can put earthworms in there but if he can't get to the bottom, how will he get them? I'll try though once I get some.
Change water daily until eating again- gotcha, will do.
In the room he's in, it is generally pretty cool, and we have two fans going constantly. I'm not sure of the exact temp, but I'll look into some sort of cooler. We used to just put ice in their twice daily and he always seemed happy when we did, but again, since he's been in the fridge for weeks we haven't really done that. I just put the last of it in there with his fresh water.
I fed him fish food because I didn't know what else to do. Most of the fish food I have is mostly made of fish, which he eats, so I figured it would be fine. I added some dried shrimps since he eats shrimp too. I don't plan on doing it again unless I absolutely have to, but he looks a little fuller and more active, so hopefully I wont have to. If he keeps not eating though...idk.


GalLuvsAxolotls:
No, I don't have a test kit. I have always just treated my fish tanks every week or two, depending, since I have a goldfish. I guess I didn't really think it would build up with an axolotl, since I don't have a goldfish in with him (or anything, since I've read they will eat whatever's in their tank) and his water was changed much more than my fish tanks, since he doesn't have a filter.
We didn't put him in the fridge until he started losing his appetite, in hopes that if he was sick or something it would help. Though when we first started putting him in there, he was still eating three or four fish a week (which is nothing since he used to eat ten fish or shrimp three times a week). He's been out for a little over 24 hours now and is pretty active, but he's still lopsided and not eating his fishies.
The room is usually pretty cool, I'd say low 70s most of the time. At night it usually gets lower, probably under or around 70, and the room is well circulated since we keep two fans going at all times- I actually sometimes have a hard time keeping my fish tanks warm because of that. When he was in the tank we put ice in it once-twice a day to chill it, which he seemed to enjoy. As for a filter, I usually just changed the water. I have a sponge filter but I haven't really figured it out yet. I guess I was expecting something more like a normal fish filter. Looking online for what to do wasn't very helpful. I think I have an air pump to use though, so I'll have to try figuring it out again.
I haven't tried earthworms but I am going to go get some today. As for bloodworms, all they had at the pet store was frozen, and I the guy only eats things that move so I didn't think he would appreciate those. I've tried wiggling his fish in front of him with no luck.


EDIT: Okay, the little guy is in some cool salt water, and I'm hunting where to find some earthworms. Plotting to go get some more ice too.
 
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You are correct that with sponge filters you need an air pump. If you post a picture, I might be able to help you get it set up. It sounds like you are managing the temperature ok.

Ammonia builds up surprisingly fast with these guys. I would recommend getting an Ammonia test kit (APIs work ok IME) as soon as you can.

The live food may have given him an internal parasite... I am not sure the best way to clear that up if that is the case.

I use the frozen bloodworms. I cut a small square and hold the square in front of the axolotl's mouth. All mine quickly learned to take bloodworms this way. If you can get a small pack, it may be worth a try. As far as the earthworm because of the floating problem with your guy, you may need to do something similar (hold/gently move the earthworm in front of the axolotl's mouth).


Fingers crossed for your axlotl!
 
Alrighty, so, another update:
I have run around like a crazy woman looking for earthworms, and the first two places I tried were duds. Why are you a bait shop if you don't carry live worms? Grr! I'm going to the pet store later to get rats for the snakes, so I'll see if they have bloodworms as well. I'll check out testing kits but I probably have to wait to buy one until Saturday (from what I've seen those are expensive).
I found some at Walmart, though. I got "baby" nightcrawlers, which are about half the size of normal ones. I had let him sit in his salt bath for about an hour and a half while I was gone, but now I've put him in very shallow fresh water so he doesn't have to be lopsided. I put the worm in there and by far this is the most interested he's been in weeks. He hasn't eaten it, but he is clearly watching it and even bit it once, but spit it back out. I'm not sure if I need to cut it in half or not; he could easily eat the whole thing I believe, but since he isn't well maybe it's too much.

I've put a picture of the sponge filter and him with his worm as attachments.

Thank you guys for your help so far.

EDIT: I've cut the worm up in three pieces and he is no longer really showing interest, even if I wiggle them and push them around his face. Gonna let him sit with them for a little while and see if that changes.
 

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He wouldn't eat the chopped up worm (which stopped wiggling upon chopping) even if waved in his face, so I put a fresh one in there with fresh water. This one is much smaller. He was possibly minutely interested at first but not anymore, and it is crawling all around his tub.
 
Maybe it will take a while for him to learn how to eat it since he doesn't seem to know how yet but as long as you let them crawling around he will eventually eat it cause it's his nature to snap on any thing that move . Feeding tub is a great idea , sometime when my axolotl baby float I put them in low water tub let their feet touch the ground so they can catch the food ( live food won't spoil in water like dead food). As for the tank size 20 gallon I meant it for the xl adult size axolotl (they are mostly a foot long and can weight up to 5 lb that's why I said 20 gallon is best cause not every one have time to change water daily. The 20 gallon just make your live much easier when axolotl grow big . Axolotl put out loads of ammonia per day you need very good filter to maintain water quality otherwise they will get sick like this. If your axolotl less than 6-7 inches then you should be ok with your tank size right now ,but I think you need to really cycling your tank . If you don't know how to salt bath maybe a quick soak in regular tap water can also sanitize your axolotl just for a few minutes that's all you need . Clean your tank all the way from top to bottom, and start over that's the only way right now. Sponge filter need air pump so get a small air pump + air tube then connect it to the sponge filter ( there are many you tube video to show you how). live fish for feeding as known to be carrying parasite also plus the fish can nip on axolotl gill . Being constantly nip by fish ( mostly happen when you don't see it) can cause lots of stress for axolotl and that's also how they can get sick. Live earth worm don't really carry much parasite like live fish. It safe to eat. ( cheaper too) there are more info about keeping axolotl on this site also.
 
After reading what you wrote and other member wrote over again, plus taking a closer look at your axolotl pic, my conclusion could only be the ammonia toxic ( judge by the looks of your axolotl skin ) and maybe stomach parasite from eating live fish that's why he isn't eating much right now. Long time ago when I was very new to axolotl keeping , I fed them small live fish and shrimp too . I also had 10 gallon tank back then , and of cause the person who sold me the axolotl told me the same thing that 10 is more than enough for 2 or 3 axolotl ( thinking back that make absolutely no sense ) , so I know exactly what you are going through right now, and I would hate to see your axolotl end the same way I did before. Now I have a little over 100 of axolotl and currently selling Axolotlaxolotl babies on eBay. I'm telling you once you get the hang of it you'll be ok. Black tea bath also another good trick to soothe their skin same idea as Indian almond leaf. API has very good product for all water treatment and testing kit. Take a picture of your tank set up maybe more members here can point you to what to get or how to properly set up for your axolotl.
 
Your axolotl does look quite unwell.
I am not very experienced and have only had my gang for 6 months, so don't want to give the wrong advice, but I've attached some links.
Axolotls - Health & Diseases
Caudata Culture Articles - Illness Part 1
Just in case you need to find a specialist vet
Herp Veterinarians

I'm sure that there will be more experienced keepers than me offering you advice, but I thought this information might help for now.
Best of luck and please keep us posted on your progress.
 
I'm not sure that he has parasites because in my experience with lizards, dogs, and cats, they make them bloated (though with my lizard it did cause her to not eat, like the axolotl), and Snoop is very thin (was even thinner before I made him eat). However, there are a ton of different parasites and I'm sure not all of them follow the same patterns. I'll have to look into any way to deworm him just in case.
I'll be getting an ammonia test Saturday and probably some bloodworms. Sadly I can't get them any sooner =/ I just ordered some of those leaves but they wont be here until Tuseday.
I've got the little dude a bunch of earthworms worms, I put one in the tank with him, but maybe I'll put a few more. Last night I saw him sitting on the bottom once, but he didn't stay there super long and he hasn't done it again. He's still swimming around somewhat sideways but seems to enjoy sitting on the shallow part of his log- I think it is more comfortable.

I added a picture of his tank. It mostly just has a big fake log in it with large river rocks and there is a plant or two in the back.
 

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Judging but the color of gunk on top of the tank glass, and the color of your axolotl skin it's pretty much say that you need to scrub your tank clean before you can put your axolol back in the tank ( including the rock) for sure. Your axolotl don't look skinny even when he didn't have any food for a while can only point to digesting problem or stomach bugs , I can only guess from what's in your picture and from what you wrote. Clean environment is very important to axolotl health especially in tank that size . There is no short cut on keeping clean tank , you really need to do it constantly cause axolotl is not fish, dog, cat and unlike other amphibian axolotl can't live out of water. Imagine air in your room is unclean and you stuck in that room for eternity. There is no way to bounce back your axolotl health instantly nor quick fix. Things take time and effort to maintain. Don't force him to eat , less stress would do him good.
 
I'll try to fix up that filter then ^^ Thank you.

Most of the stuff on the tank is calcium buildup, which trust me, I have tried to scrub off. It gets on all the tanks- even my lizards' when I keep them close to the fish tanks. I'm not sure if it is my water or what, but even if I use conditioner it builds up and looks bad (conditioner seems to help though slow it down though). When the water is filled over it it doesn't hardly show, but I'm keeping it kinda low so he can sit on his log. I don't like looking a it but figured it was better for him to keep it low.
Unfortunately he lives with my boyfriend and I wont be back there until Saturday, but I'll scrub everything then, as well as test the water. He is going to change out a portion of the water while I'm gone, as instructed. It was rinsed and scrubbed pretty good about a month ago, when the axolotl started acting weird, cause we thought that might help. Until this week he's been in the fridge most of that time so there shouldn't be much poo or anything, but who knows. I'll clean it anyway! The plants seem to be making it kinda gross on the bottom and I got most of that with the siphon but I have a suspicion there is more >.> I'll just dump everything out and clean it. Might not put the plants back.
Okay, I wont try to force feed him again. I was hoping not to do that. I know sometimes they wont eat for a few days. I left him with some worms in the tank, and I'm going to try feeding him again Saturday in his tub. I've been trying very hard to not stress him out anymore.

Thank you guys for your help so far. I've been so worried about Snoop, and it's stressing me out, especially since now I'm gone for two days. I just want to make sure I know how to properly take care of him, get him to feel better, and prevent this from happening again in the future. He's such a cool critter, I feel so bad he's not well.
 
axolotl actually like hard water, too much water conditioner or too much of any water treatment chemical also not so good. Plants often create problem more than good if you don't have enough times to constantly treating or checking every day. less stuff in the tank the easier to keep axolotl tank clean. Don't keeping him in the fridge too long if you want him to start eating more . And Stop stressing your self over him eating or not just breath and claim down first .. Sometime it is us the owner that end up stressing our pet to death not the illness. ;) , asking pet store for good filter that have carbon activate and ammonia reducing media as a second filter would make things much easier for you and him. And yes please dump all the water in that tank out completely use hot water and some chlorine to sanitize it if you have to.
 
Snoop having issues combined with our recent leaking fish tank crisis just has me going crazy x.x But I'm trying to calm down for my sake and theirs xD The axolotl and fish are probably glad I'm gone for a few days.
I don't plan on putting him back in the fridge unless it is recommended. I haven't had an update on how he's doing today but yesterday I was told he was still lopsided but moving around- so no different. Hopefully he'll be "thawed" enough that maybe he'll eat tomarrow! We'll have to see!
The local pet store doesn't have sponge filters- I had to buy mine online. Is the filter you're suggesting more like a normal one for a fish tank? I thought they didn't like moving water, and that's why the sponge one was good. I'll ask about it when I go by there Saturday though.
I usually put some conditioner in there just to get rid of the chlorine, but I don't typically put quite the full dose. I've read chemicals such as the stuff that takes out the chlorine isn't good for axolotls, but neither is chlorine, from what I understand. So I'm trying to balance it in between x.x Maybe I should just not add any? I believe they have well water, so it shouldn't be as nasty as city water.
I'm probably going to take the plants out and put them with the fish or something. I bought so many plants, spent so much time looking up good ones for cooler water and that don't need much light (my boyfriend might be an axolotl himself; he keeps his room dark and cold, so the plants had to be okay with that lol), but despite their proclaimed hardiness most of them seem to have blehed. In the picture of the tank, there used to be three visible up front- it used to look so nice. Maybe that's the cause of his problems though, all the blehing plants. I've never had much luck with any plant in aquariums other than bamboo and pothos. Hm.
 
Never heard of fresh water plant that can survive dark cold place before, maybe that's why the water condition is not well. Your situation sounds pretty complicating since you are not there to control it . And yes there is many way to block water movement from fish filters like air stone bubble under the filter ( bubbles goes up against the water coming down will cancel the moving water pattern) when they said axolotl don't like water movement doesn't mean they want completely still water either. Still and no moving water mean ammonia sunk below and no oxygen what so ever on the bottom of the tank that's why they float or hang around the surface of the tank cause they can't breath down there and it's nasty. I can't explain how the nature works in short sentence if you know what I mean. :sick:
 
Update: Still not eating, but I've cleaned his tank out and put new fresh water in. Before I did that I tested the ammonia levels and it said there was none in there. The tank looks much better after a scrub! He is still kinda sideways and floats, but he's snapping at things marginally more often in his feeding tub with marginally more enthusiasm, so hopefully by the time I visit again he'll be willing to eat something.

As for the plants- I looked up hardy plants that don't mind cooler temperatures, and most of the ones I selected said they didn't need a lot of light. There's a little bit that comes in, but not much. I guess maybe they needed more than what was described. The only thing that seems to be having much luck is the java moss, so I left some healthier looking chunks in there after cleaning the tank, but took everything else out. I had hairgrass stuff and some other type of plant I can't recall the name of (one of these survived but I moved it to a betta tank).
Okay, so they need a little bit of movement. I wasn't aware of that. I'm going to get that filter going then, and we'll see how it goes.
Thank you.
 
He is actually hanging out on the bottom now! Woo! All that plant matter on the bottom must have been part of the problem- ew! No more lots of plants for Snoop.
 
Great to hear that Snoop is no longer floating. Such a relief.
Has he started to eat as well?
 
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