Question: Axolotl's gill bitten off?

[aegrum]

Hello,

I have two axolotls, both about 11 cm long. I have a wild one and an albino. The albino has always been the more quiet one, a tad bit smaller... the wild one scares the albino away when he wants to get the food.

Today I noticed one of the albino's gills got very short, I am assuming the wild one bit it off (one gill on the right).

Will it grow back? Also, how can I prevent this from happening again? I'm so scared next time he'll go for the limbs or so.

Thanks!

 

[RupertxGiles]

Fortunately these salamanders have amazing regenerative abilities. As far as your two go, how much bigger is the wild type? If he continues being aggressive I would strongly suggest separating them, at least until they are full size axolotls when they are less likely to be cannibalistic.

 

[AxolotlChris]

Axolotls hunt and feed by sensing movement, so unless you keep your Axolotls well fed and of a similar size accidents can happen.

The gills will grow back, make sure your water quality is correct to allow healing

 

[aegrum]

Okay hopefully he will recover soon.

Mhh the albino is about half a centimeter smaller than the wild one. But he has smaller legs, gills and he is thinner.

Should I try feeding him a little more so he can grow to the same size?

 

[LSuzuki]

Since they are still juveniles, feed them (both of them) as much as they will eat (but don;t leave leftovers in the tank.) Since one is a bit aggressive with food, feed them in different locations if you can or hand feed. What are you feeding them? Make sure you are feeding something appropriate for their age - earthworms and carnivore pellets are good.