Illness/Sickness: Axolotls

[Holeintheworld]

How do you tell if an axolotl is dead (Sorry, this is probably a stupid question)? I looked it up and something said they float but that is all i found. My axolotl donesn't seem to be moving and isn't eating, but he is upright on the ground. I don't know what would have caused this he was fine a week ago. I keep the water clean and aerated, pH is about 7, there is no strong water current, water is conditioned, and the tempurature is always around 16. Does anybody know if he might be dead (cause I definitely don't want to take him out if he is actually alive) and if not do you know what is wrong? I have only had him for 6 months, I REALLY hope he is fine.
Thanks!

 

[digger]

Unfortunately unless you are willing to encourage him to move, ie; a gentle prod, the only way you will know for sure is when he starts to get covered in fungus.
I hope is is ok and is just being lazy, but i would give him a gentle prod and see if he moves.

 

[blueberlin]

Watch to see if he flicks his gills (breathes). Drop an earthworm near his nose.

-Eva

 

[Holeintheworld]

I prodded him a bit and he moved a tad but not much. And I think he is starting to grow fungus on his gills, is any fungus medication ok?

 

[blueberlin]

Is it possible for you to measure the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in the water? How long have you had this axolotl? Can you post pictures of the tank and of what you think is fungus?

Please do not treat the axolotl with any fish medications as they are largely inappropriate for amphibians. The way to treat a fungus is a salt bath, but this is an extreme proceedure and should only be performed if you are certain that the axolotl has a fungus.

Good luck to you,

-Eva

 

[flan123]

Hi.

Any update?

Mike.

 

[ianclick]

Hi holeintheworld,

Quite often thats what axolotls do, sit there and make you wonder if they are alive. If you prodded it and it moved it is obviously still alive. Are you able to post a photo of the fungus? on the gills.