Question: Does my new axolotl look good?

[AlexandraVdB]

I was just wondering what you think about my new axolot, he's missing part of a leg and I think part of his tail is regrowing? He seems really healthy and eats well. I'm just a bit worried because he's so much skinnier than my leucistic female. Also I think he's male? What do you guys think about him?

 

[AxolotlChris]

He looks fine, gills are looking good, tail doesn't look like its been damaged at all in that picture. You'll need to post better quality images from various angles so we can see his exact size and the leg you mentioned.

Its not so easy to tell if its a male or female until they are nearer to sexual maturity.

 

[AlexandraVdB]

omg, so stupid I uploaded the wrong picture, that's my other axolotl Hedwig will try again, so sorry.

 

[AxolotlChris]

No problem!

I cant see the end of the tail in this image so can't help on that point.

The front limb looks fine as far as I can see, doesn't appear to be any fungus or infection. Just make sure you keep on top of your water quality to allow the limb to regrow healthily.
Caudata Culture Articles - Water Quality
Caudata Culture Articles - Cycling

It does look like a male, the cloaca seems a lot larger compared to the size of a females.
Caudata Culture Articles - Sexing

 

[AlexandraVdB]

Thanks for your help! Relieved to know that his leg looks ok. I have included a picture of his tail, sorry for the rather poor quality but it's the best I can get with my phone. Also is he too skinny or is my other axolotl just a little pudgy?

 

[AxolotlChris]

The tail looks like it may have been nipped at previously, so that will grow back in time.

He doesn't look overly thin, but the general consensus is that the body should be about the same width as the head. Try feeding twice a day and see how he gets on.

What food do you use?

 

[AlexandraVdB]

I feed my other axolotl three medium sized earthworms a day. For him those seem too big because he threw one up, so now I cut them in half and he eats fine. I was thinking about getting some waxworms to give once a week as a treat, would that be oke? I also have pellets but neither of them are very eager to eat those. Is there something else I can give him to fatten up a little?

 

[AxolotlChris]

Ahhh that's great, well try doing an extra worm a day for him and he should plump up, pellets are good as an extra as long as they have right nutrients in them.

Waxworms are good as a treat once a week the help to put on weight as well since they contain a lot of fat, but they don't hold all the nutrients needed like a worm does.

 

[AlexandraVdB]

Thanks for your help, I hope he fattens up nice

 

[AxolotlChris]

No problem. You can check this link out for more information on feeding:

Caudata Culture Articles - Food Items for Captive Caudates
Caudata Culture Articles - Nutritional Values
Caudata Culture Articles - Worms