Floating axie

[Asteck]

So swallowing an air bubble is normal, my other axie has done it several times but this is the third time in a week my new 2.5-3 inch has swallowed air and can't keep himself down. The first two times I put him in the fridge and it seemed to pass just fine. But again this is the third time. Should I just let them pass or continue to put him in the fridge? Is this kind of thing normal or can it be deadly.

Attached is a photo he has wedged himself under a fake plant so that he can stay towards the bottom of the tank.

 

[Petersgirl]

He looks fine; it's likely that he just has wind or is constipated. You said he has 'swallowed an air bubble.' Do you mean he looks bloated or did you mean something else? If you mean he came to the surface and gulped some air, don't worry. That's perfectly normal.

Keep him in nice cool, clean water and feed him his regular meals.

Floating is extremely common and is usually not a cause for concern; a few causes can be stress, warm water, constipation, wind or retaining air and illness. If his water is less than 22 degrees Celsius, and his water quality is good (0 ammonia and nitrite, less than 20 ppm Nitrate) then he likely just has constipation. Bear in mind that axolotls swallow air all the time (they have rudimentary lungs) and will let it out when they are ready.


Keep an eye on him, but I'm sure he will be fine.