Floating Dave

[Albo]

My Axolotl Big Dave has been floating at the top of his tank for the past couple of days. I fed him the day before with an earthworm. Is this normal or should I do something to help him? Thanks

 

[auntiejude]

Is he floating level, one one side or is his bum higher? Floaty-bum-syndrome is often caused by constipation, it will pass. If he's floating on one side it may be an air bubble in his gut. If he's floating level it's probably voluntary.

Can he get down when he wants to? If he can don't worry, just leave him to it. If he can't move him to a tub with water only a little bit deeper than he is so his feet can touch the ground, change the water daily, until he seems better.

Have you checked your water parameters? Some axies choose to float in poor water conditions.

 

[Albo]

Thanks for the response. Definitely don't think it's voluntary. His back end floats up, he puts himself in his house or under plants or under the filter to keep himself down. Like I said he's been like it a couple of days and not sure what to do. I've seen some things about putting them in a fridge if theyre constipated but not sure if this is abit extreme? Thanks again

 

[auntiejude]

Floaty bum is usually constipation, f he's figured ow to anchor himself under a hide he'll be fine.

Fridging shold be regarded as a last resort - eithe for impaction possibly due to gravel ingestion, or for an axie who might not make it through the night. It's quite stressful for the axie, and induces a near-hibernation state where the metabolism slows right down.

So no fridge, just keep feeding your axie worms, he'll poop eventually.

 

[Albo]

Thanks alot for your advise he's stopped floating now roud: