Illness/Sickness: Fungus on axolotl gills?

[aidan1205]

My axolotl, Pepper, has white fluffy stuff on her gills. Her water temperature is at 65 F. I've had her about 4 months and I've never had a problem. Besides that she seems healthy. What should I do?

 

[HayleyK]

The photo quality isn't the best. Fungus is usually white, cottony and falls off when you pick at it. If this is the case try salt baths. But I cannot make out these pictures well.

 

[aidan1205]

Yes! That's exactly what it is. How do you give salt baths, and what causes it? Will it just keep coming back?

 

[Kaini]

There's a tutorial for salt baths as a sticky in this section. If it is fungus, ( and make sure it is) then that would be the thing to do. You don't have to fridge your axolotl while doing the salt baths like in the tutorial.

 

[aidan1205]

Okay, I have another axie in the tank with Pepper. Do I need to worry about him getting it too? Will this just keep coming back?

 

[HayleyK]

Fungus can be caused by heat (doubt it in this situation), stress, or a cut which would mean a breach in their slime coat. If your other axolotl is healthy, no slime coat problems I'm sure there's nothing to worry about but keep an eye on them both

 

[aidan1205]

Okay! Thank goodness! Thank you so much.