Question: Gills shrinking

[gougeaway]

Hi all!

My 10 year old axy's gills are SIGNIFICANTLY smaller than they used to be. Attached is a photo from about 3 years ago and a few from a couple of weeks ago. We also noticed that he seems a bit bloated lately and his skin looks a little funny.

Is this normal? Any advice?

 

[onyx2011]

How are tank parameters? Could they be bad to the point where it's metamorphosing?

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[emdalliance]

Looks like it could be morphing to me, buggy eyes, gills significantly reducing, thicker legs and the "dorsal" fin has disappeared a lot. Please check your water quality. Some will morph regardless of water quality but I'm not being rude but your tank looks quite filthy so your water conditions can't be great. Test your water.


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[AxolotlChris]

I agree with Emily, I does look like it could be morphing due to the reduction of the dorsal fin and gills, not so easy to tell with the eyes at the moment.

http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-beginner-newt-salamander-axolotl-help-topics/f48-axolotls-ambystoma-mexicanum/f57-axolotl-general-discussion/51411-metamorphed-axolotl.html

Test your water for Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate then post the results along with the temperature.

 

[MarieKarma1311]

I also agree, this looks like a possible early stage metamorphosis of an axolotl. I just recently experienced an axolotl morph with one of my juveniles.

It would help if we could see a full bodily picture as the tail and crest fin on the axolotls back can be a huge indication.

Please note that of your axolotl is struggling to swim in his tank you need to immediately remove him from the deep water and place him in a bucket or tub of shallow clean water so he doesn't drown.


Feel free to look at the photo album on my profile page about morphing axolotls, see if there are any similarities that you notice.

I am cruelty in the process of making a "what to do when your axolotl goes through metamorphosis " thread and will post it within the next few days.