Gills wont grow back

[randybal]

I have a melanoid axolotl that is about 5 1/2 inches. It was attacked or so i think about 3 or 4 months ago by something in the tank and its gills were eaten/gone. I had received advice that they would grow back but as of yet all it has got is little tiny nubs of gills. I was wondering if this was normal and just a really long process or if something could be preventing them from growing back. It has an all sand aquarium with a few little plants, no tank mates. I change and check his water frequently to see if there is something wrong with it. Any advice I could get would be very helpful, thanks!

 

[ks85]

What do you feed him? Maybe he needs more nutrients or something? i know nothing about regeneration and am going through my first tankmate attack right now too, unfortunately. I feed my axolotls pellet food and earthworms. best of luck. I have seen photos of some really sickly looking axies turn beautiful with awesome regeneration on this site, I just don't know how they do it! lots of tlc I guess.

 

[keiko]

All you can really do is make sure the water is cool and clean and give him lots of nutritious food and time. Gill branches that have been eaten don't always grow back to be as long as before. They might stay short, but the frills should grow back pretty well.