Question: Gills

[anonymousaxolol]

Hello fellow enthusiasts, I have just done a water change and I turned off my filters. My axolotls gills still point forwards. Is this natural? I pretty sure he is stressed but I do not see any reason, my water is perfect and there is no water movement. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
Anonymous Axolotl

 

[j42echo]

Have you tested the water?

If the filter is too strong, you could put something, like a hide, near to the flow to disperse it a bit.

If everything is all okay and you can't find a reason for him to be stressed, it might just be how his gills are. Have you got any pictures before he started pointing his gills?

 

[rachel1]

Usually when they are stressed the gills are curled almost over the eyes. That looks look a normal position to me.

 

[anonymousaxolol]

Have you tested the water?

If the filter is too strong, you could put something, like a hide, near to the flow to disperse it a bit.

If everything is all okay and you can't find a reason for him to be stressed, it might just be how his gills are. Have you got any pictures before he started pointing his gills?

This is how I got him, and his tail is bent at the tip as well, that picture was taken after a 30%water change and with the filter off. Would that apply to the tail as well?

 

[Petersgirl]

Generally a stressed axolotl's tail 'curls' into a c shape, rather than actually being bent. Some axolotls do have 'curly' gills, especially if they are heavy and frondy. Your axolotl's gills look normal to me. The 'bend' in the tail might be natural - some axolotls do have 'kinks' in their tails (I believe Alkylhalide has Nike, who has a 'bendy' tail) as long as you don't see any abnormality in the spine or any signs of discomfort, I wouldn't be worried.

That said, cycled water is a definite must for happy axxies.

 

[anonymousaxolol]

Thank you so much! I was very worried that I was stressing him out!

Thanks,
Anonymous Axolotl

 

[anonymousaxolol]

Hello fellow enthusiasts, I just wanted to post an update regarding my axy.

View attachment 41134


He ate guppies and tetras 2 days ago as his tummy turned blue!

 

[anonymousaxolol]

It's gills seem to have shifted forward... Is this still a safe position? I am due for a water change soon so I will do that then reply.