Gravid axolotl

[jo73]

Hi everyone. I've recently found out that both my axies are girls, both are about 1 year old and healthy (I've had them both checked this past week). Noel (named before I knew the sex) hasn't eaten for 10 days and very rarely moves, (she is quite big at the moment, bless her) spending most of her time hid. I got told this is normal for a gravid axolotl and it might go on for a good few week. I wondered what other peoples experiences are with gravid axies, how long yours have gone without food, what food tempts them, what to expect these next few week.

I know it's normal behaviour, but as a first time owner I've got to admit it does bother me that she won't eat.

I've looked on the internet for info but I can't find anything, so any help will be great. Cheers

 

[AxolotlChris]

Post some images might to tell what the issue is

 

[jo73]

Glad to see that she ate a small worm this morning. The most recent photos I've got were taken 13th Jan, she's hid at the moment but I'll try to get a more recent photo.

 

[auntiejude]

Can you get some pics from above? She certainly looks tubby, but I can't tell whether she is gravid or overweight from that angle.

But yes, it is normal for gravid axies to lose their appetite if they are reabsorbing eggs.

 

[jo73]

She's just eaten another worm so that's twice she's eaten today and she snatched the worm off me. Today is the first time she's eaten for 11 days despite being offered worms and fish, she has never refused food in all the time I've had her, that's why I took her back to the pet shop to get her checked and they told me she was gravid.

Hope these photos help.

 

[AndyTheAxolotl]

One of my axolotls went a month without eating when she was reabsorbing her eggs.
As long as the axolotl isn't losing weight she should be fine, however you do want to make sure that she is indeed reabsorbing her eggs and that the loss of appetite isn't due to something else. So you might want to check the water parameters and other things that may impact an axolotl's appetite.

 

[jo73]

Andy thank you for your reply. She seems a bit more interested in food having eaten again yesterday. My water parameters and temperature are all ok thankfully. I'll know now not to worry if she doesn't eat since yours went a month without food. Once again thanks.