Illness/Sickness: I think my axolotl might be sick

[briannamaree]

so i've had my axolotl for just over a week and im pretty sure it is sexually mature as the tips of the fingers are black but when he swims around my axolotl is very hunched and he wobbles from side to side, looks awkward and has only just started doing this yesterday. im not sure if this is normal but im very worried. please help.!!

 

[dragonlady]

We need some details in order to help. First off, the toe tips may not be an indication of maturity as sometimes it's just pigmentation.

Could you provide a pic? How big is your tank? What type of filter? Substrate - what you are using now and what was he on before? What is his diet now and what was it before you got him (if you know)? What are the pH, Ammonia, Nitrite/Nitrate levels? Is your tank cycled? Does he have tank mates? What is the temp?

Sorry for all the questions, but all are important.

 

[Shizeric]

What are your water parameters? Is the tank cycled? What is the substrate? What is his diet? What size tank is it?

Edit: This must be the 50th time Shannon and I have posted at the exact same time.

 

[briannamaree]

the tank is 24 inches long by 14high by 12 wide, the filter is an aquarium filter its not that large but not exactly small, his diet is the same as when i got him which is a quarter of some type of turtle food that the pet shop gave me, the PH is about 7, the tank is cycled, no he is the only one in the tank and the temp is about 16 degrees.

 

[lea]

What subtrate are you using? You know the best food for axies is a nice wiggly earthworm. You could also give bloodworms or pellets.
lea

 

[briannamaree]

i've got large pebbles as my substrate

 

[lea]

Are they bigger than his head??? Is it possible he has eaten a pebble?

 

[briannamaree]

they are about the same size. im not sure, he doesnt seem to even notice they are there.