Illness/Sickness: Is he sick? What am I doing wrong?

[kaylamarie]

I am really upset with myself for not knowing what's wrong with my axolotl Momo. Even though I got him from a pet store, I still call him a rescue. He was in a tiny tank with at least ten other axolotls. The tank was filthy, they barely had room to move and the teenagers who worked at the pet store couldn't even tell me what he ate. (Luckily I did my own research). I got him a few months ago and to be honest, I really can't remember what his gills looked like when I first got him, I was more concerned with the fact that he looked starved and pale. He now eats bloodworms and earthworms and he eats well. His tank is bare bottomed and contained a rock underneath the filter to offset the current, and a hideaway house that he likes to go in. I keep his light off in the tank most of the time to minimize stress, and we clean the tank regularly (Usually 30% at a time) and our water is tested where we live.

The problem with my axie is that he doesn't have gills. The feathery parts of his gills are non-existant and they are so small. It makes me feel terrible because I feel like I'm doing something wrong and up until now I've been afraid to ask for help due to someone in the past passing judgement and telling me that I shouldn't have my pet if I don't know what I'm doing. I feel like at some point though, everyone needs help. Are his lack of gills telling me that he's sick? Will they come back? - I'd also like to note that his tank was about to get cleaned at the time of the photos, hence the dirty looking residue.

 

[laulen]

Firstly, don't ever be afraid to post questions on here. From what I've seen, everyone is very nice. Also, don't worry about your tank, I think everyone on here knows how messy axolotls are.

Now, what are the parameters of your water? How long has he been with you in clean water, and does your axie have tank mates?

These are just some guesses as to what could be happening::
Sometimes if the axie has ammonia poisoning it will lose its gills. I don't think that's what this has, though, because they would turn grey before falling off. You would notice. The water might be too oxygenated, so it's losing its gills for lack of need for them. That's just a guess, though. It could also be morphing. Very rarely Axies will morph and lose their gills. That only happens under extremely poor conditions. That's all I can think of that would lead to this...

The gills will probably grow back if whatever is causing it is fixed.

 

[kaylamarie]

I have to test parameters because I haven't tested, and the water here is different. The water at my old home wasn't tested, but this water is. He doesn't have any tank mates, but there was a time when I was on vacation and my mom put a goldfish in with him for a few days. (I guess she didn't know any better, but it's my fault because I didn't really set guidelines). She removed the goldfish when I found out. I'd like to add that when I researched it, they noted that sometimes poor water conditions will cause them to go to the top frequently for air, and he doesn't visit the top often. Someone tried telling me before (the same person whom I discussed above), that he wasn't even an axolotl and rather some sort of salamander, but I know different.

Should I take my water somewhere to be tested for these things or should I buy a kit? Also, if there is a need to change these things, how would one do that? If the water is too oxygenated, what should be done to fix the issue?

From what you're saying, the oxygen could be a problem. That or I was thinking maybe the current from the filter is too high and I should use a spray bar to offset it. I just want to feel like I'm doing what's right and making sure he's as comfortable and healthy as possible.

 

[Skudo09]

It is definitely worth buying a kit as you should be testing the aquarium water at least weekly. Avoid test strips as these tend to be unreliable. I would invest in a liquid test kit such as API freshwater master kit. You should get a kit that tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and PH.

Post the parameters here once you have tested as this will help determine if there is something in the water that may be causing issues.

 

[laulen]

Okay, it seems like you've owned him long enough for problems from the pet shop to have been fixed by now, so it does seem to be your tank. Do you use a prime for the water? Especially if you're using tap water, you need to dechlorinate it. Definitely get a kit! Axolotls are messy, and you have to constantly check their water. Yes, they would swim to the top for some water problems, but not all, so you can't rely on if he is staying at the bottom or not.

Haha, i understand with the goldfish. You dont really think about those things when asking others to babysit. I had my mom watch Rosa for a week while i visited other family for christmas, and she changed the water without putting prime in it, and just dumped the water in, causing a huge current all of a sudden. She thought she was doing me a favor, though, so you cant really be too upset.

Definitely tell us the water conditions!

 

[jikaru]

Poor thing.... The look on his face is really sad.... Put him in the fridge till you sort your water and tank...I read an article from some caudata or Axolotle colony Lab that the first thing they do if they look sick is refrigerate them until they can figure out the treatment.... I really hope he's ok

 

[Skudo09]

I don't think fridging is necessary at this stage unless unable to keep him at a safe cool temperature otherwise. A tub of cool, clean, dechlorinated water should be fine with daily 100% water changes (have a second tub of clean water ready for each day so you can just switch him over).

 

[lunatuna]

Although you have the filter offset, that still may be a problem. Axolotls can get the feathery part of their gills caught in the filter and it can really damage them, luckily they are able to regenerate their gills and a few other vital organs. With that being said, it usually takes a little less than a month for them to regenerate so it might be wise to put him in a plastic container (large enough for him to move around in) with dechlorinated water with 20% Holfreters solution (though if you cannot get a hold of that, a teaspoon of salt per two liters will do). If no regeneration occurs, then this might be a genetic problem or some sort of disease/infection (I care for axolotls in a laboratory, so I only know the basics right now). Having him in an unfiltered container will require a lot more water changes, but if he can get back on his feet (gills) it's worth it. If this works I would suggest you get a sponge filter to prevent this from happening again. I hope this helps.
Best,
Katie

 

[charleybambino]

I don't think you are doing anything wrong....and forget the fridging. If his gills were severely damaged by tank mates they may never grow the filaments.....my daughter has had a similar one for over two years......he looks plump and otherwise healthy....just enjoy him for what he is!