Is my axolotl morphing and what next?

[Robmijlof]

Hi guys. I live in south Africa, my two axolotls are about 3/4 years old. They live in a small indoor pond in my greenhouse. I use an eheim external filter. Water is perfect. I suspect the wild type is starting to morph. His/her eyes are protruding and gills are non existant. I first noticed two days ago when I came home in the evening and he had his head sticking out the water much like a froglet would. I will need to rehome him since I don't want him going walkabout and getting eaten by my pitbull. First want some confirmation from you guys.

Rob

 

[axolotl nerd]

Hi guys. I live in south Africa, my two axolotls are about 3/4 years old. They live in a small indoor pond in my greenhouse. I use an eheim external filter. Water is perfect. I suspect the wild type is starting to morph. His/her eyes are protruding and gills are non existant. I first noticed two days ago when I came home in the evening and he had his head sticking out the water much like a froglet would. I will need to rehome him since I don't want him going walkabout and getting eaten by my pitbull. First want some confirmation from you guys.

Rob
View attachment 94021

i think the wildtype is morphing, especially given the bulging eyes, but i'm no expert as i've never had an axolotl morph in my care
the leucistic seems to be in good health, no need to worry there

would appreciate pictures of your pond- it sounds very interesting!

 

[Robmijlof]

i think the wildtype is morphing, especially given the bulging eyes, but i'm no expert as i've never had an axolotl morph in my care
the leucistic seems to be in good health, no need to worry there

would appreciate pictures of your pond- it sounds very interesting!

Thanks. I'll send some pics of the pond after work. I've moved the morphing axie to a temporary terrarium with aquasoil to monitor him. Doing daily water changes. He comes halfway out the water at night but hasn't completly left his pool just yet. Going to try feeding crickets this week. He is still eating bloodworm at the moment.

 

[Bellabelloo]

I would say he will be moving into land soon. He's got a wonderful set up ready for him

 

[Robmijlof]

Just came home to check up on him, and he is chilling in his hide.

 

[Robmijlof]

Some pics of the pond. Two large filters. They have grown pretty large in here.

 

[Robmijlof]

Some pics of the pond. Two large filters. They have grown pretty large in here.

 

[JM29]

Hi,
Wait a bit (4-5 days) before giving him crickets.
I've no experience in morphing axolotls but I've had several times morphing caudates.
Metamorphosis involves not only gills disappearance and eyes protrusion, but also tremendous changes in the jaws and hyobranchial bones.
This means the animal is not able to eat anything for a period of 3 to 12 days (depending species and temperature).

If crickets are thereby and not eaten, they can bite the caudate.
Roaches, woolice... are far less dangerous.

 

[axolotl nerd]

Thanks. I'll send some pics of the pond after work. I've moved the morphing axie to a temporary terrarium with aquasoil to monitor him. Doing daily water changes. He comes halfway out the water at night but hasn't completly left his pool just yet. Going to try feeding crickets this week. He is still eating bloodworm at the moment.

lovely set up, i anticipate he will transition to land

 

[axolotl nerd]

absolutely love the pond set up, would greatly appreciate a post dedicated to how you built it and maintain it. its stunning

 

[Robmijlof]

Hi guys. Thought I'd update you on my morphed axie. Seems to be doing well. I've fed him two small crickets so far. I haven't seen him leave his cave yet. Apologies for the low quality pics.

 

[axolotl nerd]

Hi guys. Thought I'd update you on my morphed axie. Seems to be doing well. I've fed him two small crickets so far. I haven't seen him leave his cave yet. Apologies for the low quality pics. View attachment 94200View attachment 94201

absolutely breathtaking setup, especially for a last minute and unexpected sort of situation. what did you use for the aquatic portion?
he looks very happy