Question: Is my young axolotl flicking his gills too often? - VIDEO

[ilomilo]

here.


This is our juvie leucistic axolotl ilo, who is housed with another axolotl identical in size named Milo in a ten gallon tank. Over the past couple of days I've noticed ilo flicking his gills on a fairly regular basis, or I guess in regular intervals, and this is new for him. Milo has never flicked his gills that I've seen, and the water perams' are great. The water is also highly oxygenated as I have both a sponge and HOB filter, as well as a live plant that has begun 'pearling' in the past three days, which makes me wonder why the gills are being flicked at all.

There has been no gill scratching, head shaking, or signs of general agitation. Appetite is as strong as ever.

The video shows how often it's happening, although it's not a 24/7 thing. I've noticed it happens the most after a feeding, although it also occurs sporadically throughout the day.

Thanks for your replies!



Video:

 

[loveaxolots]

hello, my axolotls sometimes do that and they are perfectly normal. if they are not stressed and eat well, its fine.

 

[JessKB]

He's fine. Some axolotls just flick their gills more than others. You mentioned that it happens more after feeding. I've noticed this with mine as well, especially after wrestling a big worm. I assume its like when you breath harder after being more active.

 

[ilomilo]

Thank you for the quick replies. I guess I'm just being an over protective 'parent'.