Question: Is there something wrong with my Axie's gills?

[Sputnya]

So you may remember me from about two weeks ago. I had a temperature problem in my tank, and as a result, Kirby's lil gill frills/feathers seem to have completely shriveled up and fallen. Will they regrow? How long should it take? The water is consistently below 18C, water parameters are within normal levels (7.6pH, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, ~40 nitrates), Kirby is eating as usual, active and no curled tail.

I'm very worried at this point, and I'd like to know if someone can see if anything is wrong with Kirby's gills. The pictures are from before, during and after the high water temp incident. Thanks a lot!

 

[Dolphinlover55]

He should regrow his gills in a few weeks if he doesn't grow them in a month or so, then there is probably something wrong with him. He sounds heathy and happy though, which is great!

 

[Axolotlee]

To much Ammonia aka pee or the chemicals your putting in the water ..to much maybe....burns the gills like that they poop and pee a lot so I would suggest. Loose the filter put in a corner sponge or biomechanical corner one and do 90% water change once a week for a while until the tank cycles. I put an air conditioner in the room keeps the temp perfect 63 64 I notice any lower they don't really move or come out the hides and any higher Is dangerous. But at that temp between 60 ,64 they love..well mines do. Corner filter water change 90% a week if you see cloudy water do one early

 

[Axolotlee]

Oh put a few almond leaves in the water that helps with the healing process change those every couple weeks

 

[Biev]

Oh put a few almond leaves in the water that helps with the healing process change those every couple weeks

I don't think that's necessary since there's no sign of fungus or bacterial infection. It's best to use medications sparingly. Clean water and time is all that's needed in most cases.

 

[Sputnya]

Thanks everyone! I'll make sure to change up what needs to be. I do 25% water changes every week, but I'll see about getting the sponge filter. I was going to move Kirby in a 20g somewhere in July so I'll make sure to adjust everything by then too.

 

[RoreyRoreyRorey]

I keep almond leaves in all my tanks at all times. They aren’t like most medicines, they slowly release tannins into the water. With my bettas, it encourages them to build a bubble nest, and with my tiger salamander larvae and ACF, it tightens the pores on their skin to help prevent fungus from taking hold. It can also give their immune system a little boost and encourage healing. They help a lot to keep all of my animals healthy! But it can also be beneficial to keep a clean tank as well so it’s really up to you. His gills should definitely regrow. The rate can vary between axolotls but it usually doesn’t take more than a month or so in my experience. My friend adopted an axolotl about two months ago that had two of its gills bitten off entirely and they regrew in just 3 or 4 weeks.