Question: Is this a fungus?

[Xoli]

Hello everyone,

I don't have much experience with Axolotls (or any water-dweller, really) so I am constantly worried about my little Xoli. Xoli has some white marks running down both sides of his belly, though they are not milky white. The white spots on Xoli seem more reflective if that makes any sense, and there are some on the lower gill stem. Wondering if this could possibly be a fungus or other concerning matter?

Also, Xoli's gills have never had a bright red coloration, even when feeding and active his gills only get pinkish. Most Axolotls I've seen had very red gills, so I don't know if I need to address as well. Water conditions are fine I think: water at 66 degress (f), no ammonia, no nitrates or nitrites. Though it seems my water is very soft, and I had read that maybe adding salts to the tank may help in coloration. What are your opinions.

any info would be appreciated!

 

[tigmades]

Sorry, I don't know the answer... actually a couple of my juvenile axolotls are displaying what I think is the same thing (so no point in making a new thread). Could someone please enlighten us?

I also realize the last juvie pic has noticeably forward gills in comparison to others, the only difference between it and the other ones is that one eats nonstop

 

[Morrison]

Nope, that's not fungus. That's something you see mostly on (young) light axies like albinos/leucistics. Not very visible on the darker ones. It's their insides or something. Don't worry

I have an axie and her gills never turn bright red. Even when she's active or eating. Guess that genetics also have to do something with it.

I've heard that axies like hard water, but the water I use is very soft. Our 'valley' has the softest water in the country but my axies are still happy
Sometimes I add a little bit of salt just in case there are nasties in the tank or so.

Xoli looks like a healthy happy lotl to me. Thanks for choosing the axie side of life

 

[CJ1981]

Hello everyone,

I don't have much experience with Axolotls (or any water-dweller, really) so I am constantly worried about my little Xoli. Xoli has some white marks running down both sides of his belly, though they are not milky white. The white spots on Xoli seem more reflective if that makes any sense, and there are some on the lower gill stem. Wondering if this could possibly be a fungus or other concerning matter?

Also, Xoli's gills have never had a bright red coloration, even when feeding and active his gills only get pinkish. Most Axolotls I've seen had very red gills, so I don't know if I need to address as well. Water conditions are fine I think: water at 66 degress (f), no ammonia, no nitrates or nitrites. Though it seems my water is very soft, and I had read that maybe adding salts to the tank may help in coloration. What are your opinions.

any info would be appreciated!

It's just normal colouration and nothing to worry about. Shiny patches are just one of a myriad of things that make Axolotls special

I think gill colour often varies between individuals, my two both have different coloured gills with one having pinker gills than the other.

You don't need to add any salts.

Very cute little Axie you have too :grin:

 

[Xoli]

Thanks everyone!
The best thing I could have done for Xoli is join this forum! I'm glad you guys think Xoli is fine. I'm glad I don't have to fridge him, I'd like to cross that bridge as later on as possible. And thanks CJ, we lucked out with such a cute little water Xolotl!

Also I've been hearing about gills turned forward being a sign of stress, but I don't really know how that would look. Is Ashley's axolotl stressed? :uhoh: Just want to know for future reference!

 

[Morrison]

Curled gills can be a sign of stress. But sometimes has to do with genetics as well. My golden axie Goldilocks always had curled gills and isn't stressed. And my wildtype Xotl has the most straight gills ever

When you see a curled tail tip (a bit like a spoon looking tip) and curled gills and different behavior then I would call it stressed.

 

[Xoli]

Good to know! Thanks again everyone, Xoli seems to be doing fine, maybe he's just moody

 

[Kaysie]

If you're talking about the dots, those are part of the lateral line system and are some of the axolotl's sensory organs.