Juvenile off his food

[Smdee]

Hi, I have two juveniles (Yoshi and Quetzal). They're about an inch and a half - two inches long (4-5 cm) and have been on a diet of frozen bloodworms with very occasional chopped earthworms (I don't feel comfortable feeding them these often as I can't chop the earthworms fine enough) every other day. They've both been very good about eating and are in separate containers since Quetzal wouldn't stop biting Yoshi's head.

This morning when I went to feed them, I noticed that Yoshi didn't seem as active as usual. He half-heartedly ate a couple bloodworms but otherwise just kind of sat there. His legs are all splayed out it seems like, and his gills are pulled in close to his body. Also, one of his front legs looks like it's at a different angle, but I can't be sure. He swims around if I prod him. And I noticed that he's batting his gills more than usual and I saw him swim to the top a few times for air. Quetzal is just fine...little ferocious thing he is.

I just changed their water yesterday and did put in the dechlorinator so water parameters are fine. Water was cool but not super cold (faucets suck here) and really I didn't do anything different than normal. I changed his water again since it had some poo in it from the last feeding. It doesn't seem to have changed anything.

I'm super worried because these are the only two axies I have from my first attempt raising them from eggs. They've been doing so well. Anyone have advice? I'll try to post some pictures, but I don't know if it will really be helpful or not. I left a few bloodworms in with him in case he does eat.

 

[Kaysie]

When you change the water, do you make sure that the water going in is the same as the water coming out? If you're adding cold water to an animal that is in warmer water, you run the risk of thermal shock.

 

[Smdee]

I try to make sure, but I'm wondering if that wasn't it. It maybe was colder than he was used to. It's been so hot, so maybe his water has been a lot warmer than what I changed it with. Wasn't even thinking of that!

He seems better tonight, so maybe the second water change helped? He's more active, though he still didn't want food. I will try tomorrow

Thanks!

 

[Kaysie]

You should let the water sit out for a couple of hours to come to room temperature before adding it to the tank.