Metamorphosed axolotl not eating

[lee250]

I got two axolotls a couple weeks ago and one all of a sudden started to look like it was sick and started loosing is gills and not eating and his skin started looking bad. I wasn't sure what to do or what was wrong so I tried fridging him in a milk jug with the top cut off. That lasted a few days then I came downstairs and he had climbed in the handle of the milk jug. I took a closer and he had nostrils and was breathing the air out of water. I set up a tank that is half water and half smooth rocks. He now goes back and forth and finds areas half and half and sorta sits there and soaks. But since this started he has not eaten. I tried the freeze dried bloodworms, they like those, slugs, floating pellets, but he won't eat anything. he doesn't want to eat anything but doesn't seem to be getting to skinny. What should I do? Just wait and he'll eat or do I need something really smelly to get his interest?

 

[Zolotl]

Cool thats very interesting. He might be really stressed from metamorphosis, I heard it can be very stressful. I would wait until he starts to accept food it might take a while. Could you post a pic if possible? I don't see many pics of these guys.:happy:

 

[Zolotl]

Maybe your should try small earthworms or little insects, they might eat different diets then aquatic axies.

 

[michael]

I'd try crickets and earthworms. Are you sure it's an axolotl and not a tiger salamander. Axolotls rarely metamorphose in the U.S.

 

[Kaysie]

If it has no gills, it should be moved to a completely terrestrial setup with a shallow water dish. It's probably stressed because it has no hides.

I also agree with Michael. If it morphed spontaneously, it's probably a tiger (especially this time of year).

 

[Greatwtehunter]

This caresheet on Tiger Salamanders will have everything in it to help you setup, house, and feed your recent morph whether or not it is an axolotl or a tiger as they requirements for both are identical.

 

[flan123]

Excellent. Any photo's?

 

[lee250]

heres a pic of him and the tank in it's current setup. I'm going to get some hiding places for him soon to. Thanks for the help.

 

[axolotlgangster]

Thats a tiger salamander.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Definitely a tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum mavortum.

After looking at the pictures, it is as Kaysie and Justin stated. It needs to be moved to a terrestrial set up. The amount of water and lack of hides is definitely a contributing factor to the high stress levels of this animal.

Next step is to get some earth worms. Big fat juicy worms will bring him back to health in no time.

 

[lee250]

How can I tell if my other water dog is really a tiger salamander? It is starting to look speckled, but otherwise there is not change.