My axolotls gills look too small

[PrincessGlimmer]

Hi everyone, My axolotl Ziggy's gills don't look very feathery is that bad?
Also I thought it might be better if I put him in a bigger tank with a filter.
I did put him in with a filter and his gills look a little better now.
I was wondering if it could have been that his water was too dirty or maybe it was genetic.
One of my other axolotl gills aren't very feathery either though so I am not sure.

Does anyone know?
Any opinions would be welcome,
Thank you.

 

[tundrabadger]

It could be a lot of things, including genetic..One of mine has longer gills than the other two (disproportionately, taking in to account she's also the biggest), the other two have rather fluffier gills than she does. That being said, if you're concerned there's nothing wrong with being cautious, so could you tell us what your water parameters are looking like and do you have pictures?

 

[PrincessGlimmer]

I don't have anything to test my water with, and it will take me a day or so to figure out how to put his pic on here. :happy:

 

[tundrabadger]

Pics are easy. You go up to the top of the page and you'll see where it says albums and galleries. You can upload pictures there and then link to them in your post.



Testing the water is also easy! there are kits for testing, the API freshwater master test kit is particularly good and can test for pretty much everything you need to know, aside from temperature. It's a good idea to test your water anyhow, and if anything seems to be wrong knowing your parameters can help you know how to set it to rights. Temperature is important to know so if you don't have one I recommend getting a thermometer.



Did you cycle the tank before putting him in?

 

[PrincessGlimmer]

I have a thermometer, but I am not really concerned because he is eating fine and swimming fine.

 

[tundrabadger]

Okay then. Just remember, cold is good. And I really can't reccomend the API test kit enough, it's a good thing to have, it's never a bad idea to test your parameters.

 

[PrincessGlimmer]

Sorry, I never responded, I have been very busy the past week. Thank you for your help I will get the test kit.