New to axolotl care questions

[themamaj]

Hi guys. Already enjoying the forum and learning a lot. I have had new baby axolotl a week now. He/she is doing great and very active. I named him Coconut.

Coconut is eating a variety of blood worms, brine shirmp and tiny bites of earthworms. He is 2 inches or maybe a smidge more. Can you give me an estimate of age of one that size? He seems very hungry. Have been feeding him twice a day and immediately suction any debris from food or waste. How much is enough food but not too much to make his belly hurt?

Also, can you tell me more about their gills? Will they grow and pink up more over time? I think he is a white albino but has iridescent spots on his side and head. Is that typical with white or is that an indication of golden?

Have fallen in love with axolotls and might like getting another at some point. I know he is still in a cannibalistic stage of juvenile so would not want to do that until older but what is the recommended age to introduce a tank mate?

Thanks so much! Will add some pictures for you.

 

[AxolotlChris]

Juveniles will eat multiple times a day, but it does come down to how long you spend feeding per session. 10 minuets feeding is generally long enough to feed enough food by hand, my juveniles will start to spit food out when they are full. You can often see the sides of their body bulging or lumpy from the food they have ingested.

You could probably just start feeding earth worm cut into tiny pieces now, which is more nutritious and will not foul your water at all. Your juvenile could probably handle half a worm cut into pieces fed in one 10 minuet session.

I don't think it will be a Golden Albino, I can't really make out any significant iridophores from your pictures. Axolotls colour changes as they develop so you will see in time. The pink in the gills makes me think it will most likely be an Albino, not golden.

When introducing tank mates make sure there are plenty of hiding places and objects for them to have their own space, then most importantly they need to be of the same size so a smaller one can not get eaten or limbs damaged. I keep two juvenile together and they get along fine.