Ragged Tail

[jessica]

This is a question I've been wondering about for a few weeks now. I've noticed that my axolotl's tail is looking a little bit ragged and I'm wondering if that's normal. He's still eating fine, the temperature is around 18-20 degrees and I'm pretty sure the water is alright because he's in a temporary tank while I'm at home on winter break and I've been doing a 50% water change every other day, since the tank isn't cycled. He's the only one in the tank and I'd post a picture of his tail, but I can't find my digicam at the moment.

Edit: Ok, I found the digicam. Here's a pic:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/jess_photos/tail.jpg
(I couldn't get it to work as an attachment for some reason, but just click the link to see him)

(Message edited by amori on December 26, 2005)

 

[alex]

hmm, my axie does that to, i think its normal. also when i feed him he wiggles his tail like a dog would lol!.

 

[andrew]

From the picture it looks like he's knocked his tail on something, probably during and axie "Spaz out" as i call it.

I wouldn't be concerned it should regenerate within a week or two.

If you keep doing 50% water changes your tank will never cycle. I would put him in another container and keep him there doing regular water changes, whilst your tank cycles.

If you put a heater in your tank (not while the axie is in there) it will speed up the cycling process as the beneficial bacteria will grow faster. Also its a good idea to not change any water while your tank is cycling.

It may even be worth you buying some aquarium plants as these will already have bacteria growing on them an will speed up the cycling process.

For more information on cycling check out this link.
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cyclingEDK.shtml

Hope this helps

 

[alex]

oh is that gashes out the tail, i thought it was just kinks because its flexing all over the place.