Shrinking, shriveling gills, won't eat, gulps air

[accidentalfan]

I have 2 axies suffering the same symptoms. Their tank is at 64 degrees. All water tests are good. The only thing I can think of is I got a new filter a while back. Maybe it was too strong? But I've had it out of the tank now for 10 days or more, and the problem persists. One finally ate a cricket today, but just spits worms out. His gills are starting to get some color back, but the other is gulping so much air, he just floats by the surface when I'm not around. His gills have turned VERY light pink.
The little feathery frills that are supposed to be on the gills look thick and curled....I don't know how to explain it, but they are short, still there, but curled and not feathery at all.
I don't remember the last time he ate.
Sorry so long, I just don't have a camera for pictures.
If anyone can tell me what this is, and how to treat it, I will love you forever!
I've had these guys over a year with no health problems. I don't know how to treat this!
Hope someone reads this soon. I don't know how long he'll last.

 

[kapo]

Becky what were your test readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

Put some dechlorinated water in a substitute tank, small plastic tub or bucket (whichever is handy), place your gulping axolotl in. If s/he floats then make sure the water is low enough so it doesn't float but still covers it.

 

[Bellabelloo]

with regards to food...mine seem to hate being given the same food for more than a couple pf days..even to the extent if I give slivers of raw meat( beef, pork, lamb etc) they refuse to eat it unless I produce something differnt..i.e live worms, river shrimp ( they have to catch these) bloo. d worm. They even devour defrosted shrimp, mussles squid that have been rinsed and then sliced down to size. They are so 'precious' that they even expect me to hand feed them..I suppose its 'cause I wiggle the food in front of them....if they don't eat I take it out again to reduce the risk of disappearing into a dark corner and rotting!.

 

[accidentalfan]

Ammonia Nitrite and Nitrate - Kapo

Ammonia is at 0, Nitrite 0 and Nitrate 20. I took all the plants, rocks and decorations out exept a large cave for comfort. Maybe the Nitrate elevated after that. The problem developed long before that though (hence taking everything out..) I just didn't realize the severity of the problem. I cleaned my tank faithfully, but found it to be very dirty even with only enough large rock to cover the bottom.
I think the original problem may be solved, I hope,(between the filter and the rock) but the problem is even with it fixed, he still seems to be declining.
I will move him into another tank this morning. Should I put an airstone in? What should I do after I have him in the tank?

 

[accidentalfan]

Food - Bellaballoo

Thanks for the advice. I have given them a diet primarily consisting of earthworms with an occational cricket or millworm for variety, but that is few and far between. (weeks)
They do seem to favor live food. I tried Axie pellets from the university, but was unsatisfied. I would love to give them live bloodworms, or blackworms occationally, but I can't find any for sale. Even my local pet supply house, who is really great about trying to track down what you want, hasn't found any for quite a while. If you know anywhere please let me know.
I can wiggle anything in front of his face and he just turns away irritably. He is getting scary skinny though.
My other axies are bordering on fat, and I can see his rib cage. Very disturbing and scary. His wonderful curious attitude is gone.
Any other suggestions you may have would be great thanks.

 

[xxvickyxx]

I am ever so sorry to hear about this I have had 2 axolotls die recently. before they died they were floating spending a lot of time at the serface, gulping air etc and not eating, although they never got thin. I spoke to a zoologist I know and he said that it sounds like they had a swim bladder infection, and sadly once they have you cant fix it. I do hope your axie doesnt have the same problem! Hope he/she gets well soon too!