Sick Socrates

[jchabot]

My axolotl seems to have a little ball of what I think is fungus on the end of one gill. I have two Axolotls in a 33 gallon tank. The water parameters: pH 7.4, ammonia 0ppm, nitrites 0ppm, nitrates 20ppm (we are due for the weekly 25% change) and temp is kept at 16 degrees Celsius. I just wanted to check with you guys to make sure I am correct about it being fungus. Also I would like some advice as what to do about this? Should I separate the two Axolotls? Do I need to treat this or will it go away?
I have only had these guys two months so any help would be awesome!!
Thanks in advance!
-Janelle

 

[jchabot]

Another pic of sick Socrates

 

[Kilolotlkeeper]

Definitely fungus, ph is a little high too ?? someone will come through with advice on the fungus I have never had to deal with it but I can tell you that this is fungus


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[Donna001]

Hi Janelle,
Sorry to hear that your little on is unwell.
I've not had to deal with this sort of thing, but have attached some information in the links below:
Axolotls - Health & Diseases
Caudata Culture Articles - Illness Part 1
I have not kept axolotls for long, so maybe one of the more experienced keepers will give better advice, but I would be tempted to separate your axolotls immediately, putting the unwell one in a quarantine tank/container with daily treated water changes. Ensure excellent water conditions for both axolotls. Keep an eye on the one without fungus and check for signs of fungus regularly. Treat the one with fungus either with daily salt baths (no more than 10 mins) or other appropriate treatment.
I hope this helps and I wish your little one a speedy recovery.
Please keep us updated on progress. :happy:

 

[AxolotlChris]

The PH is fine, a lot of keepers have a PH of 8.0 with no issue.

Considering your water parameters and temperature are perfect, there is a chance the Axolotl might have damaged the tip of the gill, which made it susceptible to fungus.

I wouldn't separate your Axolotl, but I would monitor the fungus. You can try swabbing the fungus with a cotton bud if it looks loose, then it may fall off easily. I expect this fungus will go away on its own, it is a very mild infection so salt baths are definitely not needed since salt baths are highly irritating to the skin and only required for severe cases.

 

[jchabot]

Thank you so much for the help AxolotlChris! I will wait and see how she does and keep a close eye on her. I will post updates as this situation progresses. :happy:

 

[Kilolotlkeeper]

The PH is fine, a lot of keepers have a PH of 8.0 with no issue.



Considering your water parameters and temperature are perfect, there is a chance the Axolotl might have damaged the tip of the gill, which made it susceptible to fungus.



I wouldn't separate your Axolotl, but I would monitor the fungus. You can try swabbing the fungus with a cotton bud if it looks loose, then it may fall off easily. I expect this fungus will go away on its own, it is a very mild infection so salt baths are definitely not needed since salt baths are highly irritating to the skin and only required for severe cases.

Spoke too soon on my part, 7.6 is actually ideal, my apologies everyone

 

[jchabot]

Thanks for the advice! The little ball of fungus fell off Socrates and she is doing great! My other Axolotl seems to be totally unaffected so that's awesome! For your viewing pleasure, a pic of Socrates today :happy:

 

[Donna001]

Socrates is looking great.
Glad to hear that the fungus fell off and all axolotls are doing well. :happy: