Simple Jack has red spots on his belly

[Yohpey]

Hello,

My Axie has been having those red spots under his belly for a few weeks now (see pictures).

His behavior did not change dramatically though. Just eating and moving a bit less than usual.

The spots have not really evolved much since they've been "spotted" and "Simple Jack" still seems to be rather okay.

He's about 2yr old, >25cm, living in a small tank for his size (he's never complained about that but I know something should be done to improve his quality of life quickly), eating only Axie pellets (apart from occasional earthworms and limbs from his former tankmates) and never had any health issue until now.

Water is changed regularly and never goes above 20°C (it's the only parameter I've ever checked).

Given that he lives in a tank too small for him, I hope that's only irritation due to lack of space for movement, and could be healed soon in larger environment.

I was wondering if any of you guys would have any idea about other causes (and potential further problems the issue could lead to) for those spots, and if any measures other than buying a larger tank should be considered (eg. fridge, salt bath etc.).

Many thanks

 

[Kaini]

I'm not 100% as I'm not an expert on axie disease, but if he's living in a tank that is too small for him it could be ammonia burn. Especially if you don't test your parameters.

Axolotls are sensitive to water quality - it's important that you test your water with a liquid test kit for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Ammonia builds up quickly in small systems and can poison your animal.

What is your water change schedule like? in an unfiltered environment you should be doing near 100% water changes daily or every other day.

 

[Yohpey]

Thx for the reply.

Honestly my situation is a bit difficult as I am not with the animal at the moment (it's in Japan, I'm in France and trying to do the offshore doctor ...).

For what I understand the water is changed every week or two, and the environment is filtered.

I'll definitely push the person who's taking care of Simple Jack at the moment to run those ammonia, nitrite and nitrate tests even though it might be difficult to find them in Japan.

Cheers

 

[Yohpey]

Any other thoughts people please ?

 

[Skudo09]

I am no expert either but would agree with Kaini that testing the parameters would be the first thing to do. Could you purchase a kit online?

I would be at minimum changing the water once weekly but in a small tank it may be best to increase the water change schedule to twice weekly or even more often?