Illness/Sickness: Weird growth on tail, worms?

[HattoriHannes]

Hi y'all!
I'm a brand new member to the forums, but have been reading every now and then since I got two axolotls about a year ago. And now I need your help. Surprise, right?

Anyhow, yesterday I noticed a growth on the tail of my wild-type. My first thought was "oh, shoot, anchor worms", but after looking at pictures of the parasite I'm not so sure. On the pics I found, the worms look quite thin and not so "fleshy". This growth also seem to have the same coloration as the axolotl. Looks more like a misplaced toe to me

Both the wild-type and its leucistic buddy seems happy and are eating well (earth worms and JBL NovoLotl pellets).

I'm keeping them in a 180L filtered tank. The water parameters were good when I checked the other day (just ordered a new kit) and the temp is usually around 18-20°C, with 21-22°C on hotter days, which are luckily quite uncommon in these parts. I keep a computer fan ready for when the northern summer decides to go bananas.

I have a smaller tank where I breed guppies and cherry shrimps as snacks for the axolotls and they originally came from a local pet store, which is what got me worrying about parasites.

What do you guys think? Could it be a random natural growth, or is it indeed a worm or some other illness?
I know the picture quality isn't great, but it is darn hard to get the focus right.

I am greatful for any answers!

// HattoriHannes

 

[Donna001]

Hi there.

We all seem to start out lurking a guests on this forum. :happy:
Looking at the pictures, and especially the second picture, it does look as if it is something growing out of your axolotl, rather than something attached to it. I've not seen anything like this before, but I am relatively new to keeping axolotls (around 6 months).
I'm sure that one of the more experienced keepers will be along to have a look at the pictures and give you some advice to help you with your problem.

Best of luck and please keep us posted on progress.

 

[auntiejude]

That is a random finger! Axies can grown extra limbs or just fingers almost anywhere, it's more common for them to sprout an extra finger on their hand, but some grow on elbows or tails. I have an axie with an extra hand growing from her chest...

 

[HattoriHannes]

That is a random finger! Axies can grown extra limbs or just fingers almost anywhere, it's more common for them to sprout an extra finger on their hand, but some grow on elbows or tails. I have an axie with an extra hand growing from her chest...

Oh my lord, that is incredibly cool. And relieving! I was not very much looking forward to sterilize the tank and buying new plants.
Thank you so much for the answer!

 

[Donna001]

Nature is fantastic, and axolotls in particular. May these adorable little wierdos never cease to amaze me.
Great to know that the growth on the tail is harmless.
Auntiejude, your axolotl with the extra hand, I have never seen anything like that. Totally fascinating.

 

[Caesar]

That is a random finger! Axies can grown extra limbs or just fingers almost anywhere, it's more common for them to sprout an extra finger on their hand, but some grow on elbows or tails. I have an axie with an extra hand growing from her chest...

This is the coolest thing I've seen!!

 

[Otterwoman]

I had no idea they do this!

 

[auntiejude]

How about 3 arms growing from one shoulder? Polly has a total of 29 fingers...

 

[LoriML]

That is crazy! What a special one you have there!

How about 3 arms growing from one shoulder? Polly has a total of 29 fingers...