What is wrong?

[chrisluke]

Yesterday I noticed a patch of what looks like dry white skin on Chilli's top line and as though a big piece was missing from it. He doesn't appear ill in any other way, is eating normally and not stressed. I have had him for seven years with no health problems, his tank is spotless and I do a partial water change once a week. It doesn't appear to have got any worse in the last 24 hours.

 

[PatchworkClocks]

It almost looks like shedding, but I've never personally seen an axolotl shed and I don't have all that much knowledge on it. If it doesn't seem to be effecting him, I don't think you have much to worry about. Just keep an eye on it.

Another thought I had, is maybe he caught his tail on something? Mine tends to get little nicks in his tail from the filter (despite all my efforts to keep him away from it!). But they've never been big enough that they would leave dead tissue, which is what those white pieces look like also.

 

[GreerDalrymple]

Possibly a fungal infection, no idea how it would have gotten in though.
Maybe try a salt bath for a few days if it doesn't heal.

 

[PatchworkClocks]

Possibly a fungal infection, no idea how it would have gotten in though.
Maybe try a salt bath for a few days if it doesn't heal.

I really doubt that's a fungal infection, honestly. It would be more cottony looking if it was.

 

[layna]

Tea baths will help sooth the skin if its a scrape/peeling

 

[chrisluke]

Quick update, Chilli seems much better. The white has completely gone and the skin underneath looks normal so I am guessing he has just bashed himself on something although I don't really know what could have caused that damage. He is eating and happy which is all that matters. Thanks for your support.