Photo: What're the spots on his tail?

[Eemia]

I was just wondering if these spots are a part of his natural colouring. Or if he's got some kind of fungal thing going on. This is the best photo I could take.

I hope I'm just being paranoid.

And he has a big tummy. So I think he may have swallowed some substrate.

 

[dragonlady]

I don't see anything abnormal there. Fungus will usually present around the gills first so I think what you are seeing is natural pigmentation.

Is he a melanoid? I don't see a shiny ring around his eye - those are kind of rare in Australia, aren't they?

He would probably love a little more water in that tank. A higher volume of water is easier to keep cool and the parameters stable. Please post some more pics of him and his set up when you have time - in case you didn't know, we love photos out here! lol take care!

 

[Eemia]

I don't see anything abnormal there. Fungus will usually present around the gills first so I think what you are seeing is natural pigmentation.

Is he a melanoid? I don't see a shiny ring around his eye - those are kind of rare in Australia, aren't they?

He would probably love a little more water in that tank. A higher volume of water is easier to keep cool and the parameters stable. Please post some more pics of him and his set up when you have time - in case you didn't know, we love photos out here! lol take care!

Well a few days ago I filled the tank up to just over halfway and he didn't seem to like it. because he often swims to the top to grab a breath of air. He's missing gills on his right side (or left, if you're looking at him front-on). And he had further to swim and seemed to give up after a few goes.

Here are more photos.

He needs more hides, I knu. To compensate for that I just keep his area dimly lit. Til I can get some more plants or more places for him to hide. What I really need is a bigger tank. With another hide in there he's not going to have much room for wandering.

Also, his/her name is Whale.
Maybe someone can determine if it's a female or male for me while they're here. lol
I've assumed that it's a He.

 

[dragonlady]

He would adjust to the deeper water. They look pretty ridiculous swimming - it does look like they struggle to get to the top, but she'd like it. Yes, looking at that last pic you provided, it definitely looks like Whale may indeed be a Wilma instead! lol

Do you know her age? If she's less than a year, she could still turn out to be a male. Sometimes, sexual maturity can be determined from the toe tips. Her toe tips will turn white at maturity, but sometimes that too, is unreliable, as it can be part of natural pigmentation.

Yes, she could benefit from a larger tank definitely. Her gills should re-generate over time. If not, that just adds to her uniqueness!

 

[Eemia]

He would adjust to the deeper water. They look pretty ridiculous swimming - it does look like they struggle to get to the top, but she'd like it. Yes, looking at that last pic you provided, it definitely looks like Whale may indeed be a Wilma instead! lol

Do you know her age? If she's less than a year, she could still turn out to be a male. Sometimes, sexual maturity can be determined from the toe tips. Her toe tips will turn white at maturity, but sometimes that too, is unreliable, as it can be part of natural pigmentation.

Yes, she could benefit from a larger tank definitely. Her gills should re-generate over time. If not, that just adds to her uniqueness!

She? N'aww. I was hoping that it was male. But it IS only a few months old. About 6 months? I think. I'm not sure how old she was when I got her.
I'll get a bigger tank when I can afford to. I have another aquarium but it's tall rather than wide. I also need some space for it. The one I have was the biggest at the pet store when I got her.
I was going to get a bigger tank so I can get another 'lotl anyway.

I'll add more water later today. Once everyone's awake. It's 4:53 am here at the moment. lol

 

[dragonlady]

Six months old is definitely too young to tell for sure.

Getting a second one...Cool! Just keep in mind that when you get the new one, you'll want to quarantine the new one for at least 30 days before introducing them to each other. The general rule is about 10 US gallons per axolotl but of course, bigger is always better.

Look forward to hearing more about your axolotl adventures! Take care

 

[Bellabelloo]

You have a pretty little axolotl there. I agree that the water could do with raising, it really does help keep the temperature more even.
I suspect he/she has been swallowing the substrate, and you would be wise to remove it. You could replace it with well washed play sand or leave it bare.