Illness/Sickness: White Gills

[WaWalker]

Hi All,

We just got an axolotl (our first) and she came with white on her gills. I've had a ton of fish in my life but never an axolotl. To me, she looks like she has ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite burn. I moved her into a separate tub and made sure the levels were right. Her tank and tub were a little warm so I put a fan on her and she seems to be doing way better. Some of the white stuff came off in a goo-like string last night. Her tank tested high for nitrite so I've cleaned everything off and changed out the water. I wanted to let it run and check the levels when I get home today.

She seems to be doing better but I was wondering if there is anything else I should be aware of or could do?

 

[Giuseppe]

I'd keep them in a separate tub and do daily 100% water changes until the main tank is cycled. Could be severe burns from the water quality or it could be fungus it's a little difficult to tell. If the gills start to look worse/ begin looking fuzzier than I would begin treating with salt baths which you can find instructions for in a sticky on this section. I'd look into adding some catappa leaves into the tubbed water to help with healing as well and be sure to keep the tub cool.

 

[WaWalker]

Thank you for the help! She seems to be doing way better and her regular tank has leveled out. I just wanted to make sure she has no white left before I put her back in. It's off her gills now, but she still has a little.