Abnormal Axolotl

[AxiStack]

I just got my first axi, and it looks like it might be missing a gill on one side! I was observing it, it doesn't look like it was torn off, just missing. It is about 5 months old, so still pretty tiny, and I'm worried about him. Anyone else experience this problem?

 

[AxolotlChris]

Congrats on the new Axolotl!

Can you post a picture?

Its more than likely that it was bitten off by another Axolotl at some point.

How long have you had him? And where did you buy him?

As your new to Axolotl you should read these websites:

http://www.axolotl.org/index.htm

http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/articles_newcomer.shtml

http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cyclingEDK.shtml

Water testing kit: http://www.apifishcare.com/product.php?sectionid=1&catid=18&subcatid=94&id=580#.VkC_RVXhBpg

 

[AxiStack]

I bought him from a breeder on Caudata, and I think he was raised alone. I have had him for only about a week now. On the left side of his head he is clearly missing a gill.

 

[AxiStack]

Here are 3 photos

 

[Sith the turtle]

That's odd. Doesn't look like it's hurting it, just looks strange. I have heard of axies that have a different amount of gills though, don't think that it hurts the axie though. Also, the top gill seems to be bigger than the other ones, maybe the two gills fused when it was an egg/a very young larvae. But that's just my two cents, don't own an Axolotl, so can't say for certain

 

[AxolotlChris]

He's just only developed two gills on that side. Doesn't look like a gills been bitten off. Nothing to worry about!

 

[AxiStack]

Okay, thanks for the help!

 

[Nina Willis]

Looks like a birth deformity. Very cute little guy!
Nina