Illness/Sickness: Axolotl fungus? please help

[Jaysolorzano]

I have noticed this small white speck on my axie's belly. Took a picture yesterday and another today for comparison. He hasnt been eating properly for the last 4 days, poop looks not as solid and a pale brown color, and also his gills are turning white, they used to be bright red.

He is a gold albino axolotl, 3 months old and measures 13 cms, he LOVES to eat live earthworms, and salamander pellets, on a daily basis, he used to be always hungry up until 4 days ago that he stopped eating. Water temp is at a constant 20° Celcius, and always has clean filtered water. He shares his tank with another smaller black axie which is totally fine and eating well. Tank is a 35 gallon aquarium.

Posted pictures below of that white spec and what he used to look like a week ago vs now. Any thoughts? help

 

[AmberLouiseT]

Is this your axolotl named Cheese that you posted about last week? The one who had an injury to his head?
I'm sorry to hear that your little one isn't very well, let's see if we can figure out what is happening here.
I know you've said he always has clean filtered water, but I'd like to ask if you've tested your water parameters recently and if you're using a water de-chlorinator?
When you say he hasn't been eating properly, do you mean he hasn't eaten as much as he usually does but is still eating, or that he's completely gone off his food?
Have you got a "hospital tank" or large tub that you could use to separate your golden axolotl from your other one, if it comes to it?
I am sorry that I can't be much help to you right now, I hope a more experienced keeper will be along soon to help you. For now though, any extra information you could give us will help us to figure out what is going on and how best to help your little one.

 

[Jaysolorzano]

Hello Amber
Yes, he is the same axie, he completely recovered from that small injury, but something is Off now. What i mean by keeping the water clean is just that i use filtration for the tank, and i do use water de-chlorinator when i do 50% water changes on the tank, at least once a month, and i do 20% water changes weekly. I always suck out their poop and left over food that is in the tank. I just came back from two different aquarium stores where they measured my tank's water parameters, and in both places the readings were identical and they read;

Ph: 7
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
Hardness: 0

The water seems to be fine, and as i mentioned the other smaller axie is doing just fine. My albino axie who is now sick, used to eat every day, he was always hungry, he would eat whatever i put in front of him, he would eat a whole (Chopped) earthworm and 3-4 small salamander pellets, and 4 days ago he started to take the earth worms and he would chew them up and spit them out, today he wont even take them. He eats about 2 pellets a day which is nothing for him and he even does so by barely swallowing them, he looks ill. Im going to put him in a seperate container for now with shallow water and i will try and feed him there. What could it be? is that white spec a fungus? he doesnt seem to be losing weight tho, he looks very pale and is moving his gills a lot. Any thoughts? I attached pictures of their tank set up

 

[Jaysolorzano]

Ok so i moved him to the hospital tank, and noticed something very strange. That white spec turned out to be a cut, because now he is bleeding from it. He bled for a couple of minutes and now seems to have stopped. Minutes later he threw up 6 pellets he ate from days ago, which to me seem to have bits of blood on them. What is going on? im really worried he is bleeding internally? he couldnt have swallowed anything bc there is nothing in the tank for him to swallow, the substrate is fine sand and there are no small rocks. Im really worried now what should i do? posted pics below

 

[AmberLouiseT]

Excellent details, thank you. Okay, your water parameters seems off, really off. If your nitrates are at 0 then your tank isn't fully cycled, and I'm really confused about these readings. However, pet store's are renowned for giving misleading readings. Is there a way you can afford to get the API freshwater master test kit asap? That would give you an accurate reading of your water parameters, and I really recommend it for easing your mind when it comes to water quality issues.

My juvenile, Kai, he had a few days of not wanting to eat as much and his gills were a little paler as he was just chilling out, he wasn't as active so the reduced blood flow resulted in slightly paler gills. After a few days, and A LOT of poop, he was back to eating like mad again. I figure he had a slight case of constipation, even though he was pooping a little - he still had a lot of poop in his digestive tract. Once he'd passed it all, he was absolutely fine. So the not eating as much could possibly be something like that. Since he is still eating, albeit not as much, I wouldn't worry as much about that right now but instead focus on this white spot.
Can you describe this white spot, the pictures make it difficult to see if it's raised or not. Does it look bumpy, does it appear to be spreading? Could your albino have scraped himself on something, and is now healing a small skin wound?
It does seem to have become more pronounced in the 24 hours later picture, but it could simply be the camera angle/lighting or the camera was able to focus on it more.

I'm sorry that none of the more experienced owners have responded yet but I'm sure they'll have some great advice or information really soon. I'm no expert on this stuff, being a "newbie" myself. I'm just trying to help you figure out what's going on in the meantime. I feel awful that I can't be of more assistance.

Your tank look's like a good set up, is the lighting just on for clearer pictures though? As I'm sure you know bright lights can really stress an axolotl out.

I'm really glad & relieved to hear your other axolotl is doing well I still really recommend getting the API water testing kit though as your readings of nitrates are really confusing me. If you have zero nitrates, then the tank isn't cycled, and your tank should be cycled considering all the time you've spent maintaining it and the axolotl's have been in there for. I'm so sorry I can't give you any definitive answers.

 

[AmberLouiseT]

Ok so i moved him to the hospital tank, and noticed something very strange. That white spec turned out to be a cut, because now he is bleeding from it. He bled for a couple of minutes and now seems to have stopped. Minutes later he threw up 6 pellets he ate from days ago, which to me seem to have bits of blood on them. What is going on? im really worried he is bleeding internally? he couldnt have swallowed anything bc there is nothing in the tank for him to swallow, the substrate is fine sand and there are no small rocks. Im really worried now what should i do? posted pics below

Okay, let's try not to panic... He's been sick which means the not eating was more than likely a blockage in the stomach/constipated. I see no blood on or around the pellets, this is a good sign.
The wound on the side is worrying me, I know this is going to sound really bizarre, but can you run your hand all around the tank and all ornaments/hides etc as the SLIGHTEST little sharp bit could possibly cause a wound.

I know axolotl's have amazing abilities to regenerate and heal injuries, but seeing an injury on your little one is always horrifying.

All I can suggest, since I'm not an expert, is that you keep your little one in a hospital tank, in 100% fresh, de-chlorinated water, keep an extremely close eye on him, and look around for a vet that you can either take him to, or at least call them up for some advice.

Again, I can't apologise enough for not being able to help you very much. I seriously hope that someone who can truly help you and advise you will respond asap.

Some good people to contact (from my own experiences) would be AxolotlChris, xxIanxx, AuntieJude, Donna001 - these people are truly wonderful and have offered expert advice to me before.

 

[Jaysolorzano]

Thanks for the quick reply! i dont know what you mean by the Nitrate being 0, what should it be? im keepig a close eye on him, its just strange that maybe both things are not related and are just pure coincidende, the cut on his belly and him not eating and throwing up. I will take a close look at the tank as you mentioned, but im sure there is nothing in there to create a cut like that, this is all very strange. and again thank you for the fast reply! Could you elaborate a little more on the Nitrate reading?

 

[AmberLouiseT]

Thanks for the quick reply! i dont know what you mean by the Nitrate being 0, what should it be? im keepig a close eye on him, its just strange that maybe both things are not related and are just pure coincidende, the cut on his belly and him not eating and throwing up. I will take a close look at the tank as you mentioned, but im sure there is nothing in there to create a cut like that, this is all very strange. and again thank you for the fast reply! Could you elaborate a little more on the Nitrate reading?

Here are some links to the cycling processhttp://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cyclingEDK.shtml Beginner FAQ: The Nitrogen Cycle
But nitrates are usually at about 40ppm, not 0. There are several really good threads on here about tank cycling, and how nitrate levels affect the water quality.

I'm also going to suggest cutting up worms into very small pieces for a while, to encourage your little one to eat again and as the pieces are smaller in size, in theory, it should be easier on his digestive tract.

I'm hoping that the daily, 100% fresh de-chlorinated water changes will help to keep any fungus or bad bacteria from developing on the wound, and that it will heal up on it's own.

Please keep me updated on his health, progress and if there are any changes in his behaviour!

 

[Jaysolorzano]

Here are some links to the cycling processhttp://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cyclingEDK.shtml Beginner FAQ: The Nitrogen Cycle
But nitrates are usually at about 40ppm, not 0. There are several really good threads on here about tank cycling, and how nitrate levels affect the water quality.

I'm also going to suggest cutting up worms into very small pieces for a while, to encourage your little one to eat again and as the pieces are smaller in size, in theory, it should be easier on his digestive tract.

I'm hoping that the daily, 100% fresh de-chlorinated water changes will help to keep any fungus or bad bacteria from developing on the wound, and that it will heal up on it's own.

Please keep me updated on his health, progress and if there are any changes in his behaviour!

Thanks for the feedback! i will read this and inform myself better. I will keep you posted on his health. Unfortunately there are no vets i can see or talk to regarding this matter, i will keep a close eye on him and wait it out. Thank you for your good advice! i will be coming back on here often to see if there are any new advices.

 

[AmberLouiseT]

You're welcome I hope your little one will be alright. Good luck

 

[Jaysolorzano]

You're welcome I hope your little one will be alright. Good luck

Hi Amber
Quick update, he made it through the night alright, he still looks very weak, the water level is low enough for him to be able to breathe from the surface without having to swim. His gills looks super pale, theyre almost transparent :/ i changed 100% of his water with new de chlorinated water. He pooped last night which is good, i will try and feed him again tonight with a pellet. Will keep you posted! im going to buy an API testing kit next week, they are pretty expensive where i live.

 

[AmberLouiseT]

I would suggest feeding him small pieces of chopped earthworm instead of the pellets, as they're the best in terms of nutritional value, and since your axolotl vomited up pellets - they may be the reason he's having troubles with his digestive tract.
Yes, sadly the API tests are quite expensive but they do last a good long while.
Glad to hear he pooped some more, that's good news.

Can you take some pictures of him in the sick tub? Don't have the water level too low, it could stress him out if he wants to move around a bit.
Gills could be pale because he's not active at the moment, try not to panic

 

[Jaysolorzano]

I would suggest feeding him small pieces of chopped earthworm instead of the pellets, as they're the best in terms of nutritional value, and since your axolotl vomited up pellets - they may be the reason he's having troubles with his digestive tract.
Yes, sadly the API tests are quite expensive but they do last a good long while.
Glad to hear he pooped some more, that's good news.

Can you take some pictures of him in the sick tub? Don't have the water level too low, it could stress him out if he wants to move around a bit.
Gills could be pale because he's not active at the moment, try not to panic

Sure ill take a pic tonight sometimes i feed them these salamander pellets, i read theyre good for axies, link to the product here:

http://www.amazon.com/Pisces-Pros-H...der pellets&qid=1465327017&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

And i will chop an earth worm in small pieces and try to feed him as you suggest! Thanks for all the advice! ill post pics tonight

 

[AmberLouiseT]

Yes, most of the time they are good for axolotls but just like humans, some foods don't agree with the digestive tract of an individual axolotl. I'd say use them as a supplemental food, but keep earthworms as the staple diet

I think you're already doing that, so it's all good!

I'll look forward to seeing the pictures, hopefully we'll see some improvement! Fingers crossed.

 

[Donna001]

Reading through this I feel that Amber has given you exactly the same advice as I would have. I don't know what the white spot was originally. As Amber said, daily water changes with dechlorinated water in the sick tub will help to ensure the healing process goes well.
Whilst your little on is in the tub you will need to look at cycling your tank.
These are links to the sites and information that I use a lot.
Axolotls: The Fascinating Mexican Axolotl and the Tiger Salamander
Caudata Culture Axolotl Articles
Silly Axolotls
This is a link to a step-by-step account of tank cycling I got from a fish sorum that I also use.
FISHLESS CYCLING - HOW TO DO IT | Think Fish Tropical Aquarium Forum

It's not unusual for young axolotls to bring up food, are you sure there was blood on it? Chopped earthworms and bloodworms would be quite useful and easy to feed at this point.
I think that unless one of the very experienced keepers/breeders offers further advice, then it may just be a case of keeping your axolotl in the sick tub, at a constant temperature and with daily dechlorinated water changes, until something else happens.
Amber has also suggested the API mater test kit. I cannot emphasise enough how important this is. I know it's expensive, but I'm still using the test kit I bought several months ago, and I test 10 tanks a week, so it works out quite cost effective. It will also ensure that your little one had appropriate water conditions in the tank.
Sorry I can't be more help, but I will make sure that I check back on here every day to look for updates.
Best of luck

 

[Jaysolorzano]

Hello everyone
I came home tonight to find Cheese in a horrible state, this is really terrible, i dont know whats happening to him, it seems like there are new spots on his body where he is bleeding now but not the days before. I dont even know what to make of this and seeing him suffer like this is just the worst what else can i do? he really looks like hes not going to make it. There are chunks of blood on the bottom of the tub and hes really pale and just floating, occasionally moving around. What should i do? im just heart broken to see him suffer like this, i don't understand what is happening. I spoke to the provider who sells live earth worms to me (some kind of poisoning came to my head) and he confirmed his worms only grow on 100% organic material, no chemicals whatsoever. I do trust him since he is a seller with good ratings. Im at a loss of ideas. Could this be a congenital desease? Im worried about Mac, my other axie who is doing good now, active and eating well. Can this be some horrible bacteria? What should i do guys? even if he doesn't make it i just want to make his passing as comfortable as possible. Pics below

 

[Jaysolorzano]

Cheese just passed away. I will bury him outside on my buildings garden.

 

[Donna001]

I am so sorry to hear that Cheese has passed away.

 

[AmberLouiseT]

I am so terribly sorry that I didn't manage to respond last night, and I'm so sorry to hear about Cheese. I wish I could give you answers as to why this happened but I can't, I don't know why this has happened.

Is Mac still doing well? I think it's lovely that you are going to give Cheese a proper burial, that's very sweet and respectful of you.

Again, I'm really sorry to hear that Cheese has passed.

 

[Jaysolorzano]

I am so terribly sorry that I didn't manage to respond last night, and I'm so sorry to hear about Cheese. I wish I could give you answers as to why this happened but I can't, I don't know why this has happened.

Is Mac still doing well? I think it's lovely that you are going to give Cheese a proper burial, that's very sweet and respectful of you.

Again, I'm really sorry to hear that Cheese has passed.

Amber thank you for all your feedback and help, i think he was too far down with his illness, whatever it was. It is very scary to me to not know what happened, he was a healthy axie, he ate proper food, water is good, his set up was fine, had him for two months, and he got ill and died in 6 days. Mac, my black axie is doing great, he is eating chopped earthworms and he is active and swimming. He has been with me for 3 weeks, but hes healthy. I will keep a very close eye on him and as soon as i get an API testing kit i will keep track of the tanks water. I will also go ahead and do a proper cycling of the tank when im ready. Again thank you for your help. If anything comes up i will be back on here.

My girlfriend helped me bury Cheese last night on the front garden of my building next to some flowers.