Axolotl with pink gills

[Mouse Mason]

Recently my axoltl has developed very pink gills (they're both a bit pink/red, but Skipper is lighter so its more obvious). they're still small (about 3 inches I think), so it could just be that they're going to have pink gills, but I just wanted to check it wasn't an illness of any kind. Also, they seem to ne swimming into the glass of the tank quite a lot (but are calm other than that)- is that anything to worry about?

 

[Tarabull]

They look just beautiful. Their gills are like lungs and have a lot of blood vessels. When they are moving around and are using more oxygen their gills will get pink or red, thus moving oxygen through the blood.

As for running into things, it is a common axi trait. They don't see very well and are not the most graceful of animals. It's part of their charm.

I hate to be the one to point it out but if your rocks are not secured to the bottom of your tank your babies will soon be able to swallow them. They suck food up to eat. The rocks will get sucked up with food and could cause it to die. If they aren't attached you should switch it out as soon as possible. The rule is to make the decor bigger than their head so they can't ingest it.

 

[Mouse Mason]

Thank you for replying- that is a relief! I've always thought Skipper's gills were pretty- just as long as they weren't ill, which you be now confirmed they're not!

I know about the rocks- but thank you for reminding me Theyre not quite big enough to swallow them, but we're trying to find some sand asap, and should be able to get it by this weekend, so all is well!