Axolotls or salamanders?

[Shuichi]

I have 3 adult axies I've raised from baby/juvie, all bought from the same pet shop. I recently bought 2 juvies from a different shop. After reading a few things online, I've noticed the way they look and behave seems more like a salamander than the axies. They both have spots all over their body and head, lack of fluffy gills (one has 2 morphed into one) and one has webbed feet, not really toes. Sometimes they frantically swim around and poke their heads out the water.

 

[rachel1]

That one with webbed feet looks wrong to me. Does it have 3 front toes or 4? Could be another species or a hybrid, I don't have enough knowledge to help. Both are a little odd. Read the sticky on metamorphosis. Shrinking gills, losing tail fin, growing a tongue, and wanting to leave the water are signs they may be going through metamorphosis. I would give them something to climb on so they can crawl out of the water if they want.

 

[rachel1]

Also, check their water parameters. They may have lost their gills due to poor water quality. And ammonia will irritate their skin, which can cause odd behavior. I mentioned metamorphosis because if it is not in fact an axolotl, it may go through metamorphosis at some point.

 

[Shuichi]

I've only had them since Sunday, that picture was taken just after I brought them home. They haven't changed in appearance since then. The odd one has 3 on one foot, 4 on the other.
I read the sticky, that's why I was concerned. I just wanted to be sure before I contact the pet store.

 

[Jonjey]

I would guess the one on the left is an axolotl and the one on the right is not...
But who knows, treat them the same as axolotls until you look in one day and they are regular salamanders haha.

 

[Bellabelloo]

I think it is highly unlikely that it could be anything other than an axolotl. It looks like an axolotl that may have not been taken good care of by someone.

 

[auntiejude]

I have to agree with Julia, I doubt it is anything else other than an axolotl. Considering other salamanders usually sell for at least twice the price of axies I doubt a pet shop would make that kind of mistake!

My wildtype male lost his fingers before I got him, and they grew back webbed in a similar way.

 

[oceanblue]

I too agree these are both axolotls. They have foot and gill damage possibly from bites due to overcrowding and imperfect regeneration. Tiger salamanders are pretty rare in uk pet shops. Treat them well and they should recover and be fine. I doubt they are morphing.

 

[Shuichi]

I noticed a couple of things today, my adult melanoid had a foot regrowing when I got her, it never grew back to full size and it is webbed like the little one's. Also, my golden albino has 5 front toes on one foot.

They're still stressing out a fair bit (despite water changes) but they seem like axies so far.
Another thing was when I got them they both had 'shedding' so it might just be a mix of poor care and a bit deformity. (the gills)