Gill Veins Turning Black - Fungus?! D: (Photos)

[Lady Axolotl]

The other day I noticed my young axxie's gills were looking strange.
I noticed the veins had turned black inside them and I'm really worried
it could be some kind of fungus. The photos don't really show but I also
think there's a couple of white marks on his gills too

What's worse is that he's just 'recovered' from a particularly bad case
of swallowed air bubble. For weeks on end he was floating upside down
then getting better, then I thought he had constipation, but that's cleared
up now too... I just really want this little guy to pull through as all of his
tank mates are fine (just axxies of course) and I want him to be too.

By the way this is not his permanent home -
I was doing a water change and placed him in there to take the pictures.

Any suggestions guys? I'm so worried,
this little axolotl has had nothing but bad luck ; _ ;

 

[Morrison]

Don't worry. It's absolutely normal.
I saw it on my axies as well when they grew up. Especially the leucistics.


Some of them have really dark gills, like this one:
http://www.deviantart.com/download/192329705/leucistic_axolotl_by_mcmuth-d36iajt.jpg

 

[mewsie]

Hehe, did you catch him mid-yawn in that second pic? ^_^

As Morrison said, quite a few axies seem to have pigmented gill stems, I wouldn't worry

 

[Lady Axolotl]

Thanks guys, that does put my mind at rest somewhat. I was just a little worried as his siblings show no similar signs! I'll keep my eye on him but not worry anyway :3

@mewsie ~ I had my camera over him, so he instantly thought 'FOOD!'