Help… More so soon?

[blueberlin]

Hello all,

Axel and Lotte just laid eggs about three weeks ago. The hatchlings are not yet a week old. I noticed yesterday that Lotte is REALLY fat but thought it might be because the whole aquarium is swimming with food right now (because of the babies). Cleaning the tank just now, though, I found what I am certain were spermatophores. Promptly suctioned them right out of there!

- Is it possible for Lotte to get pregnant again so soon? (The first time was a lot of work for us both.)
- I only found two spermatophores. Should I be looking for more?

I may rename him Giovanni…

 

[blueberlin]

Update

Ok I found the answer to the second question at http://www.axolotl.org/breeding.htm :

The male deposits between 5 and 25 of these around the tank.

Gulp.

 

[digger]

Good luck.

 

[Kaysie]

They can breed/lay eggs almost continuously. Axolotls don't get 'pregnant'. They develop and carry eggs, which are fertilized by the picked-up spermatophores on the way out.

 

[blueberlin]

Yes, that's what I mean. I was hoping maybe Lotte needs some time to produce eggs or something.

I don't suppose there is any way to sterilize an animal that has the power of regeneration, is there.

 

[Kaysie]

It's best to separate them in cases like this. You can either use two separate tanks, or purchase (or make) a divider to put in your tank.

 

[blueberlin]

I have come to the same conclusion. Either I will make the investment in one or two more aquariums or I will see if the pet shop owner will take one back. I've developed affection for these two, though, which makes it hard to decide which one to give away. If I have any luck raising the babies, I should be able to keep one of the same sex for a companion to my first one. I'm not sure how wise it is to keep two males together, although the axolotls don't seem to be very territorial (are they?), but I kind of think I like Axel more (he's funny and comes to look at me looking at him, and swims around sometimes) (Lotte stays in her pot a lot). (Probably hiding from Axel the Cassanova.)

 

[sharelkaye]

If you need to find some eggs a home..

I was wondering what colors are they because I am really interested in a gold one so i will take some eggs of your hands pm me or emial me at shayebabykaye@hotmail.com

 

[blueberlin]

Axel and Lotte are brown, absolutely no gold or yellow anywhere, no rings around their eyes.

Poor Lotte, she is already laying eggs again. Three weeks since the last time and within 12 hours of my finding 2 spermatophores. I feel really, really bad for her.

 

[Kaysie]

Shaye, it is extremely difficult to legally ship axolotls internationally (because of their CITES status). It's also extremely difficult to ship sensitive amphibians oversees.

Try a divider. You may not necessarily need to give them up if your tank is big enough to split into two sides.

 

[Lisa]

For what it's worth blueberlin, I have two adult males together and they are fine. Posts like yours make me glad they turned out to be male too. I'd like some babies; but not over and over again and wouldn't want to have to rehome mum or dad. And if I had to divide the tank, they'd both have a smaller tank, which is a problem I just overcame . I might just see if I can get some eggs one day and do it that way.

 

[blueberlin]

A friend of mine suggested that Axel and Lotte are so doubtful of my ability to raise even one baby, they are hedging their bets with quantity...

I have decided to get an additional aquarium and separate them entirely. I won't separate them in the same tank because it seems cruel to me to put them so close to each other but not let them actually interact. With luck I will be able to raise the larvae so that Axel and Lotte can each have a companion. Until then, I reckon they could both use a time out anyway.

A quick anecdote: Axel swam up to just under the water's surface today and stared at me for a full minute or two. I'm sure he wanted food (like the larvae) but he did it twice and it was cute, thereby sealing my fate as a fan.

As to shipment, I don't wish to offend anyone but I, personally, would never ship a live animal of any kind. If (!) I am successful in raising the larvae and if anyone lives in or within a 3-hour drive from Berlin, Germany, and wants to offer melanoid (did I get that right?) axolotl(s) a good home, I will be glad to deliver them myself.

I don't really consider this whole situation the result of any massive irresponsibility on my part, but have certainly learned that a pet, any kind of pet (even "just" a "fish with legs"), should never be an impulse buy. I'm happy with my new pets, though, and I'm trying very hard not to see the larvae as a miracle. (I can see their little eyes now - they have FACES!)

 

[Kaysie]

Blueberlin, that's probably the best for them. Best of luck raising the babies. It's a lot of work, but they're so cute as they grow. My latest batch is just starting to sprout front legs!