I think my axolotl is fat..

[zoe]

I got my golden axolotl about a five or six weeks ago, and hes gotten a lot bigger, considering i picked him because he was the smallest. i'm fairly certain he's a boy but his mid-region is pretty fat and he eats everyday. just wondering if i've got anything to worry about. he's also about 8 inches long which is at least three inches longer than when i got him

 

[melfly]

At 8 inches you could consider feeding once every two days.
Is his belly wider than his head if you look down on him?

A picture would help also. (and because i wanna see him )

Mel

 

[zoe]

his belly is about the same width as his head, if its more then only would be by a tiny bit because i can't tell.
theres a picture...he sticks his nose in the corner a lot hes a bit weird. skittish too, he freaked out this morning over nothing and took off round his tank. hes in a 28L at the moment but im moving him into a 45L this weekend

 

[deliriah]

I'm no axie expert, don't even own one yet, but he looks lovely to me. And healthy as well.

 

[Bellabelloo]

He looks fine. Juvenile axolotl will near enough grow before your eyes.
The substrate that you are currently using is unfortunately unsuitable for axolotl. When they feed ( I am sure you have noticed) they gulp in their food...and this can include the small stones. This in turn may well lead to a blockage (impaction). The best substrate is well washed sand or a bare bottomed tank. I have seen slate tiles used, with the gaps sealed ...this looks fantastic. One day I aim to use this.
What do you feed him?

 

[dragonlady]

Hi zoe,

What a beautiful golden axie you have there! He doesn't look overweight from the angle provided. You stated his body is about the same width as his head and that's perfect.

Happy to hear you are moving him into a larger tank as he's going to need the space! 45L is still a little on the small side so if you have the opportunity, please upgrade again.

As bellabelloo mentioned, I hope that you are planning on sand or some other substrate for his larger tank, those stones you have right now are a potential hazard for him if swallowed. Gravel should not be any larger than 1mm and river rocks have to be larger than his head (not just his mouth). I think you will find the sand easier to clean as well. Rocks and gravel hold all kinds of nasties despite our most diligent cleaning efforts. Read HERE for more possibilities.

 

[zoe]

thanks for all the compliments haha i picked him for his colour the other two at the shop were a bit dull.
i feed him special pellets actually made for axolotls. problem with sand is that the filter is an undergravel filter, same with the new one im going to get. he used to get the pebbles in his mouth and then spit them out and then i put the little plastic plate in for him and how he knows exactly where to go to get his food.
i will look into it though

 

[kuphie]

very pretty, he looks in good condition too!
at his size it's ok to feed him every other day. i would also recommend changing the gravel out to sand or large river rocks.

 

[lea]

hi
sorry to go off topic.....but where do you get the pellets.....im in brisbane and all the shops i have gone do not have pellets that are suitable for axies......by the way he is lovely
lea

 

[zoe]

Waterlife aquarium. Pretty sure its a franchise so might be in brisbane

 

[Shizeric]

he used to get the pebbles in his mouth and then spit them out

It's only a matter of time until he swallows one, and it will be a huge health risk.

Change ASAP.

 

[zoe]

Thank you for your critisism. I will look into it

 

[lea]

thanks zoe.....your a champ

 

[shoegal]

Your axie is gorgeous! What a great yellow color!

Maybe you could use an external canister filter instead of the undergravel filter.

Eric is right. If you spend some time on this forum, you will read dozens of posts about health issues caused by ingested gravel. You will save yourself a ton of heartache in the future if you switch out your substrate ASAP. I personally think golden axies look gorgeous against a backdrop of black sand.

BTW: I don't think your axie looks fat. I think he looks very healthy!

 

[jarrennylund]

Hi Leanne, I'm in Brisbane too. I know Annerley Aquarium (inappropriately named, as they're actually in Coorparoo) have axolotl pellets, as that's where I get mine from.

135 Old Cleveland Road
Coorparoo
07 3397 6266

 

[lea]

thanks for that......i guess im off to coorparoo over the weekend....i think abby needs some renos done to his tank.....

 

[Mac Myers]

Same comments. Gravel BAD. Animal BEAUTIFUL.