Inchworms on my Axie? Please help

[kristy]

I recently purchased a waterdog and was told that it is the larvae of the tiger salamander. When I got home and did more research I come to find out that the poor creature was mistakenly identified. What I'm pretty sure I have is a mudpuppy, or Axolotl. It's been a week since I got him and I've begin to notice these white things crawling on him that move like inchworms. They are in his gills and on his torso. Are these harmful? Does anyone know what they might be?

 

[kristy]

I managed to get a picture of one of the worms.It is on his gills on the left side.
http://www.reptiforum.com/gallery/data/500/8512axolotls_worm014_copy.jpg

 

[kristy]

Just to make sure, this does look like an axolotls and not a tiger salamander larvea right?http://www.reptiforum.com/gallery/data/500/8512axolotls_pics_009_copy.jpg

 

[cynthia]

Kristy - that isn't an axolotl. Can you post a picture of its entire body?

 

[jennifer]

It's a mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus. I have no idea what to do about the worms though.

 

[heather]

Right, not an axie definately a Necturus though.
Im not sure about the worms but if it were mine i would be plucking them off with tweezers!! not sure if thats a good idea thogh. There is a section for Necturus critters on the sight though, i would talk to them about it.

just out of curiosity, what are you feeding him?

 

[kristy]

I have yet to see him eat, but I have put small guppies which I raised myself in his aquarium and I have also offered a few sinking shrimp pellets. What do you all mean he's not an Axolotls. I guess I should look up Necturus because I have no idea what that is. It is very challenging to get a picture of his whole body because he is shy, and I have provided him with so many places to hide to make him comfortable. Here are the best ones I managed to get. http://www.reptiforum.com/gallery/data/500/8512axolotls_pics_036-med.jpg
http://www.reptiforum.com/gallery/data/500/8512axolotls_pics_035.jpg
And here is how he would prefer to be photographed
http://www.reptiforum.com/gallery/data/500/8512axolotls_eye006-med.jpg

 

[jarid]

My guess would be leeches, as for removing them... I've never had to do it so I can't give much advice. Have you tried just plucking them off with tweezers?

 

[kim]

Kristy,

That sure is a Necturus maculosus as Jen said. Take a look at the link below, if you use the search facility you will find some artilces on them.

http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Necturus/N_maculosus.shtml

This link is for the forum that they are in, take a look, more people will see your posts if u post in there..

http://www.caudata.org/forum/messages/13/30.html?1107197619

Good luck