Meet Mortimer

[Mortimer]

This is Mortimer. I'm not quite sure how old he is or what happened to his gills on his left. The man I bought him from said that he was five months old when I bought him about six months ago. He was evidently older because he was obviously a him. Someone recently told me he looks like he is about 2-3 years old. I wish I knew....but I guess it really doesn't matter.

Mortimer has had some problems because I've had problems with his setup. The sand was initially a problem. Then the tank crashed--ammonia levels spiked. Now, he seems to be adjusting to his new home with (expensive) canister filter sans sand.

Question: If I've had him for six months and his gills haven't started growing back, does that mean that they most likely won't?

Note: He LOVES moss balls. He's either moving them around or sitting on them constantly. I started out with two....now I have six...

Another question: I'm sure this is me anthropomorphizing, but I feel like he's got to get lonely in there by himself. I'm hesitant to add another axolotl, though, because the person I bought him from said he had previously been very aggressive with another one. (Also, I wouldn't have gotten another one due to all of the water/sand issues I've been having.) I'm thinking about it now, but I just don't know if it would be a good idea. It's just a twenty gallon (long) aquarium, so they might be too crowded. Bad idea, right?

Okay, I think that's all for now. I hope you enjoy his pictures.

S

 

[Elliriyanna]

i know what you mean humans are social so we feel bad for animals who dont have company.. however i think he is fine alone just spoil him ... i also think that may be small for two but thats opinion ... i am not even an axie mommy yet

 

[ArdyBay]

Such a pretty boy!
He looks awesomely spoiled and you look to have a gorgeous setup.

I was thinking about getting some moss balls for my pair, but I've been on the fence about it.

 

[snuggly time]

He's lovely! I like the moss balls too, I might have to hunt for some of those. My axolotl is on his own too and could probably use some entertainment.

 

[Morrison]

My little dorks don't like their moss ball anymore :<

 

[Mortimer]

i know what you mean humans are social so we feel bad for animals who dont have company.. however i think he is fine alone just spoil him ... i also think that may be small for two but thats opinion ... i am not even an axie mommy yet

I agree. I'd rather *think* that he's lonely than come home to find him missing a limb. I guess that's not a risk I'm comfortable taking.

 

[Mortimer]

Such a pretty boy!
He looks awesomely spoiled and you look to have a gorgeous setup.

I was thinking about getting some moss balls for my pair, but I've been on the fence about it.

Thank you!

Why have you been on the fence about moss balls? Is there something that I don't know about them??? (Oh god....I hope not!)

 

[Artemis13]

He's lovely! I've always wanted one with his colouring. You should be very proud of him.
I'm not sure about the gills: my gut says they won't grow back if they aren't yet, but I'm by no means an expert. My first axolotl grew hers abck after a fight. But I think the lop-sided look gives him a quirky uniqueness XD

 

[Mortimer]

He's lovely! I've always wanted one with his colouring. You should be very proud of him.
I'm not sure about the gills: my gut says they won't grow back if they aren't yet, but I'm by no means an expert. My first axolotl grew hers abck after a fight. But I think the lop-sided look gives him a quirky uniqueness XD

Thank you! I'd really wanted a leucistic, but when I found him I simply couldn't pass him up. There were others that were potentially *prettier* (and healthier-looking), but I just love his little personality and look. How would you describe his coloring? I have trouble explaining it to others, other than saying he's a wild type. And some days, I'd say he looks more melanoid than wild type. I'm just not sure. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated! Anyway, I am definitely proud of him!

Also, I think you're right about his gills. But I also agree that the lopsidedness gives him some added character.

 

[Artemis13]

I'm not sure about a descriptive word, I'm still new to using 'Melanoid' etc. to be honest. I'd just say he's unique and leave it at that lol

 

[HodgeaPodge]

He looks great! The tank looks nice too!