My New Axolotl and slight gender confusion!

[NatashaDSaville]

Hi all!

About two weeks ago I got my first axolotl, and I plan on getting a second one. But I am really confused on the gender, plus what the sales person at the store told me is different to what I've seen online.

As far as I know, a swollen cloacal indicates the axolotl to be male. But the guy at the store said the opposite. I'd prefer to have two of the same sex to avoid breeding.

I've taken a few photos to see if anyone here can help me. Also, one of the toes is black. I know that it's normal for toes to go darker, but this one is REALLY black. Do you think it's part of it's colouring (it's an albino) or should I be concerned? (Oh the joys of being a new owner, I worry so much!)

Thanks in advance!
Tasha

 

[EmbryH]

Your axolotl looks like a female, though depending on how old it is, it could be a late-blooming male.

But personally I think it's a female.

See here.

Females still have a bump, but it's much smaller. With males it's like "WHOA HEY YOU LOOK AT MY GENITALS" so it's not easy to miss x)

 

[EmbryH]

Awkward photo illustration time:

If you have a male, you'll know, trust me

 

[auntiejude]

How big is your axie nose to tip? And do yo know how old he/she is? If he/she is fully grown/ over 8 inches/ over 12 months I'd say female, if it's too small/young it could still be either.

And yes, you are right and the guy at the pet shop knows nothing. Most pet shop employees know nothing about axies - and they usually recommend you buy something. Take anything they say with a pinch of salt and tell them you need to consult a friend/ your partner/ bank account before committing to anything and check out this forum first.

Toes look completely normal, they develop dark toe tips at 3-6 months or 3-6 inches.

 

[NatashaDSaville]

Your axolotl looks like a female, though depending on how old it is, it could be a late-blooming male.

But personally I think it's a female.

Females still have a bump, but it's much smaller. With males it's like "WHOA HEY YOU LOOK AT MY GENITALS" so it's not easy to miss x)

Hahaha! It's so hard to tell at the moment, I think he/she must be between 6-8 months (17cm's long). I am guessing it's a she too, but really wanted confirmation before getting the second one!

Thanks for the reply

 

[NatashaDSaville]

Awkward photo illustration time:

If you have a male, you'll know, trust me

Wow, he looks proud. He's even posing for the shot!

 

[NatashaDSaville]

How big is your axie nose to tip? And do yo know how old he/she is? If he/she is fully grown/ over 8 inches/ over 12 months I'd say female, if it's too small/young it could still be either.

And yes, you are right and the guy at the pet shop knows nothing. Most pet shop employees know nothing about axies - and they usually recommend you buy something. Take anything they say with a pinch of salt and tell them you need to consult a friend/ your partner/ bank account before committing to anything and check out this forum first.

Toes look completely normal, they develop dark toe tips at 3-6 months or 3-6 inches.

My axie is 17cm from nose to tip, and I am really not sure how old. I am going to go back to the store and ask for more details. But they kept the axie's all in one tank (both male and female) which I found odd, because they could accidentally give someone one of each sex without them knowing.

It's really tricky to say, I think I may just need to take the photos in and match it as best I can with another axie! Though right now, everyone is agreeing female.

I was a little shocked going into the store and seemingly knowing more about these little critters than they did (for example, the size the tank should be to accommodate two and how many hides they need...) though there did seem to be another guy there who knew more about them. I think they need to train their staff a little better!

 

[sde]

Your axolotl looks like a female, though depending on how old it is, it could be a late-blooming male.

But personally I think it's a female.

See here.

Females still have a bump, but it's much smaller. With males it's like "WHOA HEY YOU LOOK AT MY GENITALS" so it's not easy to miss x)

Awkward photo illustration time:

If you have a male, you'll know, trust me

Ugh! That got awkward really fast!

I'd say female, but with those first comments, I am probably not going to be coming back to this thread ........

EDIT: Yah know, the more I look at it the more it looks like a male, I am on the fence about this one.

 

[NatashaDSaville]

Oh boy, now I'm confused all over again! And yes, but at least it's given me a little more of an insight into what to expect if male haha!

 

[ladygodiva35]

lol love the awkward male photo.