New baby, new mummy!

[manni82]

Hi everyone.

I'm really new to owning an axolotl. I have been given some newly born larvae (about 1cm) but when I put them into their tank all but one died. All levels were fine apart from ph which was about 8 so have bought some ph down. Temp was a bit high - 21 degrees. Have now moved the 'survivor' to a plastic container and he is ok. He's eating live daphnia and pooping.

However he does keep floating. Sometimes by his tail (trying to swim down) and sometimes listing slightly to the side. I took advice on forums - took all the water out apart from about 1 cm and haven't fed him today. He is nearer the bottom but still listing.

Just wondered if all this is quite normal? I am keen to get this little one to survive to adulthood but am always worried ill get it wrong!

Any advice on raising him much appreciated. I have read lots already and tried to take all the action but still not sure he's right.

 

[Morrison]

Floating babies is usually a sign of not eating too much. They get air in their bellies and they float. So I think not feeding him can make it even worse.
Feed him more often and see if that works. After a little while he will burp/poop the air out and will sink to the bottom of the tank again. Young ones need to have a constant supply of food. Mine literally swim in BBS and daphnia. (Or feed him at least 2 times a day, they are little eating machines when they're tiny )

 

[Petersgirl]

These are good suggestions, he may also be learning to control his lungs, because that's how they float and swim around. Toothless (who is at least 4 months) still floats occasionally. There is also some evidence that genetics play a part; some lotls are just 'floaty.'

If otherwise he's fine (eating, pooping, a good colour and growing) and he shows no signs of stress it's probably best to follow Morrison's advice. I don't know much about very weeny axxies as my very first is an adult. Good luck! I know how worrying it is when you don't have much experience - I'm learning every day. For example, I found out my lotl is supposed to be at 10 degrees, and she has been living in a 25 degree tank! Although she looks fine at the moment I'm moving her to a cooler tank today.

I hope your little one stays healthy. Don't worry about the larvae that died. I know it's saddening but the reason why axxies have so many babies is because there's a high chance a few of those babies will die.

 

[manni82]

Thanks guys. I've given him a whole load more daphnia today but not sure if he's eaten any yet. I've moved him into a small tank now as I'm worried he'll get knocked over in his tub! Weirdly though it smells a bit now so am worried about ammonia. Levels are ok on my tetra test kit.

I think I'm over worrying but the daphnia are spinning around so worried that the water has something wrong with it. just want to get it right.

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me!

 

[Morrison]

If you do daily (100%) water changes (or even 2 times a day) then I wouldn't worry about ammonia build up. Just keep doing that until he's big enough.

 

[manni82]

Oh I didn't realise you could do 100% everyday. Will do. I think he's growing a bit slowly. He must be at least 4 weeks now and no legs that I can see. Right ill change his water again tomorrow then. Thanks so much!

 

[Morrison]

Very welcome

 

[manni82]

Hey

Im worried about him again : (

He had been doing really well following all your advice, was eating and has grown a bit, his front feet are also starting to come through, which is all very exciting.

However, today when I put his daphnia in he immediately starting flipping around violently and then when i checked on him a few minutes later his tail has curled at the end. I know this is a sign of stress, but not sure what stressed him or what to do. He now isn't (yet) eating the daphnia in his tank and he's floating again.

He is definitely a floater, he hardly ever gets to the bottom of his tank, but i guess thats a lack of feet? Im worried he's dying, he seems really listless since the 'flipping'.

I've taken water out again so it is really shallow, taken all dead daphnia out, but he seems to be getting worse. He does move a bit when the water near him is agitated but not quite as immediately as he used too. Its weird, he was absolutely fine until i put the daphnia in, and then this reaction was immediate.

Thanks in advance

 

[Mortimer]

Can you show a picture of him? That might be helpful.