Sick?

[jennifer]

I've had a hongkong for about 6 months now, it's always been a healthy eater. when i moved home for the summer it didn't eat as well and it looked very unhealthy. now that i'm back at school it's eating well again, and is heavier, but the ridge along it's back and it's tail look very bony. is it normal for them to look like this, or is there something wrong. it acts perfectly healthy.

 

[jennifer]

If it doesn't look too skinny, I don't think it's a problem. Why did it not eat well? Was it too hot for it over the summer?

 

[jennifer]

i don't think it was too hot. i'm wondering, as strange as it seems, if the difference of being at home or at school might have had something to do with it. i bought it while at school, and in the dorm the aquarium is in the main area where there's a lot of activity, at home it's in my room where there isn't nearly as much activity. i wouldn't have thought that this would make a difference, but since i've been back at school it's started eating much better and swimming around a lot, where as at home it was quite lethargic. i don't know, but at least it's doing well now

 

[jennifer]

Another possibility is that the water at home might have been quite different than the water at college. Paramesotriton are often very nocturnal, so it could indeed be the difference in activity - at college, you are keeping him awake during the day