Stunted growth, juvenile lotl

digitalxri0t

digitalxri0t

New member
Joined
Aug 28, 2013
Messages
259
Reaction score
5
Points
0
Location
Spokane, Washington
Country
United States
Display Name
Яei ☆
The other day I got an adult rescue axolotl and ended up bringing home a stunted gold juvenile that the breeder was thinking about feeding off. I insisted I would take him home as he was growing and seemed healthy enough, just half the size of his siblings despite the perfect conditions for them. I've raised several axolotls from just barely having their back feet to well into their teenage size, but I've never had a stunted one. I would like to know if anyone might have some information regarding stunted growth, possible health issues in the future and other opinions. I change his water daily, he's in a smaller container with an airstone, hide and plants so I can keep a close eye on him. He seems to get floaty after he eats, so Im concerned about possible health issues. Thanks for anything in advance. Oh, he's about an inch long, has his back feet just barely, their at that derpy stage where he's got no knees, and has a branch off gill. He's also considerably paler than my other gold. His water is kept at the right temp and he otherwise shows no signs of ill health.
 
I don't know enough to be helpful, just wanted to say it was good of you to take him, and best of luck with the little one.
 
Thank you. I really love axolotls and would hate to see one who was trying so hard to survive just be given up on. I hope he can live a long life.
 
from what I can think of it might just be a birth defect from to not cross breeding. how long have you had him?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
 
From what I know, he was the only one like it, I saw all his siblings and they were all healthy and normal. The breeder takes amazing care of them, I must say that. As for the pictures I'm not sure how viewable they are, but Ill post what I have. For some reason I've noticed my golds tend to be rather camera shy :/ Also, getting a closer look at him while trying to take these pictures, I notice on the right side he has two healthy regular gills and one stumpy one, and on the other side he has 3 regular looking gills and 1 half length one. Again I'm not sure if it will show up in the picture.

IMG_03671_zps6c82166d.jpg

IMG_03641_zps5b8e8082.jpg
 
Since sunday afternoon, so not long at all. My original intent was just rescuing the adult wild type, however I have terrible will power when surrounded by axolotls, especially this new kid.
 
I would just give the little guy some time and attention. from my experience they like when you interact with them, so hand feed him and let him play with your hand.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
 
That's usually what I do. He's receiving even more care than my usual ones. He's currently on my headboard so I can have a watchful eye on him. My other ones love when I hand feed them their worms, I've been 'bitten' a few times in their excitement/bad eyesight. It's cute.
 
haha I let them bite me for fun. they are cute! keep us updated on how he is doing, I'm excited to hear how things go


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
 
I think I should update and say that in the week I've had my kiddo, he's already grown. His back feet are coming in really well and though he had no interest at first, he's eating frozen blood worms readily until I can pick up some black worms. He has this odd little habit of leaning more towards one side than the other, but otherwise seems healthy.

I also ended up with another rescue, a little leucistic that's just barely bigger than my little gold. Him and another were kept in a flower pot for god only knows how long and then the person who found them and kept the bigger one until his legs regrew had to keep them in a 5 gallon bucket. I have both in my possession currently but will be looking for a new home for the big one and keeping the small one until he's bigger. I was horrified to learn that the 4.5 inch one and the 1.5 inch one were housed together. Thankfully they both seem to be doing superb.
 
I was looking at my little Zara and realized how big he's gotten. Here's some updates.

amuqygu2.jpg

de5ysata.jpg

a3yterah.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
    There are no messages in the chat. Be the first one to say Hi!
    Back
    Top