Question: Suddenly pale axolotl

[bingfisk]

hi everybody.
a couple of days ago, i transferred my little axolotl to the larger tank where my somewhat larger axie lives. Everything went fine until i came home from a birthday yesterday. i noticed that my axolotl had turned pale, almost white,(it used to be black) and that it's gill's was really red, almost blood red.

i transferred him/her because i thaught that my larger male axie would like a friend... and that it needed more space. Is it possible that the young ones change colour (though i have never heard of that)

the water quality is fine (ph,Ammonia W.M) i usually feed them earthworms among other worms but i haven't been able to get my hands on any these days, so iv'e been feeding them shrimps these days.

should you need any new info. i will add it when i come home from school. pics. will be added to.

 

[auntiejude]

How big are your axies?

 

[bingfisk]

the big one is juuust above 21cm.
the small one is a bit below half that size. haven't measured it yet.

 

[layna]

Hi,
You should remove the little axie or put a divider in there asap, axies should only be housed together if there is only 1" between them.
If the big axie snaps at the little axie it could be fatal for the little guy
Do you have a picture of your axie?
They dont change colour but, when they are resting they go paler as there not making the blood flow round their body fast (making their gills and body go more red) but it wouldnt change from dark to light :/
You say your water quality is good, but what is it exactly?
Ammonia, ph, nitrite, nitrate and are you testing with a liquid test kit?

 

[bingfisk]

P.H: 6.8 Ammonia:low cant remember exactly what. Nitrite:0
the axies have never been fighting before, and i dont expect it to happen. Yet it seems that i will be going to get a seperator anyway, as i have some zebra cichlids that i have some breeding plans with. (they are in a seperate tank)
i do have a pic. but i can only ad it later.
im still at school.:nono:

 

[layna]

Your risking the health of your little axie by having him in the same tank, but ultimately its your choice.
If you have ammonia, your tank isnt cycled yet and you should be doing daily water changes of 20-30% to keep the levels non toxic whilst it cycles.
when you have readings of;
ammonia - 0
nitrite - 0
nitrate - <40
then your tank is cycled and you can continue to do once weekly water changes of 20-30%
There could be a number of factors affecting your axie from stress from the big axie, to bad water quality or temperature problems.
A pic would be helpful and maybe others will help when its up.
You should really be feeding them earthworms or axie pellets and you can order both of these online and have them delivered to your door, so i would try and source some asap as shrimps are only meant for an occasional treat.

 

[bingfisk]

when i got home yesterday it didn't look that good, being all pale with flaming red gills even floating at the top... but now it seems to be fine. it's color has almost returned to normal and it's gills is not nearly as red as earlier

I know about the earthworms for food, which is why i used the shrimps more or less as a last way out. but i have now stocked up on worms again I have also decided to try those pellets. :happy:

readings:
ammonia - 0
nitrite - 0
nitrate - <40
And I do make those weekly water changes

once again thnx. for ninja replies

 

[Amy82]

Get a tank separator or a different tank, a large animal can stress a small one to death.

 

[bingfisk]

My mistake have been realized, and a seperate tank will be set up.