Very Old Axolotl

[ianclick]

Yesterday I was having a look at our property on Google Earth when I noticed a neighbour about 50 meters away had a phenominal 38 ponds on his section. Me being me I had to go and have a look.

Big suprise he is a fish and frog breeder one of the largest suppliers in the North Island of New Zealand as it happens. I asked him if he had considered breeding axolotls and he said that he used to but there wasn't enough revenue and had stopped some 10 years ago.

He then told me he had kept 2 of his breeding stock, a melanoid and a golden albino which had recently died. He offered to show me the melanoid. I accepted.

To my great suprise he has the largest axolotl I have ever seen at a very healthy 16 inches. He claimed it was about 18 years old which is also the oldest living axolotl I have ever seen. Due to its size I am inclined to believe him.

I didn't take a camera with me but I will return soon and get some photos so you too can be amazed

 

[doktordoris]

TAKE A PHOTO!

I would love to see a piccy of an axie that big click, mate.

 

[Celeste]

wow!!!!! pictures pictures please!!!!

 

[ferret_corner]

OOHHH IAN!!! PLEASE??? lol I can't recall having begged for anything much less from a man but I really want to see a picture!

 

[Nathan050793]

I too am anxiously awaiting photos of this 16" axolotl.

 

[ianclick]

I spent a good two hours waiting for a photo oportunity with no joy today, but I have to downsize my estimate of its length. I managed a good look today and to my best estimate its between 13" and 14". I want it.

 

[coichards]

See if he is willing to let you take it...

Google Earth can be so useful sometimes!

 

[flan123]

Hi!

Any updates on the photo's yet Ian?

Cheers, Mike.

 

[elchicano]

I too want to see pictures of this axie.

 

[Jennewt]

At that size, I suspect it wouldn't do as well in an aquarium as it has done in the pond. I would hesitate to move it for that reason.

As everyone else is chanting, I'll add to the din.... photos please!

 

[Toptex]

Hi guys, while we are on the subject of old axies, how does one tell if you have an old axie?
I reckon I may have one though Ive only had Jim a couple of months and pet shop had no idea as to what age he was. He is round 22 cm long leucistic, a bit slugish, a few aged (peppary) spots on his cute face.....

I'd love to see a pic too please....
Feeling the presssure Click?
MA

 

[Darkmaverick]

Gasp, could it be the fabled "nessie' of New Zealand?

 

[Brocky]

What's the record for axolotl size??

Also, does anyone know how old the oldest axolotl is/was??

 

[Darkmaverick]

Anecdotal evidence suggests they can live up to their 20s. I think it would be exciting to have a thread dedicated to axie 'Guinness book of records'. Imagine members from all over the world vying for the largest/tiniest/oldest axie title! My lovely axies of course hold the title of fairest of them all.

 

[big a little a]

Come on Ian, stop milking it!!! Where are these photos of the Mega-Lotl?

MA - your axie really does look like a crotchety old man - he's adorable. I have no idea about age though - mine is only a couple of cms smaller, but he's only around 10 months old and hasn't even got dark toe tips yet.

Zoe x

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Yes, I may have to fly my toothless, hillbilly self down there and take pictures myself!

I'll stop in and visit the fellow building a real cruise missile in his garage while I am at it...

 

[ianclick]

I didnt think it would be this hard to get a photo, it lives in a 1000 gallon pond out side and seems to use all of it when I am there, I'm still trying and I will eventually get a good pic in the meantime "Patience my precious"

 

[Nattles88]

Ian I think that golden axies are quite hard to come by in NZ. Im not sure if you know, but there is a lady who breeds axlotls just outside of Paeroa who usually sells all her axies to a wholesaler but does sell the privately as well. She has a failry large set-up which include about 20 big cement water troughs. When my axies laid eggs the other day rather unexpectedly,I took them out to her as I am moving in a week and I have no way to look after them myself. She showed me 3 golden axies that she has, Im not sure if they are albino or not but she won't sell any of them because she hasnt been able to get them to breed yet. If that kinda stuff stuff interests you I highly suggest you look at her set up, tis pretty neat

 

[ianclick]

Thanks Nattles I'm in Te Aroha at present so its a short trip which I will make tomorrow, Thanks for the heads up

 

[Nattles88]

Do you know where Bullswool farm is? Do a google search and it will tell you how to get there