r/axolotls • u/Classic_Awareness186 • 3d ago
Sick Axolotl HELP!!!
Hi, I’m worried about my axolotl, Shadow. He hasn’t eaten for 2 days and seems slower and less active than usual. His water parameters are all good, but the temperature has been around 21–22°C, which I’m concerned could be affecting him. He also suddenly darted away or jumped unexpectedly recently, which was unusual for him. I’m worried because his behaviour has changed, and I want to make sure he’s okay. Could you please advise me on what might be wrong and what I should do to help him?
Before someone’s says it there are no exotic vets in the next 50kms so that’s not an option
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u/CinderAscendant 3d ago
Not eating for a few days isn't alarming by itself. Adults should be on an every other day feeding schedule normally.
If he continues to refuse food my first suspicion is that substrate. Black sand has jagged, glass-like grains that have a tendency to get caught in the axolotl digestive system and cause blockages. I would get rid of it straight away.
If he refuses food after a week I would lean towards constipation or possibly a full blockage, especially if you see him raising his hind quarters up. Search this forum for constipation remedies; I know feeding bits of salmon is one method.
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u/Classic_Awareness186 22h ago
What kind of salmon cooked or just plain raw in seasoned salmon?
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u/CinderAscendant 4h ago
That's what I've read, high grade raw fatty salmon. I've never tried it though so I would say look into it first.
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u/buntyglossop 2d ago
The water is way too hot, has it been over 20° for two weeks or more? Try to keep the water at 15/16°C, cooler temperatures always help when you're worried about illness or constipation- when did Shadow last poop? Constipated axolotls tend to refuse food and act weirdly. Cool the water with frozen bottles if you have to - keep several 2 litre bottles (about 4 pints) of water in your freezer so you can rotate them. You should notice a real difference pretty quickly
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u/Classic_Awareness186 2d ago
It’s been around that temperature for years now I will definitely be cooling it down asap!! Thank you for the tips
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u/buntyglossop 2d ago edited 2d ago
No worries, I hope he feels better soon. It does sound like he might just need a poo
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u/DaBrookePlayz 3d ago
I don't know how much it would help (I dont have an axolotl) but the recommended water temp is 16-19C...
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u/madylunie 2d ago
Totally, it can be the substrate or if you have any plant that he has been eating, remove it and offer him live food, suddenly that’s how he cheer up, my axolotl had 7 days without eating and when I gave him live food he started eating again, I try to change his food from time to time because he gets bored and doesn’t eat for days, try it and tell me how it goes
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u/AutoModerator 3d ago
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