Status: Critically Endangered

Did You Know: It is estimated that there are fewer than 100 adults in the wild.

Fun Fact: There are over a million Axolotls being taken care of as pets.

Common Health Issues in Axolotls

and How to Prevent Them

Updated: Dec 22, 2024

Introduction

Axolotls are hardy creatures, but they are still prone to certain health issues, often caused by poor water quality, stress, or improper diet. Knowing the signs of common illnesses and how to address them can help keep your axolotl happy and healthy.

1. Signs of a Healthy Axolotl

Before we dive into common illnesses, here’s what a healthy axolotl should look like:

  • Clear, smooth skin with no visible lesions or sores

  • Active but calm behavior (resting, slow swimming, responding to food)

  • Bright, feathery gills that are not excessively curled

  • Regular eating habits and a slightly rounded belly

  • No excessive floating or sinking issues

If your axolotl is showing abnormal behaviors or physical changes, it may be a sign of illness.

2. Common Health Issues & Treatments

a) Fungal Infections

🛑 Symptoms: White, cotton-like growths on the skin or gills

🔍 Cause: Poor water quality, stress, or injury

⚕️ Treatment:

  • Improve water conditions (test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels)

  • Perform daily salt baths (non-iodized aquarium salt, 2-3 tsp per liter) for up to 10 minutes

  • Use a stress coat water conditioner to help heal damaged skin

b) Ammonia Burns

🛑 Symptoms: Red, inflamed skin or gills; lethargy

🔍 Cause: High ammonia levels due to poor tank maintenance or an uncycled tank

⚕️ Treatment:

  • Immediately do a 50% water change with dechlorinated water

  • Check ammonia levels with a test kit (should be 0 ppm)

  • If needed, temporarily house the axolotl in clean, dechlorinated water with a sponge filter while fixing the tank

c) Impaction (Digestive Blockage)

🛑 Symptoms: Swollen belly, refusal to eat, floating on one side

🔍 Cause: Swallowing gravel, eating large food items, or overfeeding

⚕️ Treatment:

  • Move the axolotl to fridge temperature water (40-50°F / 4-10°C) to slow metabolism

  • Offer soft foods like bloodworms to encourage passing the blockage

  • NEVER use gravel in an axolotl tank—switch to fine sand or bare bottom

d) Floating or Sinking Issues

🛑 Symptoms: Constant floating at the top or sinking to the bottom

🔍 Cause: Air bubbles in the gut, impaction, or stress

⚕️ Treatment:

  • If floating, leave them alone for a few hours—they may pass the air naturally

  • If floating persists, try a short fridge stay (48 hours)

  • Ensure they are not swallowing air when eating (avoid floating pellets)

e) Stress Indicators

🛑 Symptoms: Curled gills, excessive hiding, erratic swimming

🔍 Cause: Strong water flow, overcrowding, bright lights, or sudden changes in environment

⚕️ Treatment:

  • Reduce water flow (use a sponge filter or baffle the output)

  • Provide hiding spots (caves, plants, and decorations)

  • Ensure a stable water temperature (between 60-68°F / 16-20°C)

3. Preventative Care Tips

  • Test water regularly (Ammonia & Nitrites = 0 ppm; Nitrates < 20 ppm)

  • Keep the tank cool (avoid temperatures over 72°F / 22°C)

  • Feed a varied, high-quality diet (axolotl pellets, earthworms, frozen bloodworms)

  • Perform weekly water changes (20-30%)

  • Quarantine new tank mates or plants before adding them to your tank

Final Thoughts

By keeping up with regular tank maintenance, monitoring your axolotl’s behavior, and acting quickly when something seems off, you can prevent most health issues before they become serious. When in doubt, consult an exotic vet experienced with amphibians.

Please check out the FAQ Health page for more answers to your questions!

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