Axolotls – health
Information about disease prevention and signs of illness in axolotls.
Signs of illness
It is normal behaviour for healthy axolotls to be quite inactive and to rest under the cover of vegetation or other overhangs to avoid bright lights. They are more active at night when there is less light. Cannibalism is common when different sized axolotls are kept together so this should be avoided. Other aquarium animals should not be kept together with axolotls.
The sick axolotl may show signs of:
- Loss of appetite
- Deterioration of the gills
- Jaundice
- Skin lesions
- Back deformities
- Poor balance while swimming
- Injuries to limbs, gills or tail.
A failure to thrive or grow is another sign of illness. If unable to identify and correct the cause of ill health, assistance from a veterinarian familiar with axolotls should be sought. Aquarium fish remedies can be toxic to axolotls and should not be used without consultation with an expert. Any signs of illness or injury, and treatment given, should be documented in the appropriate records.