Your axolotl's gills are likely gone or shrinking due to poor water quality (high ammonia/nitrites/nitrates), chemical contamination, or stress, causing them to deteriorate, but it can also indicate a rare genetic tendency to metamorphose. You need to immediately test water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature) and perform daily water changes while addressing the underlying issue, which is usually an uncycled tank or contamination.
To reach adulthood, they go through a process called metamorphosis, in which they lose their gills and start living on land.
diminishing gills are from ammonia burn and poor water quality, which is very toxic and could lead to death. transfer him into a large container immediately in fresh dechlorinated water with daily 100% water changes, don't add him back into his tank until you've completed the cycling process!
Get him in perfect water conditions. If you can do that and maintain them water condition. They will grow back. Also make sure the water temps stay below 68. I do this by having bottle of water frozen and toss them in as needed. I don't need to do that often because I keep my house at 68 degrees.
Axolotls are a type of salamander. Salamanders are amphibians, they usually have gills in the first part of their lives when they live in water, but after undergoing metamorphosis, develop lungs so that they can live on land.
You can tell if an axolotl is sick by watching for loss of appetite, lethargy, curled or missing gill filaments, skin issues (lesions, white patches), poor balance (floating/tilting), red toes, or a curled tail tip, often signaling poor water quality (ammonia, nitrates, chlorine), stress, or impaction, with immediate water parameter checks and possible tubbing or vet visits needed for treatment.
Increase Oxygen Levels with a Sponge Filter or Air Stone
Ensure proper airflow in your axolotl's tank by using a sponge filter or air stone. Light water movement promotes oxygen-rich water, which helps maintain big, beautiful gill filaments—an iconic trait of healthy axolotls!
🦎💧 Did you know Axolotls can regenerate lost limbs, gills, and even parts of their heart? Talk about superpowers!
In a very low oxygen environment the axolotl will become lethargic and gills will suddenly become extra fluffy and curled. This extra gill fluff is the axolotls body attempting to acquire more oxygen from the water. If oxygen is not added, the situation will become fatal.
Axolotls prefer stagnant to slow moving water; strong currents can cause stress. A spray bar can help dissipate water flow across the surface of the tank. Large ornaments, rocks, or other aquarium decorations can also be used as a buffer when placed directly in front of the filter's current.
Tub your Axolotl in cool (60 - 65 degrees) dechlorinated (prime) water. Test your water parameters in the main tank to confirm that the cycle hasn't crashed which will cause more problems. See sheet with test parameters. Put IAL (Indian Almond Leaves) in the tub with the Axolotl.
Signs that your axolotl is stressed include tightly curled forward gills, small gills or lack of gill filaments, or the very tip of their tail curling or folding over on itself, scratching at the gills with their back leg, or swimming erratically and writhing.
Compared with, say, terrapins or bearded dragons, axolotls are significantly easier to keep and this has lead to a whole new, younger generation of aquatic hobbyists. Axolotls are smaller, easier to feed, and don't (usually) require any expensive equipment to do well.
This stunted body can be caused by malnutrition and poor living conditions. “Dwarf” axolotls have stunted, disproportional bodies. They can often be identified at a young age by their short, round torso and curvy tail.
You generally shouldn't touch axolotls because their skin is very delicate and sensitive, easily absorbing oils, chemicals, and bacteria from human hands, which can cause infections or irritation. Handling also stresses them out, damages their protective slime coat, and weakens their immune system, making them prone to illness, so it's best to observe them or use a soft net for necessary movements.
“Importantly, they don't show signs of pain or distress after limb amputation the way mammals might, and they regenerate fully within weeks,” says Monaghan to the Washington Post.
You can tell if an axolotl is sick by watching for loss of appetite, lethargy, curled or missing gill filaments, skin issues (lesions, white patches), poor balance (floating/tilting), red toes, or a curled tail tip, often signaling poor water quality (ammonia, nitrates, chlorine), stress, or impaction, with immediate water parameter checks and possible tubbing or vet visits needed for treatment.
Axolotls can breathe through gills, lungs and their skin.
Bare-bottom aquariums are not ideal for axolotls because they do not provide them with anything to grip. This can cause unnecessary stress and even sores on the end of their toes. Gravel is also not ideal because it can be easily swallowed and lead to an impaction that they may not be able to pass.
Have you seen your axolotl rubbing against objects, acting restless, or showing other signs of irritation? Keep ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm, nitrates below 20 ppm. Maintain water temperature between 60–64°F (15–18°C) to reduce stress and promote healing.
Treatment involves improving water parameters, isolating the affected axolotl, and using antifungal or antibacterial medications as prescribed by a vet. Maintaining clean, well-oxygenated water and minimizing stress helps prevent recurrence.
Axolotls are cold‑water amphibians, happiest between 60–68°F (16–20°C). Anything above 72°F for long periods can cause stress, reduce appetite, and make them more vulnerable to disease. A simple aquarium thermometer is your best friend here.
Signs of Stress and Oxygen Deficiency at an Axolotl
A stressed one axolotl may have difficulty breathing, which may result in frequent gill movements. It is very important for owners to closely monitor the behavior of their axolotls. Excessive gill flapping in axolotls can indicate stress or even oxygen deficiency.
Conclusion. Axolotls are best appreciated as observational pets, thriving in environments where they are left undisturbed. Their sensitive skin and crucial slime coat mean that touching them should be avoided whenever possible.
If the oxygen levels in your aquarium drop too low, the easiest way to fix this issue is by increasing movement in the water. When water moves faster, more oxygen will dissolve, which will also release carbon dioxide. You can increase the movement of aquarium water with an air pump or by manually stirring it.