File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hello /an/

I've just bought an axolotl from the market (pictured) and it doesnt seem too snappy when it comes to feeding time, I've read that they will readily snap at anything put in front of them.

Is the inactivity thing because it's in transportation shock or possibly it's sick? Everything is in order in terms of filtration and environment. Any ideas /an/ ?

also, goddamn company stickers.
>> Anonymous
Oh, and I'm going to get shove the cotton underneath some rocks so it doesn't bulge out and shit. So don't go all PETA on me.

Thanks for any help :)
>> Anonymous
would of thought something that size would need a realy big tank
>> Anonymous
>>97608

20 gallon tank is more than enough for a full grown axolotl I've researched so thats what I picked up, water level is best when it's as high as the axolotl for breathing.

Or have I made a mistake?
>> Anonymous
so I herd ur mudkip is broken
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>97604
THIS. IS. STARTA!!!
>> Anonymous
If you JUST got it then yes, there is a good chance that transportation could have stressed it out. Another possible cause is acclimation to the new tank. Your water is obviously different from the water at the pet store, and when you put it in your tank it can take a while for it to adjust to the new conditions. (In the future, use drip-accumulation)

I'd double-check all of the water parameters (incl. temperature) and give it a day or two. At that point it should be eating.
>> Anonymous
I had many of those funny creatures.
Keep the tank HOT until it eats and looks happy. Don't worry if it doesn't eat for a week, even two! they are just a bit sensitive at start, but he will get used to your tank.
They are picky sometimes, so try different foods. Mine very rarely said no to live (or recently dead) food such as rain-worms, frog-babies (whatever they are called in english), spiders/flies whatever I could find around. It might also only eat at night, or when you are not watching, or only from the bottom of the tank. experiement!
>> Anonymous
Have you tried moving the food around with your hand/string?
That is the only way mine eats dead food.
>> Anonymous
Axolotls live at temperatures of 14–20°C (54–68°F), preferably 17–18°C (62–64°F). Lower temperatures slow down their metabolism, although temperatures around 10°C (50°F) are a panacea when it comes to treating disease. Higher temperatures can lead to stress and increased appetite; use of a cooling aggregate is strongly recommended. Tapwater should be treated with a dechlorinator before the animal is introduced into it, as chlorine is harmful. A single typical axolotl should be kept in a normal 10 U.S. gallon tank (44 litres) with around 150 mm (6 inches) of water. A power filter or underwater filter run by an airpump can be used, though water flow should be kept to a minimum to avoid stressing the animal. A 20% water change should be done every week, with debris being siphoned from the bottom. Small gravel should be avoided, as the axolotl can mistakenly ingest the rocks, leading to stress and gas. Floating plants should be provided for juveniles as a hiding place, and small caves should likewise be provided for adults. No light is necessary as axolotls are nocturnal. Axolotls will spend a majority of the time on the bottom of the tank (floating is a sign of stress and illness), so design accordingly.

In laboratory colonies, adult axolotls are often housed three to a one gallon container, and water changes are performed more regularly. Salts, such as Holtfreter's solution, are usually added to the water to prevent infection.
>> Anonymous
OP here, thanks for the replies, turns out the axolotl is not actually used to me yet, I dropped a salmon pellet on top of it's head and left it alone for a minute. Came back in and the pellet was gone :)