Quick Health Assessment
Something seems off with your axolotl and you are not sure if it is serious. Use this quick reference to compare what is normal versus what needs attention.
Healthy vs Sick: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Healthy | Concerning |
|---|---|---|
| Gills | Full, fluffy, pink/red | Shrunken, curled forward, pale, white patches |
| Skin | Smooth, consistent color | White fuzzy patches (fungus), red spots, lesions |
| Appetite | Eats readily at feeding time | Refuses food for 5+ days |
| Movement | Calm walking, occasional swimming | Frantic swimming, spinning, constant floating |
| Body shape | Body width = head width | Much thinner or bloated |
| Poop | Regular, dark, solid | None for days, stringy, white |
| Eyes | Clear, responsive | Cloudy, swollen, sunken |
| Behavior | Active at dusk, rests during day | Completely inactive, unresponsive to food |
Appetite
Healthy : Eats readily at feeding time
Concerning : Refuses food for 5+ days
Movement
Healthy : Calm walking, occasional swimming
Concerning : Frantic swimming, spinning, constant floating
Body shape
Healthy : Body width = head width
Concerning : Much thinner or bloated
Poop
Healthy : Regular, dark, solid
Concerning : None for days, stringy, white
Eyes
Healthy : Clear, responsive
Concerning : Cloudy, swollen, sunken
Behavior
Healthy : Active at dusk, rests during day
Concerning : Completely inactive, unresponsive to food
Emergency Signs (Act Immediately)
- Floating and cannot sink for more than 24 hours
- Severe bloating (body dramatically distended)
- Open wound with visible tissue
- White cotton covering large areas of the body
- Red/bleeding patches on skin
- Gasping at the surface repeatedly
- Complete stillness with no response to touch
Diagnostic Flowchart
First Response Protocol
1️⃣Test water parameters
Check ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature immediately. These are the most common causes of illness.
2️⃣Do a water change
30-50% if parameters are off, 20% if they are normal. Use dechlorinated water at the same temperature.
3️⃣Move to a hospital tub if severe
Clean container, cool dechlorinated water (16-18°C), daily 100% water changes. This isolates the axolotl while you diagnose.
The #1 Rule
Prevention starts with water quality
Learn the exact water parameters your axolotl needs to stay healthy.
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Answer 3 questions, get a diagnosis with treatment steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take my axolotl to the vet?
What kind of vet treats axolotls?
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