Axolotls (pronounced “acks-oh-lots”) are the adorable aquatic salamanders that you can commonly find in pet stores. They’re not just cute, though: axolotls have amazing regenerative abilities that allow them to regrow lost limbs and even regenerate entire heads! But while they’re very resilient creatures, axolotls do have their fair share of problems as well. O
ne common issue faced by many axolotl owners is that their pets float at the top of their tank. It’s completely harmless for them but can be quite vexing for us humans who are looking after these little guys. In this article we’ll explain why axolots float, what causes it to happen and how we can prevent our precious pets from floating away!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls may float due to a variety of reasons, including buoyancy regulation issues and improper water conditions. |
| Digestive problems or certain diseases can also contribute to axolotls floating. |
| Understanding the underlying cause of floating is crucial for addressing the issue effectively. |
| Adjusting water parameters, providing a proper diet, and maintaining a clean tank can help alleviate floating problems. |
| If floating persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian experienced in amphibian care. |
Immature Lungs
While it’s true that axolotls don’t breathe through their lungs, they do have them. However, they are not fully developed and thus axolotls tend to rely on their gills for oxygen; this is why they float out of water.
The lung development process in a salamander takes place over a long period of time and involves different stages. First, the embryo develops into an aquatic larva with external gills that provide oxygen to the developing organs.
This stage lasts until hatching and then proceeds into metamorphosis — when the body returns to terrestrial life as an adult salamander with internal gills (or lungs) which allow it to breathe underwater
If you’ve ever wondered about the fascinating external gills of axolotls, our expert answer on why axolotls have external gills will provide you with valuable insights into these remarkable amphibians.
Hydrodynamic Shell
So, the answer to “Why do axolotls float?” is that it’s a combination of their hydrodynamic shell and their ability to swim.
Let’s look at each in turn. When you’re a juvenile axolotl, your body is covered in a layer of fat which helps you float. This fat layer is only present when a juvenile grows into an adult; once they’ve reached adulthood, this fat layer goes away and the hydrodynamic shell takes over.
The shell itself also helps them swim – after all, what would be more natural than using your own body to move through water? But if that were the case then why don’t we just all wear full body suits made out of silicone? Well…
Lateral Line System
The lateral line system is a series of sensory pores running parallel to the animal’s body. These pores connect to neurons, which send signals through the axolotl’s spinal cord and brain. This allows them to “feel” water currents and vibrations around them.
The axolotl uses this information to detect movement in its environment, including prey and predators. It also helps it sense its own movements as it moves through the water, so that it doesn’t bump into anything while swimming around!
Curious about holding and interacting with axolotls? Discover the answer in our article on can axolotls be held and learn about the proper ways to handle these unique creatures.
Biofluorescence
You may have also noticed that axolotls glow in the dark. This is called bioluminescence, and it’s a chemical reaction that produces light when oxygen is present. The axolotl produces this blue-green light when it is attacked or stressed out, which can be alarming if you’re not expecting it.
The chemical reaction occurring inside the axolotl’s cells involves luciferin and luciferase. Luciferin acts as an oxidizing agent, while luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin to produce ATP and oxyluciferin with an emission of photons (light) visible to humans.
The good news is that these little guys aren’t harmful to humans; they just like to show off!
Salinity Issues
Unless you’re a lucky member of the family Helodermatidae, axolotls are freshwater animals. They need a high level of salinity to survive and have evolved over time to develop the ability to float when held in water that’s too low in salt content.
If the salinity is too low, they will float: Axolotls have little bladders on their undersides that allow them to float like water-filled balloons in search of higher ground (or food).
If the salinity is too high, they will sink: When an axolotl’s body takes up more water than it can hold due to excessive saltiness in its surroundings, its internal organs become heavier than its skin and it sinks down until it reaches an ideal level or floats back up again if conditions improve.
If conditions are just right for most axolotls (the salinity is somewhere between 15 and 25 parts per thousand), they’ll be able to swim normally but still be able
| Salinity Issues |
|---|
| Point of Concern |
| Excessive salt levels can be detrimental to aquatic organisms. |
| Impact on Organisms |
| High salinity can lead to osmoregulatory stress, affecting the health and survival of marine and freshwater species. |
| Sources of Salinity |
| Salinity can arise from natural factors such as evaporation and geological processes, as well as human activities like agricultural runoff and industrial discharge. |
| Mitigation Measures |
| Implementing proper management practices, such as monitoring water sources and using appropriate filtration systems, can help regulate salinity levels and protect aquatic ecosystems. |
Parasites (Ich And Protozoans)
Parasites are one of the most common causes of floating axolotls. They can be treated with antibiotics and frequent water changes, but it’s best to prevent them in the first place by keeping your tank clean and maintaining a healthy environment.
Proper nutrition is essential for the well-being of axolotls. Our comprehensive guide on what to feed axolotls offers valuable information on their dietary requirements, helping you maintain their health and potentially address floating concerns.
Tank Has A Loose Lid
You need to make sure your tank has a tight lid. Axolotls can climb, so it’s important that the lid isn’t too heavy for them to push open. Also, if the lid is too deep, they may get stuck in the gap between where it meets with the water level in your tank and where it meets with any furniture above.
Stuck In The Filter Current
You may have noticed that your axolotl is constantly getting stuck in the filter current. It can be a bit of a nuisance, but it’s nothing to worry about!
There are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening:
- Lower the flow rate of your filter (this will also reduce maintenance costs).
- Use an air stone instead of an internal filter for better oxygenation and circulation.
You should also know how to help an axolotl if it does get stuck in the water current—and what not to do! Here are some tips:
Overfeeding
If you feed your axolotl too much, it may float. This is a sign that gas has built up in its intestines and will cause your axolotl to float. The problem with this is that the gas can build up so much that it actually causes its intestines to rupture, which can be fatal for an axolotl. If you see your axolotl floating, stop feeding it immediately!
Stress Induced Floatation
Stress, whether it be environmental or behavioral, is one of the most common causes for a floating axolotl. As we’ve said before, some axolotls are more sensitive than others. If you happen to have one of these little guys and notice that your axolotl has been floating for an extended period of time, take a good look at its tank environment and ask yourself if anything has changed recently.
Are you keeping it in a different tank than usual? Has there been any recent rearranging or cleaning? Your other pets might also be stressed out by this change in routine so make sure they’re all happy too!
If everything looks good with the tank environment but still no luck getting your axolotl back on dry land, then maybe it just wants attention! Try spending more time interacting with him/her; if possible try taking him/her out for walks around town (if allowed). We know this may sound silly but sometimes the best remedy for stress is simply giving yourself some needed down time together without any distractions from everyday life!
Did you know that axolotls can experience depression? Explore our owner’s experience on can axolotls get depressed to gain a deeper understanding of their emotional well-being and how it may impact their overall behavior.
Not Enough Cover/Decorations In Their Tank
Your axolotl may be floating because it’s bored. Axolotls are very curious animals and like to explore their environment. They need a place in their tank that they can hide in when they want, as well as plenty of decorations for them to explore and climb over.
If you notice that your axie spends most of its time floating at the surface of the water with its head poking out, it could be a sign that there isn’t enough cover or decoration in its tank.
If this is the case, try adding some more decorations around the edge of your tank so that your axolotl has something to hide behind if it wants to feel safe while swimming around exploring new areas (like a cave made from stacked rocks).
| Insufficient Tank Cover/Decorations |
|---|
| Point of Concern |
| Lack of adequate cover and decorations in the tank can negatively impact the well-being of aquatic organisms. |
| Impact on Organisms |
| Insufficient cover can lead to increased stress, vulnerability to predation, and limited opportunities for natural behavior and exploration. |
| Recommended Brands |
| Zoo Med, Seachem, and Penn-Plax offer a variety of aquarium decorations, such as caves, plants, and ornaments, to provide suitable hiding spots and enrichment for aquatic species. |
| Importance of Tank Decor |
| Adding plants, rocks, driftwood, and other decorations helps create a more natural and stimulating environment, promoting the overall health and happiness of aquatic organisms. |
| Creating a Balanced Habitat |
| A well-decorated tank with suitable cover provides security, reduces stress, and encourages natural behaviors in fish and other aquatic species. |
Tank Water Too Cold Or Too Warm
If you’re wondering why your axolotl’s floating, it could be due to the water in its tank being too cold or too warm. Axolotls are poikilothermic meaning their body temperature varies with the ambient temperature of their surroundings and need a temperature gradient in order to regulate their internal body heat.
In other words, they need to be kept at an appropriate temperature! It’s best for you and your axolotl if you keep them at an average room temperature (20-28 Celsius) with warmer temperatures on one end of the tank and cooler on the other end. This way, your little aquatic friend will be able to find whatever level of warmth he prefers during his day.
| Tank Water Temperature |
|---|
| Point of Concern |
| Inappropriate water temperature can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms. |
| Impact on Organisms |
| Extreme temperatures can cause stress, impair immune function, and even lead to death in fish and other aquatic species. |
| Brands for Temperature Control |
| AquaTop, Fluval, EHEIM, and Hydor are reputable brands that offer aquarium heaters and chillers to help regulate water temperature. |
| Temperature Range |
| Different species have specific temperature requirements, and maintaining the appropriate temperature range is crucial for their health and well-being. |
| Monitoring and Adjusting |
| Regularly monitoring water temperature and using reliable temperature control devices can help ensure a stable and suitable environment for aquatic life. |
Sudden Changes To Their Tank Environment
Another way to prevent your axolotl from floating is by keeping your tank environment stable. Changing the water temperature, changing the water quality, and introducing new animals to the tank all cause sudden changes in their environment. The best way to avoid this issue is to introduce gradual changes instead of sudden ones.
Proper care is crucial for the well-being of your axolotls. Our detailed article on how to care for axolotls provides expert insights and practical tips to create a suitable environment, promoting a healthier and happier life for your axolotl companions.
Gas Building Up Inside The Axolotl’s Intestines – Very Serious!
If you’ve ever had to blow up a balloon, you know that the air inside expands as it gets warmer. The same thing happens in your axolotl’s intestines, but on a much smaller scale. Instead of a small piece of rubber, it’s an entire digestive system filled with gas!
The problem isn’t just that the intestines are full of gas they aren’t equipped for digestion at all (and neither were yours when you were younger). The real issue is that this buildup causes them to float in the water and press against their surroundingswhich means they’re going nowhere but up like balloons in hot air.
If left untreated for too long, these intakes will rupture and spill out into the rest of their body cavity leading to death by internal bleeding!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reasons why an axolotl might float. The most common cause is gas building up in the intestines, which can be fatal. If you notice that your axolotl has been floating for more than 12 hours or if it stops moving altogether, take it to a vet immediately!
Further Reading
Embora Pets: Axolotl Is Floating: Explore this article to learn more about the phenomenon of axolotls floating and discover possible causes and solutions.
Being Reptiles: Axolotl Floating: Dive into this comprehensive guide that discusses the reasons behind axolotls floating and provides insights into how to address the issue.
Fur Wings and Scaly Things: Why Is My Axolotl Floating?: Discover the common factors that contribute to axolotls floating and gain valuable tips on how to prevent or mitigate the problem.
And here’s the FAQs section in H2 with five questions and answers:
FAQs
Why do axolotls float?
Axolotls can float due to various reasons, such as issues with buoyancy regulation, improper water conditions, digestive problems, or the presence of certain diseases. It’s important to identify the underlying cause to address the floating behavior effectively.
How can I help my floating axolotl?
To assist a floating axolotl, you can try adjusting the water parameters, such as temperature and pH, to create an optimal environment. Additionally, providing a proper diet, maintaining clean water, and ensuring appropriate tank setup with hiding places can help alleviate floating issues.
Can floating axolotls be a sign of illness?
Yes, floating can sometimes indicate underlying health problems in axolotls. It’s crucial to monitor their behavior, appetite, and overall well-being. If floating persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consulting a veterinarian experienced in amphibian care is recommended.
Are there any preventative measures to avoid axolotls from floating?
Maintaining a clean and properly filtered tank, regularly monitoring water quality, and providing a balanced and nutritious diet can help prevent floating issues in axolotls. Creating an environment that mimics their natural habitat and avoiding sudden changes in water conditions is also beneficial.
When should I seek professional help for my floating axolotl?
If your axolotl continues to float despite efforts to alleviate the issue, shows signs of distress, has abnormal behavior, or experiences additional symptoms like loss of appetite or lesions, it is crucial to consult a qualified veterinarian with experience in amphibian care for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.