I’ve always been fascinated by the variety of shapes and colors that axolotls can have. They’re like a box full of crayons for an artist who loves amphibians.
But as much as I love their wild appearance, I also find myself wondering why some axolotls have curly tails while others don’t. If you’ve ever wondered the same thing, read on!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Understanding the reasons behind an axolotl’s curled tail can help address potential health issues. |
| Environmental factors such as water temperature and quality can contribute to tail curling in axolotls. |
| Stress and improper tank conditions may cause axolotls’ tails to curl. |
| Nutritional imbalances or inadequate diet can affect the health and appearance of an axolotl’s tail. |
| Seeking advice from experts or veterinarians can provide valuable insights into resolving tail curling in axolotls. |
It’s Injured
It may be injured. If your axolotls have injuries, they can get very stressed out. This stress can cause them to stop eating and even die. If you notice that your axolotl has an injury on its tail, it’s best to isolate him or her from other axolotls until the wound heals or else risk infecting other animals in the tank.
If something sharp such as a rock or piece of gravel got into the tank with your axolotl, you may be able to see it stuck in their fleshy tail (or “fin”). Try pulling gently on the protruding object with pliers or tweezers without getting cut yourself; if this doesn’t work, take them to a pet store where someone will be able to assist you further with treatment options.”
Understanding the emotional well-being of your axolotl is crucial for their overall health. Learn about the signs of depression in axolotls and how you can support them in our article on can axolotls get depressed based on owner experiences.
It’s Sick
When your axolotl’s tail curls, it can be a symptom of illness. The tail is usually the last part of an axolotl to curl when they are ill and once it has curled up, it won’t straighten out again. The most common causes of illness are lack of nutrients in your water or an infected wound which can be caused by injury or stress.
It’s Shedding
If your axolotl’s tail is curled, then it’s most likely shedding. Axolotls are constantly growing and shedding their skin throughout their life. This is a perfectly normal process axolotl will shed their skin several times per year, and the new skin will be smooth and shiny while the old skin is wrinkly.
| Shedding Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Ecdysis | The process of shedding the old skin layer to allow for growth and regeneration. |
| 2. Pre-Shedding | The stage where an animal’s skin starts to appear dull and slightly discolored, indicating an upcoming shed. |
| 3. Active Shedding | The active phase of shedding where the old skin starts to loosen and peel away from the body. |
| 4. Post-Shedding | The period after shedding, where the new, fresh skin is revealed, typically with enhanced coloration and vibrancy. |
| 5. Frequency | Shedding frequency varies among species, with some shedding once every few weeks, while others shed less frequently. |
It’s Pooped
You may have seen your axolotl pooping and thought, “Oh my gosh! What is going on?!” You see, axolotls poop a lot. They poop when they are eating when they are swimming (read: most of the time) and even when they are stressed out. And if you’ve got a male axolotl, he will also poop whenever he sheds his skin to grow into his new one.
So what does this mean for you? Well first off don’t be alarmed axolotls have been doing this for hundreds of years and it isn’t anything new or odd (and certainly not something to freak out about). Second, if your tail is curled up like an elephant trunk it could mean that your little friend has got the squirts.
Providing a balanced diet is essential for the optimal health of your axolotl. Discover whether axolotls can eat red worms and the nutritional considerations involved in our comprehensive guide on can axolotls eat red worms according to veterinary advice.
It’s Swimming
If your axolotl’s tail is curled, this could be because it’s swimming. When they swim, they use their tails to propel themselves forward. If there is not enough exercise or stimulation in their tank, the tail can curl up as a result of being “inactive”.
However, if you want your axolotl to have a straight and healthy tail for life then you should get them swimming!
Tails tend to curl when an axolotl isn’t getting enough exercise or stimulation in its tank. If your pet has been kept alone without much interaction with other axolotls or with people then it may have become stressed out and will need some time alone before being introduced into an aquarium where there are others who can help keep them active on a regular basis.
Swimming is good for the health of your pet as well as keeping its muscles toned so that when it comes time for breeding season (which happens just once every year), everything should be ready for action!
It’s Stressing Out
The most common cause of tail curling in axolotls is stress. It can be caused by a change to their environment, such as a new tank or new water, or a change in diet like a new food source. If you suspect your axolotl may be stressed, try to figure out what has changed and correct it immediately.
| Species | Stress Level |
|---|---|
| Axolotl | Moderate |
| Betta Fish | High |
| Leopard Gecko | Low |
| Syrian Hamster | Moderate |
| African Grey Parrot | High |
It’s Ate Something Unusual
In the case that your axolotl ate something unusual and is now experiencing some discomfort, it’s time to take action. If you can identify what your axolotl has eaten, then remove it from its tank and dispose of it immediately.
The most common culprits in this situation are mealworms, earthworms and wax worms all of which are loaded with calcium. The problem with high levels of calcium in the gut is that they can cause an overdose on this important mineral for AXLs. This could lead to constipation or even death if left untreated!
If you don’t know what type of food your pet has been eating lately but suspect that it may have been something unfamiliar to them (like a crayfish tail or dead mouse), then there are some steps you can take as well:
It’s Too Cold
The axolotl’s tail is not supposed to be curled. If your axolotl’s tail is curled, it can be a sign that the water temperature of your tank is too cold for them.
The ideal temperature for an axolotl tank should be between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius (59-65 degrees Fahrenheit). If the water in their tank is too cold, they will become lethargic and may not move around much or at all.
They might also curl up on land when it gets too cold outside, which means you need to make sure their tank stays warm enough!
Diversifying your axolotl’s diet is important to meet their nutritional needs. Explore the topic of feeding axolotls with superworms and the potential benefits and risks in our informative article on can axolotls eat superworms backed by veterinary expertise.
It’s Too Warm
If your axolotl’s tail is curled, the temperature may be too high. The best temperature range for your axolotl is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s too warm, their tails will curl to take in as little heat as possible.
If it’s a bit warmer than that, there are a few things you can do to fix it:
- Turn down the heater by one degree every day until you reach the ideal temperature range.
- Check if the filter needs cleaning; this could be causing excess heat in the tank and making your axolotl uncomfortable.
Its Tank Is Shallow
The very first thing that you need to check is the depth of your tank. Axolotls require a shallow tank for swimming, so if your axolotl can’t swim, it will get sick and die.
If your axolotl has curled its tail due to being sick or dying, this is usually caused by poor water quality or temperature change in the tank. If you have recently upgraded to a larger aquarium or changed your filter system, then this could be an issue as well.
Its Tail Got On His Way
Lift your axolotl carefully by the sides of its body and place it in a shallow container.
Hold the tail on both sides between your thumb and forefinger, gently pull back while lifting up as you go. You may want to use something like tweezers or an old toothbrush to help get under the curl so that you can straighten it out.
If you don’t want to take your axolotl out of its tank, try putting a cloth over the top of its aquarium and gently pushing down on his head with one hand while holding his tail with another hand from above (from outside) to try and straighten him out this way.
| Species | Tail Interference |
|---|---|
| Axolotl | Common |
| Bengal Cat | Occasional |
| Ball Python | Rare |
| Golden Retriever | Rare |
| Green Tree Frog | Uncommon |
Its Tail Was Shocked From Something Electric
A sudden shock is one of the most common causes of tail curling in axolotls. The best way to avoid this kind of injury is to make sure your axolotl never comes into contact with electricity.
Axolotls are not immune to electricity, and they can be severely shocked by even small amounts of electricity.
This can happen when your axolotl gets too close to a water pump that has an electrical cord connected to it, or if the filter you use has an electrical cord attached. Electrical cords may also shock your axolotl if they wrap around its body while it swims through water in an aquarium or pond.
If you suspect that your pet was shocked by something electric, take it out immediately and watch for symptoms like twitching, paralysis, muscle spasms and difficulty moving around on land as well as underwater. If these symptoms appear after being removed from water but aren’t present before entering it then this could indicate that electrocution did occur.
Understanding the social requirements of axolotls is crucial for their well-being. Discover whether axolotls can be kept alone and the potential impact on their behavior and health in our insightful discussion on can axolotls be kept alone based on owner experiences.
Its Tail Was Trapped In A Filter Or Pump Housing
If your axolotl is trapped in a filter or pump housing, you will need to use a net to remove it. You should also be prepared with some tweezers and/or needle nose pliers to help pull the tail out if necessary.
If the tail is still stuck after trying to remove it with the nets and tools, you may have no choice but to cut off the tail. Be sure not too cut off any of its fins! If that happens, there’s no way for your axolotl’s skin to grow back over them so they could get infected and die from bacteria entering through those open wounds.
When cutting off a section of an axolotl’s tail, make sure there isn’t any bleeding coming from where you made contact with its body (this means blood vessels are exposed).
If there is bleeding then apply pressure until it stops bleeding before putting any antibiotic ointment on top of those sores in order prevent infection from taking place again at another time down road.”
Your Axolotl Has An Extra Curly Tail Genetically
If you’ve been caring for an axolotl, you may have noticed that its tail is curled. This happens when the axolotl has an extra curly tail gene.
The gene is dominant, and so it can be carried by both males and females. While some people might think this trait is ugly, other people find it cute to look at!
If your axolotl has this genetic mutation (or even if they don’t), here are some tips on how to care for them:
Discover the joys of living with axolotls and why they make fascinating companions. Read our personal insights and experiences in our article on why you should be living with axolotls to find out more about the unique qualities and benefits of having axolotls as pets.
Conclusion
Okay, so your axolotl’s tail is curled and you’re wondering why. This is a common thing, and it doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with your pet! In most cases, this will happen if the water temperature in the tank is too hot or cold.
It could also be because they’ve just eaten something large which has made them feel bloated. You should keep an eye out for other symptoms to make sure your axolotls aren’t sick though – like not eating or swimming normally
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on axolotls:
The #1 Guide to Axolotl Sickness and Health: A comprehensive guide that covers various aspects of axolotl health, including common illnesses and their treatments.
Axolotl Tail Damage: Tail Curl, Tail Rot, and Tail Turning Red: Learn about different types of tail damage in axolotls and how to identify, prevent, and treat them.
Axolotl Care: A detailed resource providing essential information on axolotl care, including tank setup, feeding, and general maintenance.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about axolotls:
What are the ideal water parameters for axolotls?
Axolotls thrive in water with specific parameters. The ideal water temperature ranges from 60°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C), and the pH should be around 7.0 to 7.5. Additionally, maintaining good water quality and providing appropriate filtration are essential for their well-being.
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Axolotls should be fed 2-3 times a week, with the amount of food appropriate for their size. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health issues, so it’s important to provide a balanced diet and monitor their feeding habits.
Can axolotls regenerate their limbs?
Yes, axolotls are famous for their incredible regenerative abilities. They can regrow lost limbs, including legs, tails, and even parts of their spinal cord. This remarkable capability sets them apart from many other species.
Do axolotls require special lighting in their tanks?
Axolotls are sensitive to bright lights, and excessive exposure can stress them. Providing low to moderate lighting with a natural day-night cycle is sufficient for their needs. It’s best to avoid intense or direct lighting to ensure their well-being.
Can axolotls live with other fish or tank mates?
Axolotls have specific needs and can be territorial, so not all tank mates are suitable for them. It’s generally recommended to keep axolotls in species-only tanks or with peaceful and similarly sized aquatic companions to prevent potential stress or aggression. Proper research and consideration are vital when selecting tank mates for axolotls.
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.