Why is my axolotl turning black?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 18, 2026
the black spots are quite normal, but your axie is looking a little bit thin. What and how often do you feed him? The shrinking gills are mostly indicated by bad water-conditions.
Do axolotls turn black?
Some leucistic axolotls will develop a full black 'mask', while some develop no spots at all. It's just a matter of genetics. And it's completely normal.
Is it normal for axolotls to change color?
Is this normal, you may wonder? Well, it actually is. They naturally change colour based on environmental and developmental factors. According to Tank Origin, the causes behind Cheese being able to change colour might lie in its genetics, food, health and even its activity levels.
Do axolotls change color when stressed?
Axolotls may lose pigmentation when resting and become either lighter or darker depending on the color of their environment. Under different circumstances, it can be seen as a sign of potential stress or blood loss if seriously injured.
Why does my axolotl have dark spots?
It's generally normal for them to develop dark spots as they age. With albinos like this person's, it's not normal. The last time I saw something like this, it ended up being a parasite.
28 related questions foundWhat does a sick axolotl look like?
When floating is a symptom of illness, the axolotl looks a bit hunched, sometimes with its back or tail out of the water at the surface. It seems sprawled out. Often it looks like it is leaning on one side.
How do you treat a sick axolotl?
Emergency treatment by placing the axolotl in a dish in the refrigerator is helpful. Consider antibiotic therapy to prevent secondary bacterial infections. The owner is advised to install an aquarium chiller. Natural environment is in streams with rocky boulders.
Can I put my axolotl in the fridge?
Set the fridge to a temperature between the ranges of 5 - 8 degrees Celsius, but no lower than 5 degrees. To ensure the fridge space allocated for the axolotl is set within the desired temperature range (i.e. not too cold!) it is advisable to test what the water temperature will be before putting the axolotl in there.
Why do axolotls gills change colour?
The change in the colour of his gills is quite normal. When the axie is inactive they tend to go a lighter colour. I have found with my male Leucistic his gills are mainly pink, but when he is ready the lay his spermicide his gills go bright red as he becomes more active.. I hope this helps..
Can axolotls change color rapidly?
These creatures can change colour naturally as a result of a range of environmental and developmental factors, including their genetics, the food they eat, their health status, and even their amount of exercise. If an axolotl becomes ill or infected, its colour may change.
How long do axolotls live for?
Lifespan – 10-15 years. Colour and characteristics – several known pigmentation types, including brown, black, albino, grey and pale pink; external gill stalks and a caudal dorsal fin as a result of neoteny. Wild population – 700-1,200 approx.
Are axolotls meant to be pink?
Pinkish tint to the color can be an indication of disease. That axolotls' gills look a little funky like it might be stressed, Keep an eye on water temp and quality. If it starts to look worse it might need medicated.
Do axolotls like black light?
Active member. Black light is a strong for of uv. Axolotls do not have eyelids & any bright light can be very annoying to them. It's best to avoid submitting them to the black light - it's not necessary to put them through that.
How much is a black axolotl?
Like many cold-blooded pets, black axolotls cost less as juveniles than they do as adults. But in total, you're looking at prices between $20 and $70.
What are black axolotls called?
Melanoid Axolotl
Melanoid axolotls are often mistaken for those with the wild color, but they are different in several ways. They have more pigment in their skin than the wild type, giving them their bodies a dark brown or black color. These solid-colored axolotls have black gills and eyes.
How do you know if an axolotl is stressed?
Signs of a stressed axolotl may include:
- Bending gills.
- Folded tail tip. A folded or curved axolotl's tail tip is a serious sign and symptom of a pet with debilitating stress or sickness. ...
- Lack of appetite.
- Gulping air frequently.
- Frequent floating. ...
- Panic-stricken swimming.
- Unresponsiveness. ...
- Skin discoloration.
Why is my axolotl floating upside down?
Juvenile Axolotls are prone to accumulating air in their abdomens. Air leads to a distended abdomen and to floating upside-down. This occurs due to their immature gut adapting to a higher protein diet.
Why does my axolotl keep swimming into the glass?
Swimming against the glass for long periods is a general sign of a stressed-out axolotl.
How do I know if my axolotl is dying?
Signs of illness
- Loss of appetite.
- Deterioration of the gills.
- Jaundice.
- Skin lesions.
- Back deformities.
- Poor balance while swimming.
- Injuries to limbs, gills or tail.
Can axolotls hear you?
Site Contributor. I was corrected a few years ago and shown that axolotls do in fact have hearing even though it´s quite rudimentary. Their inner ear system are very different to ours (not surprisingly) but apparently they are able to detect low frequency sounds.
Can my axolotl see me?
Axolotl can indeed see, though ones that are albino (not to be confused with leucistic) can have problems seeing (which has to do with the pigment development in the eyes). Some axolotl can have vision problems due to other genetic variations.
How often should you change axolotl water?
Whether you have a filter in your tank or not you still need do 90%water change once per week. It is better to change too much water than too little. By doing water changes every week this will help stop the build up of Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels in your tank.
What do I do if my axolotl wont eat?
Let him fast for one or two days and give him an earthworm or a nightcrawler and if he still refuses to eat take him to the vet or check his tank to find out why he refuses to eat, beware of the risk of anorexia. Be aware that a middle-aged axolotl may eat only once every three days, or even more for the older ones.
Do axolotls feel pain?
Although axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum, also known as Mexican salamanders) are classified in a different family and order from newts and frogs, respectively, pain receptors are likely conserved within the class.