Axolotol help!!!

I had two axolotols that I got from a friend. A couple days ago I noticed milky mucus spots on them, and now one is dead and the other seems to be able to make it, but not have open sores. What could've caused this, and what's the best remedy to help the remaining one heal?! I haven't lost an animal to disease in years, and I don't want to start now. I did notice that the pleco I had in with them, which usually ignores them, was attached to them. The tank is the one that came with them. Any help is appreciated!!

 

Bumping this up for you

 

Axolotols should be kept in species only tank. The pleco probably took off the slime type coat that axolotls produce.

 

HI there. I would separate the pleco and axolotl as plecos have been known to feed off of other fish's slime coats. Daily water changes on the axolotl tank should help him heal up. Also, rehome the pleco if you don't have another tank. If it is a common pleco, it grows HUGE and needs 120+gallons MINIMUM. Is your tank cycled? If not, use a bacteria supplement and Seachem Prime which dechlorinates the water and removes toxins from the water such as ammonia and Nitrite. Please keep us updated and we will try and help as much as we can.
~Mudkipz

 

Thanks guys!!

Mudkip, I'm pretty sure it's a common pleco, he came with them. I have a tank for him. He hadn't bothered them until the became stressed and started producing more slime. The tank is cycled, but because the other axolotol had died over night, I removed the remaining one due to the dead one clouding the water.

I got them with a 6.6gallon tank.... Is this enough room for one, or should I look into a bigger tank?

Thanks for the help, (and the bump!) I will keep you guys posted. He seems to be doing better. Ate some black worms earlier today

 

Axolotls need 20 gallon minimum for one really, I would definitely get a bigger tank if you can.

 

Axolotls need 20 gallon minimum for one really, I would definitely get a bigger tank if you can.

Okay... We are moving within the next few weeks, and I'll be able to bring some tanks out of storage. I'll get one up and running for him. Thanks!

 

I had mine very happily in a 20 gallon for many years. Unfortunately we moved half way across the country and our tap water went from very soft to very hard, and at the time I just wasn't experienced enough with water chemistry to know to remedy it :-( the poor boy did not like the change at all and he died a little less than 2 weeks later. Once I can find the space I would love another. I don't know if you know or not but axxies hate water movement so make sure your filter is as low as possible or stem the flow in some way. :-D I hope yours makes a full recovery

 

I've have had a couple both many years they are so entertaining to watch. Mine will follow my finger!!

 

Yeah I agree with the others. They definitely need a bigger tank but it should be fine for now. I'd definitely move the common pleco out as it will grow WAY to huge for that tank. In the 6.6 you could do some shrimp and/or a betta if you live in Europe, go to www.zoofast.com where they do really cheap tanks. Look at the 112 litre which should be suitable for one adult (maybe 2 at a push).
~Mudkipz

 

Thanks everyone! He seems to be doing better! The wound looks like it's healing well, and he's plumping back up. He's been eating black worms and snails, with the occasional earthworm. Thanks for your help everyone!!!