Axolotls (Mexican walking fish) floating on surface?

Question

Hey all
I was just hoping someone could help me with my Axolotl pet problem. I purchased him yesterday and all seemed well when he was first placed in the tank. However as timed went on, I noticed the Axolotl kept swimming to the top of the tank to stick its head out gasping for air. Naturally this worried me...
I changed the tank water in hopes things would change but still the problem continues and today he floats on the top of the water. It now appears he is floating because when he swims he cannot keep his balance in check. I tested this by gently pushing him down only to watch him float right back up. He is now struggling to race up the top and gasp for air due to his off-balance. Please for all Axolotls pet owners that know what's happening, help me!!!!

Cheers
-Mike

Answer 1

It could be one of a few things.

It could be perfectly normal. Some salamanders (axolotls are salamanders, not a fish!) will float at the top of the water just to "hang out".

He may not have enough oxygen in the water - yes, they should have minimal air to reduce gill shrinkage, but these should be some oxygenation. Oxygenating plants like Anacharis, or an air pump and airstone with a valve to regulate the amount of air flow to a very slow stream.

The water quality may be deteriorating. Ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate may be building up. Also, if he's got an abnormally thick slime coat look for small white "worms" - actually a fly larvae - the adults will lay the eggs on the surface of the water, and as they hatch, they turn into small white worms that swim in an "S" shaped motion. They will also attach to the axolotl, and the slime coat is produced for protection.

Is he "belching" up bubbles of air? They've been known to eat a little to quickly, or gulp air into the stomach and end up more buoyant than they'd like.

See this link for info on this: http://inky.50megs.com/axolotlnewfaq.html

Answer 2

If you have any other fish they could be the problem. We have a baby clownfish, and we put it in with two others who attacked it constantly. They layed off but now the fish is it at the top of the tank and swims sideways.
The most probable thing is his swim bladder. That is what balances the fish in the water. I know someone who's fishs' swim bladder was ruined, so she tied a small sponge to it.( I have NO CLUE how she managed to do this) The fish is happy and still living and most importantly swims upright!
Idk if this will work buuuut......it worked for my friends fish.

PS its okay if your fish dies, I have had tons of fish die and you do feel a sinking in the pit of your stomach for a few days after, but its okay, soon you'll come across a fish who will live long and happy, and when it dies, it will be of old age.
If your fish does die, and you get another and it dies as well, change the water. Also use water conditioner to kill the chemicals that are harmful to fish. Then put small cheap fish in. (only about 3 at a time) These fish will die at first, but when they start living, you can buy your Axolotl and it will have more of a chance of living. It takes a while for the water to become "accustomed" to the fish. and one last thing, when your fish start thriving and you have to clean the tank, only pour out half the water. Then you can add more. Have fun! good luck!