Axolotls have seen a large increase in their popularity over the last decade or so with more and more people choosing to keep a pet axolotl.
Although axolotls are commonly sold as beginner friendly pets, there can be some issues with axolotls if you are brand new to maintaining a tank as they really do need stable water parameters.
This means that we see any questions every month from people who are having problems with their pet axolotls and we have already covered many of these questions in other articles.
For todays article, we are going to be taking a look at why your axolotl has a curled tail.
Although there are a number of common causes of curled tails in axolotls that are usually easy to fix, you should always treat it as an early warning sign for a potentially serious problem.
Why Is My Axolotls Tail Curling?
The majority of causes of an axolotls tail curling are due to problems with the axolotls water parameters not being optimal but there are a number of other issues that are usually less common.
That’s why we have made our simple list below:-
- Poor Water Parameters!
- Water Temperature Issues!
- Poor Diet!
- Aggression From Tank Mates!
- Too Much Water Flow!
- Stress!
- Infection!
We will now be taking a more detailed look at each of these to try and work out exactly whats wrong with their pets.
Poor Water Parameters!
The most common cause of an axolotl tail curling is due to poor water parameters, in particular, high levels of ammonia and nitrites.
These are both incredibly toxic to axolotls (and all other aquatic creatures) and can cause a number of health issues if they are not kept under control.
If you suspect that your axolotls water parameters are the problem then you should test your water as soon as possible and take any necessary steps to get them back into the correct range.
Water Temperature Issues!
The next most common cause of a curled tail on an axolotl is due to water temperature issues.
Axolotls are very sensitive to changes in water temperature and even a slight drop can cause them stress.
If the water temperature drops too low then it can actually kill your axolotl so its very important that you keep an eye on it at all times.
The ideal water temperature for axolotls is around 64 degrees Fahrenheit so you should aim to keep it as close to this as possible.
Poor Diet!
A poor diet is another common cause of health problems in axolotls including a curled tail.
Axolotls are carnivores and need a diet that is high in protein in order to stay healthy.
If your axolotl is not getting enough protein then it can lead to a number of health problems including a curled tail.
The best way to make sure your axolotl is getting enough protein is to feed them a diet of live or frozen foods such as earthworms, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
Aggression From Tank Mates!
Although axolotls are not usually aggressive, there are some exceptions and if your axolotl is being bullied by another tank mate then it can lead to a number of problems including a curled tail.
If you think aggression is the problem then you should remove the aggressor from the tank as soon as possible and keep an eye on the situation.
Too Much Water Flow!
Another common cause of a curled tail on an axolotl is due to too much water flow in the tank.
Axolotls are not strong swimmers and too much water flow can actually stress them out which can lead to health problems including a curled tail.
If you think this is the problem then you should reduce the water flow in the tank and make sure there are plenty of hiding places for your axolotl to escape the flow if necessary.
Stress!
Axolotls are very sensitive to stress and it can lead to a number of health problems including a curled tail.
There are a number of things that can cause stress in axolotls including changes in water parameters, poor diet, aggression from tank mates, and too much water flow.
If you think stress is the problem then you should try to identify the cause and remove it from the tank if possible.
Infection!
Another less common but still possible cause of a curled tail on an axolotl is due to an infection.
Axolotls are very susceptible to infections and if not treated quickly they can lead to serious health problems including death.
If you think your axolotl has an infection then you should take them to a vet as soon as possible for treatment.
How Can I Help My Axolotl With A Curled Tail?
If your axolotl has a curled tail then there are a few things you can do to help them.
The first and most important thing is to try and identify the cause of the problem and remove it from the tank if possible.
If the cause is poor water parameters then you should test your water and take any necessary steps to get them back into the correct range.
If the cause is poor diet then you should start feeding your axolotl a diet of live or frozen foods such as earthworms, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
If the cause is aggression from tank mates then you should remove the aggressor from the tank as soon as possible and keep an eye on the situation.
If the cause is too much water flow then you should reduce the water flow in the tank and make sure there are plenty of hiding places for your axolotl to escape the flow if necessary.
If the cause is stress then you should try to identify the cause and remove it from the tank if possible.
If the cause is an infection then you should take your axolotl to a vet as soon as possible for treatment.
In addition to treating the cause, there are also a few things you can do to help your axolotl with a curled tail.
One of the best things you can do is to provide them with plenty of hiding places in the tank.
This will help them feel safe and secure and can actually help to reduce stress levels.
Another thing you can do is to provide them with a diet that is high in protein.
This will help to keep them healthy and can actually help to prevent a curled tail from occurring in the first place.
