My axolotl ate a rock and is staying at the bottom. What to do?

Check water chemistry and temperature first. Axolotls are very sensitive to changes in either. If ammonia or nitrites are elevated, perform partial water changes using conditioned water that is temperature matched. They do best between 60 F and 64 F. Water temp above 75 F is stressful. Fast her for a few days to see if she passes a large amount of stool. If she does, resume feeding her as scheduled. If she doesn't improve, consider "fridging" her to reduce stress and allow for recovery. You can read about the fridging routine at the link below. https://www.caudata.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85263

Check the water quality and temperature. Perform partial water changes every few days to maintain pristine water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Clean water is the foundation for healing and recovery. If there is no change, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating axolotls. They can be sensitive to medications, so a doctor's advice after an exam would be safest.

A combination of salt baths and fridging may ease symptoms. If liver failure has been diagnosed, this is usually a terminal illness. Recommended salt concentration is 2-3 teaspoons of aquarium salt per liter of dechlorinated water. Baths should be 10-15 minutes duration. Fridging can be done in conjunction to reduce stress and aid in recovery. There is a guide to fridging at the link below. http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-beginner-newt-salamander-axolotl-help-topics/f48-axolotls-ambystoma-mexicanum/f58-sick-axolotl/85263-axolotl-fridging-guide.html

Thanks for reaching out about Pearl. Amphibian husbandry can be tricky. Measuring other water parameters is important (pH, ammonia, nitrates) and water must be clean. Try offering different types of foods: invertebrates, fish, pellets. If problems continue, a visit to a veterinarian with experience with exotics might be needed. Good luck.

A small pebble should pass without an issue. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or straining to defecate. See your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles and amphibians if necessary.

Thanks for reaching out about your salamander. The water temperature for the bath should match the habitat water temperature as changed in temperature are very stressful. Bacterial and fungal treatments are different so a diagnosis will help. As for food, you will have to contact the vendor directly. It is very difficult to syringe feed salamanders. You should consider a veterinary visit as this sounds serious. Good luck.

Separate her out into a hospital or quarantine tank. Bump the water temperature up to about 80 F. Examine her for signs of illness or injury including damaged fins, parasites, dark or red spots or bloating. Add an air stone to increase oxygenation. Without a specific cause, general treatment with salt would be recommended. You can add 1 teaspoon of plain aquarium salt (NOT table salt) per gallon of water to the hospital tank. The easiest way is to dissolve it in some tank water then gently pour it in. Salt aids healing, reduces stress, promotes a healthy slime coat, improves gill function and can treat several parasites. Treat for 10-14 days then perform partial water changes to decrease salinity. If this does not help, consider a broad spectrum antibiotic or antifungal medication based on symptoms. You can purchase either online or in the aquarium section of most pet stores. Read package directions carefully before use.