An axolotl's gills are situated at the back of their head. They resemble feathery branches that move with current, allowing them to breathe dissolved oxygen underwater.

Axolotls come in a range of colors depending on the species; naturally colored axolotls tend to have darker reddish-brown shades while captive-bred varieties usually display pink hues.  axolotl.cyou

Damaged Gills

Axolotls are amphibians that must remain moist to breathe. When an axolotl is out of water, their skin and gills become vulnerable to bacteria, parasites, dehydration and infection.

Thankfully, axolotls are remarkably resilient and can recover from most injuries. However, damage to their gills may indicate that your pet is under stress.

The axolotl's three pairs of gill rami each possess multiple filaments with extensive networks of blood capillaries. The proximal region of each gill ramus contains muscle tissue which allows it to swing the gill ramus open and allow additional gas exchange through its gills.

Gill regeneration in axolotls has not been extensively researched, yet it appears to be an established process. To investigate further the role of Fgf- and Bmp-signaling during axolotl gill regeneration, we conducted this study.

Loss of Mucus Coating

An axolotl's gills have a mucus coating to keep them moist and protected from bacteria or parasites. Additionally, this coat helps the animal absorb oxygen through its skin.

When your axolotl loses its protective coating, it becomes much easier for harmful bacteria and parasites to enter its body. This could lead to infections or other serious issues that could even be life-threatening.

Mucus coat loss can be due to poor water chemistry levels in your aquarium, making it difficult for axolotls to breathe with their gills. To prevent this from occurring, cycle your aquarium properly and perform regular water changes.

Additionally, be on the lookout for any cuts or nips on your axolotl's fins, feet or gills as these are surefire signs of stress. Additionally, if the gills bend forward or fold that could indicate further issues.

Dehydration

Axolotls possess gills designed to extract oxygen from water. This combination of gills and lungs enables them to survive in the wild.

When an axolotl is out of water, their skin can begin to dehydrate due to decreased water absorption from the air. This could affect how well their mucus coating protects them against diseases and other threats.

Their gills also dry out when they are out of the water, making it difficult for them to breathe. This could result in dehydration or even death for your axolotl.

It is essential that you never let your axolotl out of their tank for extended periods, and ensure they return immediately after returning home. Doing this prevents them from becoming severely dehydrated, as well as giving them rest so they can recover fully.

Illness

Axolotls are majestic, long-lived amphibians that can grow up to ten inches in length. Native to Mexico, these species of amphibian are increasingly endangered due to habitat loss and overhunting.

Their youthful characteristics include feathery gills sprouting from their heads like a mane, webbed feet and a dorsal fin that runs down the length of their body. Furthermore, these creatures possess functional lungs and can breathe through their skin.

Though axolotls generally remain healthy, they can succumb to illness if not kept properly or exposed to stressors. Axolotls may experience various diseases like bacterial and fungal infections, parasites, or nutritional deficiencies.

Infections often appear as raised white or grey lesions on the head of an axolotl that resemble dandelion puffs. If the infection spreads to their internal organs, they may succumb. Axolotls may also experience deterioration of their gills and loss of appetite.