r/axolotls•
B141721

I need help! Scared new mom

General Care Advice

My juvenile axolotl was shipped Tuesday August 11th around 4 PM Central Time with overnight shipping. Unfortunately, UPS messed up the shipment and I didn’t receive her until today around noon PST. When I opened the package, she was belly up and appeared completely lifeless. I thought she had passed. When I set the bag down from crying I saw her entire body wiggle and she briefly turned herself over before going belly up again. I quickly put the bag in my aquarium to float for a while to acclimate. Then transferred her into the tank. She immediately wiggled enough to get herself out of the bag, but then became completely motionless and floated straight to the surface.

I decided to move her into a tub with aquarium water so I could monitor her more closely. She’s in a dark, cold room with no noise. I aim baby monitor on her it has night vision. IM SCARED Please don’t judge! At first there was VERY little spontaneous movement, but I’ve gradually started seeing more. She’s now able to get herself to the bottom of the tub and actively right herself. I’m slowly seeing more signs of life but for the most part motionless.

I’ve never owned an axolotl before, and I’m honestly scared I’m going to do something wrong. What should I be doing right now? Should I continue tubbing her? When should I attempt feeding her?

Any advice from experienced axolotl owners would be greatly appreciated!

Posted Aug 13, 2026, 8:25 PM UTC

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