Why Is My Axolotl Doing a Handstand? (7 Common Reasons)


Do your axolotls sometimes seem to do handstands in their tanks? Wondering why? Let’s dive into seven common reasons!

Axolotls might do handstands due to stress, poor water quality, temperature changes, inadequate tank size, illness, hunger, or mating behavior.

Dive deeper into the reasons why axolotls do handstands and unravel their underwater antics.

Gulping Air

Axolotls, those adorable aquatic creatures, may appear to be performing handstands when they gulp air at the water’s surface. This behavior is normal and helps regulate their buoyancy. When they gulp air, it aids in controlling their position in the water. However, excessive gulping could indicate low oxygen levels or stress. Ensure your tank has sufficient oxygen, possibly by adding an air stone or increasing surface agitation.

Axolotls possess gills, but they also have lungs and need to come to the surface periodically to breathe. If you notice your axolotl frequently gasping for air, it’s essential to assess the water quality. Poor water conditions, such as high ammonia or nitrate levels, can distress them, leading to increased surface breathing. Regular water changes and proper filtration help maintain a healthy environment, reducing the frequency of this behavior.

Stretching or Flexing

Another reason for your axolotl’s intriguing handstand could be their habit of stretching or flexing. These amphibians are incredibly flexible and often engage in stretching exercises. This behavior resembles a handstand but serves a different purpose. Axolotls stretch to regulate their body and maintain flexibility in their muscles and joints.

Axolotls typically stretch after periods of rest or inactivity. This behavior helps them limber up and can also aid in shedding their skin. As they stretch, their bodies contort, resembling a handstand position. It’s fascinating to observe these playful movements, showcasing their agility and natural instincts. Providing ample space in their habitat encourages these activities and contributes to their overall well-being.

During these stretching sessions, axolotls often arch their bodies or bend their tails upwards, imitating a handstand-like pose. Observing these behaviors not only provides insight into their physicality but also allows a glimpse into their unique personalities. Creating an enriching environment with appropriate hiding spots and room to move around encourages these behaviors, promoting a healthier and happier axolotl.

Trying to Right Itself

At times, an axolotl may appear to perform a handstand when it’s trying to right itself. These creatures sometimes flip onto their backs accidentally, especially if the tank’s design isn’t suitable or if they’re exploring. When an axolotl finds itself upside down, it will arch its body and tail, attempting to flip back over onto its belly. This action resembles a handstand but is merely an effort to regain the proper orientation.

This behavior isn’t a cause for alarm unless it occurs frequently. If your axolotl regularly flips onto its back, it might signal an issue with the tank’s layout. Ensure the tank has suitable substrate, hiding places, and minimal sharp objects that could cause them to get stuck or overturned. Providing a smooth, obstacle-free environment reduces the likelihood of your axolotl ending up in a handstand-like position due to accidental flips.

Playing or Investigating

Sometimes, what appears to be an axolotl performing a handstand could simply be playful or investigative behavior. Axolotls are curious creatures and often interact with their environment in various ways. They might use their limbs to explore or manipulate objects, giving the impression of a handstand-like posture.

Engaging in such behaviors allows axolotls to learn about their surroundings and potentially search for food. They might investigate tank decorations, gravel, or other items, adopting postures that mimic a handstand in their quest for exploration. These actions, while resembling a handstand, are merely playful maneuvers or investigative gestures rather than a cause for concern.

Creating an enriching habitat with toys, objects to explore, and safe tank mates can encourage these behaviors. Watching your axolotl navigate its space and interact with its environment in these playful ways showcases its inquisitive nature and adds an element of amusement to your observation of these fascinating creatures.

Mating Behavior

Sometimes, the handstand-like posture in axolotls may be linked to mating behavior. During breeding seasons, male axolotls might adopt an upright stance or even nudge the female’s abdomen to initiate mating. This behavior, resembling a handstand, is part of their courtship ritual. The male’s posture and movements are attempts to encourage mating behaviors in the female axolotl.

During mating, male axolotls can be seen positioning themselves upright, occasionally tail-walking, and displaying various courtship behaviors. Females might also display similar movements in response. This upright posture, akin to a handstand, is part of the mating dance, aiding in the breeding process. If you observe these behaviors in your axolotls, it might signify that they’re ready to reproduce.

Providing appropriate breeding conditions, such as maintaining suitable water parameters and ensuring proper tank size and compatibility between mating partners, can encourage these behaviors. However, if breeding isn’t intended, separating males and females during breeding seasons is advisable to prevent unwanted mating behavior and potential stress on the axolotls.

Stress or Discomfort

In some cases, an axolotl adopting a handstand-like position might indicate stress or discomfort. Axolotls are sensitive creatures, and changes in their environment or health issues can lead to stress. Elevated stress levels might prompt unusual behaviors, such as adopting a posture resembling a handstand.

Factors contributing to stress can include poor water quality, abrupt changes in water temperature, overcrowding, or insufficient hiding spots. It’s crucial to regularly monitor water parameters, maintain a consistent environment, and provide appropriate tank conditions to ensure your axolotl’s well-being. If stress is suspected, make necessary adjustments to the habitat to create a more comfortable and stress-free environment for your aquatic friends.

Understanding the signs of stress and promptly addressing any issues can help alleviate discomfort and prevent your axolotl from exhibiting unusual behaviors like the handstand position. If behavioral changes persist or if you notice other concerning symptoms, consulting a vet experienced with amphibians can provide valuable guidance and support for your axolotl’s health.

Health Issues

Sometimes, an axolotl performing a handstand-like position might signal underlying health concerns. Metabolic issues, such as calcium deficiencies or electrolyte imbalances, can affect their buoyancy and lead to peculiar behaviors like appearing to do a handstand. These health issues can impact their ability to maintain proper balance in the water.

A common health problem resulting in buoyancy issues is the presence of air bubbles trapped in their gut, known as “bloat.” This condition can cause the axolotl to struggle with maintaining its normal orientation and exhibit odd postures, resembling a handstand. If you notice persistent handstand-like behaviors or changes in their swimming ability, it’s crucial to assess their overall health and seek appropriate veterinary care. Implementing a varied diet and ensuring water quality can aid in preventing certain health issues, promoting the well-being of your axolotl.

Monitoring your axolotl’s behavior, observing for any signs of distress or irregular movements, and providing a balanced diet and optimal tank conditions are essential steps in maintaining their health. Regular health check-ups with a knowledgeable veterinarian can help identify and address any health issues promptly, ensuring a happy and healthy life for your aquatic pet.

FAQ

Q: Should I be concerned if my axolotl frequently does handstands?

A: Occasional handstand-like behaviors in axolotls might not be a cause for immediate concern. However, if this behavior becomes frequent or is accompanied by other concerning signs like changes in appetite, buoyancy issues, or lethargy, it’s advisable to investigate further. Assess the tank conditions, water parameters, and observe for any signs of stress or discomfort.

Q: How can I differentiate between normal behavior and a problematic handstand?

A: Normal handstand-like postures may occur during feeding, stretching, mating, or even playful exploration. These are generally harmless and temporary. However, if the handstand behavior is persistent, accompanied by irregular swimming, or seems strenuous for the axolotl, it could signal an issue. Monitor the frequency and duration of these behaviors to distinguish between normal and potentially problematic handstands.

Q: Can poor water quality lead to my axolotl doing handstands?

A: Yes, poor water quality is a common factor that can contribute to stress in axolotls, leading to abnormal behaviors like frequent handstands. Ensure proper filtration, conduct regular water changes, and monitor ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels. Maintaining optimal water parameters is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your axolotl.

Q: How can I reduce the chances of my axolotl doing handstands due to stress?

A: Creating a comfortable and enriching environment is key to minimizing stress in axolotls. Ensure adequate hiding spots, suitable tank mates, proper tank size, and a well-balanced diet. Keep the tank clean, maintain stable water conditions, and avoid sudden temperature fluctuations to provide a stress-free habitat for your axolotl.

Q: Are there preventive measures to stop my axolotl from doing handstands due to health issues?

A: While not all health issues leading to handstand-like behavior can be prevented, maintaining a varied and balanced diet, offering appropriate tank conditions, and regularly monitoring your axolotl’s health can minimize the risk. Avoid overfeeding and ensure proper calcium intake to reduce the chances of metabolic issues affecting their buoyancy.

Q: Should I seek veterinary assistance if my axolotl frequently performs handstands?

A: If your axolotl’s handstand behavior persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as bloat, buoyancy problems, or changes in appetite, consulting a veterinarian experienced with amphibians is advisable. They can perform thorough assessments, diagnose underlying issues, and recommend appropriate treatments for your axolotl’s well-being.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your axolotl’s behaviors, including the occasional handstand-like postures, is essential for providing them with optimal care. These unique amphibians possess a range of natural behaviors and movements that may seem peculiar but often have specific reasons behind them. Observing your axolotl’s activities regularly allows you to become familiar with their normal behaviors and identify any potential issues promptly.

Maintaining a suitable habitat for your axolotl is crucial in minimizing stress and promoting their well-being. This involves keeping their tank clean, ensuring proper water parameters, providing appropriate hiding places and tank decorations, and offering a balanced diet. Regular monitoring of your axolotl’s health and behavior allows you to detect any deviations from their normal routines, enabling timely intervention if needed.

Remember, each axolotl is unique, and behaviors can vary between individuals. While occasional handstand-like movements may appear amusing or unusual, consistent observation, proper care, and prompt action when needed are fundamental in ensuring a happy and healthy life for your aquatic friend. Being attentive to their needs and maintaining a suitable environment goes a long way in fostering a fulfilling and enjoyable companionship with these fascinating creatures.

Amy Lin

Amy Lin, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian specializing in fish and aquatic pets. With a deep-seated passion for underwater companions, she shares invaluable insights and care advice on VoyoPets.com. Amy's expertise ensures the health and happiness of every finned friend, from goldfish to axolotls to shrimps.

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