Does anyone know what's wrong with my axolotl?

[Notthrilledatthatidea]

Bit of a random question fellow mumsnetters!

My albino axolotl has suddenly developed discolouration around her face. It looks like dark pigmentation? Water parameters are fine. She is eating fine. Its developed almost over night. She is 3 years old. I'm very worried!

Does anyone have any idea and if there is cause for concern?

Pic

Pic of her before

I don't know but she is adorable, how do you find d having her as a pet? My daughter keeps asking but I didn't know if it would be a bit boring like having fish.

I know next to nothing about axolotls, so I GOOGLED your query. Apparently axolotls sometimes develop dark spots and it is perfectly normal. This is the phrase I used to google "axolotl developed discolouration on face" and lots of helpful things came up, so you might like to browse those. They really are very cute animals.

Axolotls colours (pigmentation) can and does change throughout their life.
I suspect yours is simply what is called a "dirty Lucy". Where it's a leucistic morph that develops dark markings, usually on their face.

I've kept and bred axies for years and year, to me that axolotl doesn't look to have anything wrong with it. Skin doesn't look irritated or anything so I wouldn't worry

Also, with light/white axolotls I've found their colours can change drastically day to day. If they are more active then the increased blood flow makes their colours more vivid. If they are sedated then their colours are muted.

Thank you everyone for your replies!

She seems absolutely fine just the discolouration!

@BlueBlubbaWhale they are fantastic pets and are usually very easy to care for!

I have 5 altogether. Each has thier own distint personality! They are fascinating creatures. I've read there are only 1000 left in the wild in one river system in Mexico.

Axolotl was the name of a mayan god who was cast to see nothing but darkness so was sent to the depths of the river.

They have regeneration abilities so can grow limbs etc back.

And when they go to get a breath from the top of the tank they make a little 'woop' sound...absolutely adorable!

@RuffledKestrel would be able to advise far more than me but I'm sure will agree they are beautiful and fascinating creatures! And thank you for the advice x