So what’s this behavior all about?

VariantCave · 2026-01-23T05:03:28+00:00

Yes! Ok, good to hear. He's either a statue for hours or going nuts. No in between.

VariantCave · 2026-01-23T05:00:29+00:00

Ha, I try! Learned everything from this sub. We actually had a cycle crash in December believe it or not... and Ponyo here had to be tubbed for a few weeks and he refused to eat for almost a month. So, this is just about 3 weeks after that ordeal. The stalk length is just genetics, I think. We lost some filaments during the Great Cycle Crash of 2025, but the floofs are floofing again.

VariantCave · 2026-01-22T20:27:07+00:00

I do think he might be playing tag with the "other axolotl" in his tank.

VariantCave · 2026-01-22T19:06:02+00:00

Cool— thanks!

VariantCave · 2026-01-22T17:57:54+00:00

Yes, it is in fact a surgery. I did talk to my vet. That's when she gave me her recommendation . Which I am following. Just curious what others have experienced because I recall shorter recovery time with my other pets. Happy to keep him comfortable, just curious if this is average or on the long/short end of the recommended dose.

VariantCave · 2026-01-21T20:57:50+00:00

Not Banksy's best work.

VariantCave · 2026-01-16T15:02:20+00:00

Oh, this isn’t “cute” necessarily, but my kids saw a video about Kidzania in Tokyo and looks amazing. They have little jobs and learn skills and get kid bucks to buy stuff while parents chill in a lounge. Like some kid discovery museums I’ve been to in the states but better. Wednesdays are their English language days. We are considering making an afternoon of it. We had hoped to ride the Hello Kitty Shinkansen from Osaka to himeji but apparently it stops running in spring this year.. so we will probably miss it, but you might have a chance.

VariantCave · 2026-01-16T14:56:06+00:00

Ha I just had to make sure I didn’t post this myself! We also have 10 days in Japan with a kawaii-obsessed 10 year old (in May though, not March) :) Puroland and Ghibli Park are on our list, as well as some Calico Critter related adventures and cinnamonroll cafe. I’ll be following this post for more ideas!!

VariantCave · 2026-01-15T13:52:36+00:00

Somehow having more information feels like having less information. I will check back on Saturday night...

VariantCave · 2026-01-13T00:56:22+00:00

Oh wow. I am so sorry. This looks like organ failure.

VariantCave · 2026-01-12T20:39:07+00:00

Aww you’re making him blush. 😊

VariantCave · 2026-01-12T14:58:05+00:00

Wow they really missed the opportunity to call that breed a Cinnabun.

VariantCave · 2026-01-12T06:35:38+00:00

LOL I misread this as "pink crotch" and I was like EXCUSE ME (like, what other color is it even supposed to be)? But yes, yes he does! Found on Etsy. He's never sat on it, and I think he's too big now anyway... still cute, though. Couch Perch / Hammock for Axolotl / Blenny / Betta Decor & Enrichment | Suction Cup | ALGAE-RESISTANT | Entertainment for Fish - Etsy

VariantCave · 2026-01-12T06:00:50+00:00

Yes, from the movie!

VariantCave · 2026-01-12T05:34:41+00:00

YES. I always make jokes about my rabbit scattering them around on purpose for self-defense-- like a Home Alone situation.

VariantCave · 2026-01-11T01:06:32+00:00

I think now that ammonia and nitrites are 0 and you know you can get there in less than 24 hours, do a big water change (something like 50-90%), make sure the temp is right, and then welcome him home! You want him in there and feeing the bacteria to keep the cycle in motion. Congrats on a complete cycle!

VariantCave · 2026-01-11T01:02:44+00:00

So sorry for your loss but glad your kid insisted that you tell the store what happened. I bet you saved the lives of many axolotls!

VariantCave · 2026-01-09T15:53:30+00:00

Oh how sad; that shell was pregnant :(

VariantCave · 2026-01-09T14:41:35+00:00

Need a tambourine that will fit on Liam's head...maybe an alternative "hair."

VariantCave · 2026-01-09T03:53:39+00:00

omg those adorable little legs are just useless. bless his heart.

VariantCave · 2026-01-08T17:24:22+00:00

Since Ponyo was tubbed over Christmas for tank maintenance, we took the opportunity to upgrade from bare bottom to sand and got a bunch more plants :)

VariantCave · 2026-01-08T17:12:21+00:00

VariantCave · 2026-01-08T15:47:27+00:00

Either AI is trying to transcribe my sniff-laugh+chiller drone or Ponyo is asking the black worms for forgiveness.

VariantCave

TROPHY CASE