Axolotls
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Axolotls are a species of salamander and, so, are amphibians. Unlike other salamanders, they never undergo complete metamorphosis and move onto the land. Instead, most axolotls will spend their entire lives in the water. They are native to two lakes in Mexico and are critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss. Like other amphibians, they hatch out of eggs laid in water and start out with gills and no legs. As they grow, they develop legs. While most amphibians lose their gills during metamorphosis, axolotls keep their gills. They do develop rudimentary lungs and will occasionally “gulp” air from the top of the water. Here are some fun facts about the amazing axolotl:
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- Lifespan: 10 years (can live 15+ sometimes)
- Length: 9-12 inches
- Diet: Axolotls are carnivorous. In the wild they eat worms, insects, mollusks, and small fish. See below for captive diet options.
- Axolotls have the ability to regenerate body parts such as their feet, legs, tail and gills. They can even regenerate parts of their organs which has made them a key species for scientific research.
- They have both lungs and gills but can’t live long out of the water.
- The external gills are called rami and are covered with tiny gill filaments which give them a fuzzy appearance.
- Axolotls are typically solitary animals in the wild. More than one can be kept in a tank together as long as there is enough space and they are similar in size. Extra places to hide are also a good idea when you have more than one.
- The name "axolotl" comes from the Aztec word meaning water dog and is connected to the god Xolotl, the god of fire, lightning and death.
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We recently started breeding our axolotls and have some babies available for new homes. Here is some information about keeping axolotls as pets. |
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When you first get your axolotl, you will most likely keep it tubbed in a critter keeper or small rubbermaid box until your tank is fully set up and ready to be lived in. Small axolotls do better in a smaller enclosure as they can more easily find their food but they grow fast and a big tank is soon in their future. While they are tubbed, water changes will have to be done every day or two to keep the water clean. It is important that the water used is dechlorinated. Either by using store bought spring water or by treating tap water with a dechlorinator. Here is some of what you will need to know when setting up your axolotls new home.
Setting up your tank:
Tank Size: minimum 20 gallons for one and 10 gallons for each additional axolotl. As they spend most of their time on the bottom of the tank, a longer tank is better than a taller one.
Filtration: Axolotls produce a large amount of waste so a good filter will go a long way in reducing the amount of work you have to do to keep the tank clean. Axolotls prefer water that is not moving, so it helps to disperse the water that is returning to the tank by blocking it with a bit of filter sponge, some tank decor or by using a spray bar.
Decor: Like a toddler, axolotls will put just about anything in their mouth that can fit and can choke on inappropriately sized things in their tank or become impacted (stopped up) by them if they are able to swallow them. They will also rub up against (or crash into) tank decorations. It is recommended, therefore, to keep the bottom of the tank bare, or to use large, smooth rocks, or very fine sand that can easily pass through their digestive tract if it is swallowed. Any decorations should be aquariums safe (not treated with any chemicals that might leach into the water) and not have any sharp edges (think baby proofing). Aquarium plants can help remove nitrates from the water but remember that axolotls like cooler temps and don’t love bright light so a low light, low temperature plant will be best. Anubias and Java fern are good options. Pothos and lucky bamboo can be placed at the top of the tank with the roots in the water as well.
Water Values: As an amphibian, axolotls absorb things easily through their skin so keeping the water values at safe levels is important. Cycling the tank before putting the axolotl in it is highly recommended and the water values should be tested regularly once the axolotl is in residence. An API Freshwater Test Kit is a good way to keep track of the water parameters.
Read this explanation of why tank cycling is important and how to do it HERE.
(https://www.axolotlcentral.com/cycling-guide)
If you have city water, you will need to treat your water with a dechlorinator like Seachem Prime to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals before adding the water to your aquarium.
Filtration: Axolotls produce a large amount of waste so a good filter will go a long way in reducing the amount of work you have to do to keep the tank clean. Axolotls prefer water that is not moving, so it helps to disperse the water that is returning to the tank by blocking it with a bit of filter sponge, some tank decor or by using a spray bar.
Decor: Like a toddler, axolotls will put just about anything in their mouth that can fit and can choke on inappropriately sized things in their tank or become impacted (stopped up) by them if they are able to swallow them. They will also rub up against (or crash into) tank decorations. It is recommended, therefore, to keep the bottom of the tank bare, or to use large, smooth rocks, or very fine sand that can easily pass through their digestive tract if it is swallowed. Any decorations should be aquariums safe (not treated with any chemicals that might leach into the water) and not have any sharp edges (think baby proofing). Aquarium plants can help remove nitrates from the water but remember that axolotls like cooler temps and don’t love bright light so a low light, low temperature plant will be best. Anubias and Java fern are good options. Pothos and lucky bamboo can be placed at the top of the tank with the roots in the water as well.
Water Values: As an amphibian, axolotls absorb things easily through their skin so keeping the water values at safe levels is important. Cycling the tank before putting the axolotl in it is highly recommended and the water values should be tested regularly once the axolotl is in residence. An API Freshwater Test Kit is a good way to keep track of the water parameters.
Read this explanation of why tank cycling is important and how to do it HERE.
(https://www.axolotlcentral.com/cycling-guide)
If you have city water, you will need to treat your water with a dechlorinator like Seachem Prime to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals before adding the water to your aquarium.
- Water Temperature: 60F - 65F (they can tolerate lower temps but temps over 75 can be dangerous)
- pH: 6.5 - 7.8
- Amonia: 0ppm (max 0.25 ppm for short periods)
- Nitrite: 0ppm (max 0.5ppm for short periods)
- Nitrate: >40ppm (max 110ppm for short periods)
- Carbonate hardness kH (alkalinity): 53 - 143ppm (3 - 8 degrees),
- General hardness GH: 125 - 250 ppm (7-14 degrees)
Feeding
The eating habits and nutritional requirements of axolotls change as they grow. Babies are attracted by the movement of their food while adults can also hunt for food by smell. Below is a chart showing how often to feed your axolotl and what foods are good for different ages.
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Hatchling - 4 weeks
Only live food. Feed as often as possible or leave live food in water 24/7
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4 weeks - 3 inches
Only live food. Feed multiple times a day or leave food in 24/7
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Please be aware that we are still learning as well and the information below is based on our research and what has worked for us so far. A new pet is a big responsibility and we recommend you do your own research and learn as much as you can before bringing your new family member home.
Here is a list of links to start your deep dive into all things Axolotl:
https://www.axolotlcentral.com/
https://www.axolotlcentral.com
https://www.caudata.org/
(this is a forum page that can be a bit confusing to navigate but is a good place to ask questions)
https://www.caudata.org/cc/index.shtml
(the care sheet section of caudata.org)
Here is a list of links to start your deep dive into all things Axolotl:
https://www.axolotlcentral.com/
https://www.axolotlcentral.com
https://www.caudata.org/
(this is a forum page that can be a bit confusing to navigate but is a good place to ask questions)
https://www.caudata.org/cc/index.shtml
(the care sheet section of caudata.org)
