Few pets offer everything that the fascinating Axolotl does. It is adorable, has some amazing regenerative features, has a decently long lifespan, and is exclusive enough to make it a really cool pet for someone who wants something off the beaten path. Also known as a Mexican Salamander, Mexican walking fish, or a water dog, it is something that, when described, may seem like something out of someone’s imagination. Thankfully, it is very real and a treat to keep as a pet. It may be a bit more challenging than a lot of the other aquatic creatures that you could keep, but it is well worth experiencing in person all the otherworldly qualities the Axolotl possesses.
At a Glance
| Common Name | Axolotl |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ambystoma mexicanum |
| Size | 9 inches to 12 inches or 23 cm to 30 cm |
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 years |
| Habitat / Native To | Freshwater lakes in New Mexico |
| Diet | Carnivorous |
| Tank Mates | Other axolotls, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Guppies, and Danios |
| Color | Multiple colour morphs. Dark and albino varieties are the most common |
What Is An Axolotl?
The axolotl is an amphibian that is native to the Valley of Mexico. It has many unusual and unexpected characteristics for an amphibian. It is completely aquatic and retains its gills into adulthood. Additionally, it does not undergo a complete metamorphosis like a frog that is born as a tadpole and undergoes a lot of changes before turning into an adult frog.
The coolest feature of an axolotl must be its regenerative ability. It has unbelievable healing capabilities and can regenerate entire limbs, parts of its tail, parts of its nervous system, and even tissues in its eyes, heart, and brain.
It is a critically endangered species in the wild, but it is one of the easiest salamanders to breed in captivity. Almost all the axolotls found in the pet trade are captive bred.
The history of how this amazing creature ended up as a pet in people’s homes across the world is just as fascinating as the axolotl itself. It was possibly first documented by the Aztecs thousands of years ago. It was exported to Europe in 1863 for research and from there, it eventually made its way into the pet world.
How To Pronounce Axolotl?
The axolotl gets its name from the Aztec god of death Xolotl. It is pronounced as ak-suh-lo-tl.
Where Do Axolotls Live?
The axolotl is endemic to or found only in a few lakes in the eastern part of Mexico. Many of these lakes were drained by the European settlers when they first came to this place resulting in a major portion of their natural habitat being destroyed. A small wild population still survives in a few lakes remaining in this area giving rise to its critically endangered status.
As the axolotl is only found in this small region, it has very specific requirements when it comes to water conditions and tank setup.
How Long Do Axolotls Live?
The axolotl can live for 5 to 10 years in the wild. In captivity, this can be as high as 20 years with proper care. This is a lot for an amphibian and part of the reason why the axolotl can live so long is because of its regenerative abilities. This long lifespan should be taken into account when choosing the axolotl as a pet.
Does an Axolotl Make a Good Pet?
This is a tricky question as every hobbyist is different. The best way to decide if the axolotl is right for you is by looking at everything that is great about this amphibian, as well as everything that is a challenge. Again, what can be a challenge for one person can be a great thing for another person. So, we will list everything that is unique about this pet and let you decide whether the axolotl is the right pet for you
Its unique care requirements – Unlike most pet fishes which are tropical, the axolotl prefers much cooler waters. In many places, this will necessitate the use of coolers. Apart from that, the other care requirements must be followed strictly. Equipment failure can be catastrophic and power backup and constant monitoring is required.
The lifespan – This is one of those things that can be both a pro as well as a con. If you want a pet that can stay with you for a long time, then the axolotl is perfect. If, on the other hand, you are unsure about committing to taking care of a somewhat demanding pet for a decade, then you should look at other options.
The size – The axolotl can grow to a maximum size of 9 to 12 inches or 23 to 30 cm and sometimes even larger than that. They also produce a lot of waste. This means that they need a rather large tank as well as a robust filter and maintenance schedule.
Cost and availability – Axolotls aren’t the easiest pets to find in pet stores and in many places, it has to be specially ordered. This also means that, it can come with a hefty price tag.
If you are fine with all these things, then the axolotl is the ultimate aquarium pet. It is relatively easy to feed, and if the aquarium is maintained properly, it won’t cause any huge hassles. There is that adorable face and cute mannerisms too.
How Big Does an Axolotl Get?
Axolotls can grow to a size of between 6 and 18 inches or 15 cm and 45 cm. However, they are more likely to reach a size of 9 to 12 inches or 23 to 30 cm.
Behaviour and Temperament
The axolotl is pretty placid, but there are a few exceptions. They are a bit skittish and, under stress, can act out a bit, especially if there are other axolotls. This stress can occur if there is too much movement around the tank, the water condition isn’t just right, and/or the tank is overcrowded.
The axolotl is carnivorous in nature and will go after anything that it perceives as prey and swims too close. They have a poor eyesight, and this means that they will pretty much go after anything that get near them including your hands although their mouth and teeth are too weak to inflict any damage to humans.
Axolotls do not like being handled by humans either. This should only be done when absolutely necessary.
Axolotl Tank Mates
Axolotls are solitary by nature and can be kept by themselves in a tank. This is my preferred method.
If you really do not want to keep your axolotl alone, then the tankmate must fulfill the following conditions
- It must also thrive in the cooler conditions that the axolotl needs
- It must be completely placid
- It shouldn’t be too small or too slow, or it will end up as a snack for the axolotl
- It should not possess sharp spines as that can hurt the axolotl
Considering all these conditions, the options you have are
- Other Axolotls
As long as there is enough space, axolotls will get along just fine with each other. This does raise the stakes a bit, as even the slightest sign of stress will cause them to turn on each other.
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows
This is one of those rare fish that does well in cold water and is quick enough to avoid being eaten by the Axolotl
- Guppies and Zebra Danios
These fish can also tolerate cooler conditions as long as they are properly acclimated. There are a couple of caveats, though. These fish aren’t always quick enough to avoid getting eaten. You might find a few of them missing every now and then. Additionally, these affordable fish aren’t always kept in the best conditions and can carry parasites and diseases.
There are a few aquatic creatures that might seem like great options but aren’t. These include
- Goldfish
- Cory catfish
- Any type of crustacean
While they can all tolerate the colder conditions needed by axolotls, they are bad tankmates. The goldfish is an infamous fin-nipper and will go after the delicate fins and gills of the axolotl. The cory catfish is small enough to be eaten, and its sharp spines can injure the axolotl. Crustaceans with shells or a hard exoskeleton also present a similar problem.
Aquarium Setup
The axolotl’s original habitat consists of lakes that are fed by mountain streams. These lakes have cold and pristine water. Axolotls also need more horizontal space than vertical space.
The Right Tank
The first step is to choose the right tank. Each axolotl needs at least 15 gallons of water. I would recommend a 20-gallon tank, as that is just a bit more forgiving. If you plan to keep multiple axolotls, then each extra axolotl needs an additional 15 gallons. The dimensions of the tank are just as important. Choose a tank that is long instead of one that is tall. A tank that is at least 24 inch or 60 cm long is ideal.
Water temperature
The next important parameter is temperature. The axolotl thrives in a very narrow temperature range of 60°F to 65°F or 15°C to 18°C. This is something that cannot be compromised with. The tank should be placed away from any source of heat, including open windows. If the place you stay isn’t naturally cool, which is a lot of places around the world, you will need a temperature control system that will regulate the water temperature and keep it within that ideal range. An aquarium chiller from a reputed brand, such as JBJ, IceProbe, Coralife, or Teco Tank, would be my choice.
You will also need to install some form of a power backup such as a battery-powered inverter that will keep the chiller and other equipment functioning even if there is a power outage.
Water
This is another crucial part of keeping axolotls successfully. They are very sensitive to ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. The tank should be properly cycled and double and triple-checked before adding the axolotl. A weekly 30% water change should be done without fail. Any water that is added to the tank should be properly conditioned with an amphibian conditioner such as the TetraFauna AquaSafe. A testing kit is a must too. Testing should be done once every two to three days to avoid any nasty surprises.
Substrate and decor
Axolotls feed in such a way that they will also ingest some of the substrate along with their food. Using gravel or small pebbles and rocks is not recommended as these can get lodged in their digestive tract, which can cause a lot of health issues. A fine sandy substrate is the best option.
Decorative items such as caves or anything else that can act as hiding spots for the axolotl should be provided. You can keep live plants but only those that do not require strong lighting, which brings us to
Lighting
The axolotl does not need any special lighting and can get stressed under bright lights or lights that stay on all the time. Use low-intensity lights and turn them off at night.
Filtration system
There are three key things that axolotls need from the filtration system
- Strong filtration
- Gentle water current
- Great aeration
Aquarium filters are rated for the number of gallons of water they can filter each hour. Choose a filter that is rated for twice the amount of water in the aquarium. So, a 20-gallon tank will need a filter that is rated at 40 gallons/hour and so on.
The tricky part is keeping the filtration strong without introducing a strong current in the aquarium. A great trick that works for me is attaching a spray bar to the outlet of the filter. It also adds to the aeration of the water.
An airstone to further supplement the aeration is a great idea.
Axolotl Aquarium Cycling & Maintenance
Aquarium cycling is an important step in setting up any new aquarium, and it is particularly true for an axolotl tank. As mentioned earlier, they are very sensitive to ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. If possible, use a mature tank that has been set up and has been used successfully to keep fish in previously. If you take this route, make sure that the tank is free of any harmful microbes, parasites, or diseases.
For a new tank, start by properly cleaning the tank with water and then filling it up with aged water that is free of chlorine and has been conditioned with a water conditioner meant for amphibians.
Add some fish food once every two to three days. Keep testing the water with an ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate kit.
Keep testing until there is no ammonia or nitrites. Do a 50% water change and repeat the whole process again. Do another 30% water change. Test to make sure that there is no ammonia or nitrite and that the nitrate level is under 10 ppm.
Make sure all the other parameters are stable and within the following range
- Temperature: 60°F to 65°F or 15°C to 18°C
- pH: 7.4 to 7.6 (use pH adjusting chemicals usually available at fish stores)
- Hardness: 125-250
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: less than 10 ppm
Once you have everything set up, add the axolotl, and closely observe everything during the first week. Continue testing the water. A weekly 30% water change is needed once everything settles properly. Half of the filter media should be changed every six months. Add a thermometer with an audible alarm that will alert you if the temperature rises above 65°F or 18°C, such as the Cooper Atkins thermometer, to avoid a disaster.
Aquascaping an Axolotl Fish Tank
Plants aren’t necessary for an axolotl tank, but if you want live plants, you are in for a challenge. Axolotls are carnivorous and don’t eat plants, but that doesn’t stop them from just munching on plants and spitting them up. So, choose plants that are both tough but won’t harm the axolotl in any way. They should also be okay with the cooler temperatures. We will look at the options a little later.
As for the setup, make sure that there is a lot of open space, and the plants provide a lot of hiding spots.
Hardscaping an Axolotl Tank
Hardscaping an axolotl tank is a lot more important than aquascaping. These amphibians are skittish by nature and can get nervous very easily. They need plenty of hiding spots to make them feel secure. The hardscaping should be centred around that. I like using decor made from terracotta or non-toxic resin that offer plenty of hiding spots. Get decorative items that are large enough to accommodate the adult size of an axolotl. Have multiple such items, especially if you have more than one axolotl. Avoid creating a cave by stacking loose pebbles, as these can get dislodged and trap or hurt these amazing creatures.
Best Aquarium Plants for an Axolotl
Axolotls need tough plants that can stand up to some aggression from them. They should also thrive in cooler conditions and muted lighting. Keeping these in mind, these are some great options
- Java Fern
- Java Moss
- Dwarf Hairgrass
- Anubias Nana
- Hornwort
- Vallisneria
Axolotl Diet and Feeding
The one thing that is relatively easy about Axolotls is feeding them. They are carnivorous in nature, and they aren’t picky eaters in captivity. Live food is the best option as it keeps them active and provides them with all the nutrients. I have found whole Bloodworms or live Nightcrawlers to work best for them. One tablespoon of bloodworms or about three Nightcrawlers a day is an adequate amount of food.
- Other options include
- Frozen Brine Shrimp
- Mysis Shrimp
- Pellets specifically formulated for axolotls
You can supplement this with Beef heart and diced meat once a week. Sometimes, axolotls won’t immediately eat frozen or dead food. Use a pair of tongs or long tweezers to wiggle the food in front of the axolotl.
Overfeeding an axolotl should not be a worry in most cases. They only eat as much as they need. So, any uneaten food should be removed immediately to avoid messing up the water chemistry.
Health Problems & Disease
Axolotls are fairly hardy as long as the water quality is pristine, there are no infections, and the tank isn’t overcrowded. Here is a more detailed look at what can happen when these conditions aren’t met
Poor Water Quality – This will cause the axolotl to lose the will to live. They will start avoiding food, become lethargic and lose weight. Their immune system will take a huge hit which will result in infections and diseases. If the water quality isn’t restored, they can die in a matter of a couple of days.
Infections – This usually happens when diseased individuals are added to a tank or microbes from an infected tank get into the axolotl tank. This usually results in a loss of colouration and the appearance of red patches on the body. Quarantine the affected axolotl and treat it with an anti-bacterial medication that is safe for amphibians.
Overcrowding – This can lead to poor water quality and infections. Still, if you somehow manage to avoid both initially, the axolotls can still get stressed and start nipping at each other, especially around the gills. This can lead to open wounds and fatal infections. Each axolotl needs at least 15 gallons of water, with multiple hiding spots.
Some of the common diseases that can afflict axolotls include
- Hyperthermia
When the temperature touches 75°F or 24°C, axolotls go into thermal shock. This can be very bad for them. This is usually a point of no return. The best you can do is place the axolotl in a refrigerator for about 15 minutes to bring its core temperature down to safe levels and then treating them with an antibiotic to keep infections away.
- Gastric Blockage
This usually occurs when they ingest something relatively large and hard that gets stuck in their digestive system. If they don’t throw it up within a few hours, you will need the help of a vet to extract the foreign body. - Bacterial infections
The axolotl has a pretty robust immune system when they are healthy. However, poor water conditions can lead to bacterial infections. Enrofloxacin, gentamycin and amikacin at 5 mg/kg IP, or trimethoprim sulphonamides PI, are great at treating such infections. As always, prevention is better than cure.
Breeding
Breeding axolotls isn’t the most difficult thing in the world as long as you know what to do. The first step is sexing the axolotls. Males will have a swollen bump under the tail. Females lack this, and they tend to be slightly larger than males. You also need mature adults. I recommend individuals that are at least 18 months old.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to the best way of inducing breeding. The first method involves gradually increasing the time the lights are off for a few weeks and then decreasing it. This mimics the seasonal change that occurs during the breeding season from January to June in their natural habitat. The second method is to abruptly reduce the temperature to 14°C or 57°F.
From personal experience, I have found that a combination of both these methods leads to the best results. Start by reducing the daylight time for three weeks and then increase it for the next two weeks. At the end of this five-week period, reduce the temperature. Ideally, have a separate breeding tank. Use plastic plants with broad leaves. I avoid live plants as they can be a hassle to clean and care for.
The male will begin the mating process, and after a successful mating, the female will lay between a hundred and a thousand eggs over the next few days. Once the eggs are laid, the adults should be removed.
Keep the water well aerated, and the temperature at 68°F or 20°C. The eggs will hatch in 17-18 days. The fry should be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp or daphnia four times a week. The frequency of feeding should be increased as they start growing.
How to Handle Your Axolotl
Despite how irresistible it might be to pick them up and play with them, this should never be done. They may have rudimentary lungs, but they still need their gills to be completely submerged underwater to breathe. They also have very delicate skins with a protective covering of mucous. Both can dry out in a matter of minutes, leading to trauma from which the axolotl may never recover. Axolotls should only be handled when absolutely necessary, such as when it has to be moved from one tank to another. Use a gentle net to do this and plan the move in such a way that the axolotl stays out of the water for only a few seconds.
Did You Know?
- 34 axolotls were first exported to Europe in 1863 and almost all the current axolotls in captivity can trace at least part of their lineage back to one of those original 34
- This also means that they have been held in captivity for more than 150 years
- Axolotls have both a gill as well as a very primitive lung they use to breath through their skin. They, however, cannot survive outside water
- They can regenerate multiple body parts including tissues in their eyes, brain, and their heart
- They have a genome sequence that is 10 times larger than that of a human’s
Axolotl Colors & Types
As the axolotl has been bred in captivity for so long, it comes in multiple colour morphs. These include
- White albino – The most common variety with a white body, red gills, and pinkish-white eyes. They are particularly sensitive to bright lights.
- Black melanoid – These are almost as common as the white albino. They can be anything from dark green to totally black, with purple or deep blue accents.
- Leucitic – They are like a white albino but have translucent skin with brownish-black eyes. These are also relatively common
- Golden albinos – They have golden patches all over their bodies. The intensity of this golden colouration increases with age. These are a little more difficult to find
- Copper – They have copper-coloured specks scattered all over a grey-green body. These are pretty rare.
- Lavender or Dalmatian – This is a very rare colour morph that is silver in colour with a purple sheen. The gills are a contrasting red, and the eyes are black. It has tiny dark spots scattered all over its body.
- Mosaic – It has a colour pattern that is like a patchwork of albino and dark colourations. Not at all common
- Firefly – These are extremely rare and somewhat controversial too. They mostly have a dark appearance with an albino tail that glows in the dark. This has been achieved by implanting a gene from a jellyfish. This is one of the most difficult axolotl morphs to find
- Chimera – This is one of the rarest axolotls out there. Its body is divided exactly in half, with one side having the albino colouration and the other side having a dark colouration. This is an almost impossible colour morph to procure, and on the very rare occasion you do manage to find one, be ready to shell out a hefty amount of money.
Regeneration
It is quite possible that the axolotl would be extinct today had it not been for its regenerative abilities. It can grow back entire limbs, its tail, parts of its central nervous system, tissues in its eyes, heart and even parts of its brain. This has made them of huge interest for researchers. This was why they were first kept in captivity and why there has been any effort of conserving whatever little remains of their natural habitat.
There are hopes that all this research will one day help humans to grow organs and appendages in labs to enable transplantation of body parts that are not possible currently.
Axolotl FAQs
How To Pronounce Axolotl?
It is pronounced as ak-suh-lo-tl.
Where Do Axolotls Live?
Axolotls originally come from a few freshwater lakes in New Mexico. Many of these lakes do not exist today leading to these amphibians being critically endangered and perilously close to becoming extinct in the wild
How Long Do Axolotls Live?
In the wild they can live for between 5 and 10 years. In captivity, with good care, this can be as high as 15 or 20 years
Does an Axolotl Make a Good Pet?
This is a pet that has a few stringent requirements that demands commitment both in terms of time and effort. If you are fine with that, the axolotl makes for a very fulfilling pet option
How Big Does an Axolotl Get?
Axolotls can range between 6 inches and 18 inches or 15 cm and 45 cm. They most commonly grow to a maximum size of between 9 inches and 12 inches or 23 cm and 30 cm
Are Axolotls Asexual?
Axolotls aren’t asexual. Both a male and female are needed for reproduction
Are Axolotls Endangered? How Many Axolotls Are Left?
Axolotls are critically endangered as they are only found in a few lakes in New Mexico. It is estimated that there are only between 700 and 1200 individuals left in the wild and this number is dwindling quite quickly
Do axolotls bite humans?
Axolotls will try to get a nibble of anything that gets close to their mouth, and this includes human fingers as well. Usually, this isn’t painful as their teeth aren’t sharp enough to break through human skin
Do axolotls stink?
As long as they are healthy, they do not stink
Do axolotls like to be touched?
They do not like being touched and should only be handled when absolutely necessary
How do I clean axolotl poop?
A good gravel cleaner meant for sandy substrates should do the trick
Can you pick an axolotl up?
You can but you shouldn’t. Use a net that is gentle when they need to be moved
What size fish tank will I need for an axolotl?
A 15-gallon tank that is 20 inches or 60 cm long is the bare minimum for one axolotl
What sort of aquarium plants are best for axolotls?
Long, wide, and short aquariums suit axolotls the most
What tank setup will I need for my axolotl?
Sandy substrate, hardy plants, and plenty of hiding spots make for a great setup. The filtration system should be strong, but the water current should be gentle
Can you aquascape an axolotl tank?
Yes, you can. Use plants with broad leaves that do not need strong lighting
What temperature aquarium water does an axolotl need?
60°F to 65°F or 15°C to 18°C
How many colors do axolotls come in?
Axolotls come in about 5 common colour morphs and about 5-7 rare colour morphs. This number can change as more colour morphs can be produced through selective breeding
What do Axolotls Eat?
Axolotls are carnivores and can be fed Bloodworms and Nightcrawlers. This can be complemented with axolotl pellets, diced meat and beef heart
Are Axolotls Right For You?
I won’t beat around the bush. Axolotls aren’t a pet I would recommend to everybody. There are quite a few challenges to keeping them well. The temperature regulation is a really tricky part to get right as you have to invest in a high-quality chiller. The filtration system has to be just right and you will also have to invest in some form of a power backup. This makes it costly to set the aquarium up. The weekly water change, regular testing, and monitoring also means that you will need to put in a lot of effort. This effort and cost must be sustained for a decade and sometimes even more.
If all this is in the realms of what is possible for you and you have plenty of experience in keeping aquariums successfully, then the axolotl, with all its amazing qualities, is the right pet for you.
