Everything You Need to Know About Keeping an Axolotl
At Picasso Exotic Aquatics, we understand that Axolotls are truly unique pets with very specific needs. We go beyond just selling them; we are dedicated to ensuring every Axolotl finds a healthy, happy, and permanent home. Our experts are here to guide you through everything from the crucial tank cycling process to selecting the right cooling solutions and proper diet. By choosing us, you’re not just getting a pet and supplies—you’re gaining a partner who is committed to the long-term well-being of your new aquatic companion.
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are a type of salamander that remain in their larval stage for their entire lives. This means they keep their feathery external gills and live underwater, unlike most other amphibians that transition to a land-based life. Native to the ancient lakes of Xochimilco and Chalco in Mexico, Axolotls are now critically endangered in the wild, making captive breeding and responsible ownership even more important.
Creating the right environment is the most important step in Axolotl care. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Creating the right environment is the most important step in Axolotl care. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Maintaining the right water conditions is non-negotiable for an Axolotl’s health.
A low-flow filter is essential. Axolotls dislike strong currents, so a sponge filter or a hang-on-back filter with a spray bar to diffuse the flow are excellent choices.
Axolotls do not need and generally dislike bright light. Keep the tank in a room with natural light but avoid direct sunlight. A low-wattage, dim LED light can be used for viewing but should not be left on for long periods.
Axolotls are carnivores. Here are some of the best food options:
Most Axolotl health problems are directly related to poor water quality. By maintaining the correct temperature and water parameters, you can prevent most issues.
The feeding frequency depends on your Axolotl’s age. Juveniles (under a year old or less than 7 inches long) should be fed daily, and sometimes even two to three times a day, as they are still growing rapidly. Adult Axolotls (over 7 inches) can be fed every two to three days. A good rule of thumb is to feed them when their belly is flat and not plump. Overfeeding can lead to health issues, so it’s important to find a good rhythm.
This is a common question, and the answer is generally no. Axolotls are predatory by nature and will try to eat any fish or invertebrate that can fit in their mouth. Fish may also nip at the Axolotl’s delicate gills, causing injury and stress. It is best to keep a single Axolotl in its own tank or house them with other Axolotls of a similar size to prevent nipping and cannibalism.
Yes, Axolotls do benefit from bubbles and proper aeration. While they have lungs and can breathe air from the surface, they primarily breathe through their external gills. Well-oxygenated water is crucial for their health and helps promote healthy gill filament growth. An air stone or a sponge filter is an excellent way to add oxygen to the water without creating a strong, stressful current.
Axolotls are observational pets and should not be handled unless absolutely necessary, such as during a tank cleaning or a health check. Their skin is extremely delicate and covered in a protective slime coat. Touching them with human hands, even if clean, can damage this coat and expose them to pathogens or chemicals from your skin. When you must handle them, do so with very wet hands or a fine mesh net, and be as gentle as possible.
Axolotls can and will “bite” if they mistake your finger for food, but their bites are completely harmless to humans. Their teeth are not sharp and are primarily used for gripping food, not chewing or causing injury. The sensation is more of a light pressure or a tickle. It’s best to use tongs when feeding to avoid any accidental nips.
It can be difficult to determine the sex of an Axolotl until it reaches maturity, typically around 8-12 months of age. The most reliable way to tell is by looking at the cloaca, the opening located behind their back legs. Males will have a larger, more pronounced, and swollen cloaca, while females will have a smaller, flatter one. Females also tend to have a broader, more rounded body shape.
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