Are Axolotls Good Pets For You? It’s A Complete Guide Of Keeping, Feeding, Behavior, and Characteristics

Axolotl (Ambystoma Mexicanum), also known as the “Mexican Walking Fish,” is an adorable and large salamander that originates from Mexico.

These freshwater salamanders are neotenic salamanders, which are also related to the tiger salamander. Although the axolotl is commonly called “walking fish,” they not actually a fish species but an amphibian.

These amphibious species were primarily found in certain lakes, such as Xochimilco and Chalco lakes, located in southern Mexico City.

They have lungs and gills, and are also more unusual among other amphibious species. These adorable amphibians spend their entire lives in water means they don’t undergo metamorphosis from baby to mature. It’s the differentiation from other amphibian species.

They are easy to care for and categorized as hardy salamanders, which means they are suitable for pet enthusiasts who have not experienced exotic pets.

However, there are some key points to consider when keeping axolotls. Below are some points you must know before keeping these adorable amphibians:

Behavior, Characteristics, And Temperament

Axolotls can grow up to 18 inches in length, but nowadays, they typically only reach 9 inches in length. The wild strain of axolotl has a dark-colored body with several mottling in its skin. Some of them may have some silvery highlights on their skin.

Another coloration of them is pale pink with black eyes (leucistic), golden body coloration with gold eyes (albino), grey body coloration with black eyes, also known as axanthic, and the melanoid, which means all bodies are black in coloration without gold/silvery speckling or olive tone.

Their bodies are delicate and gentle, with skin that is permeable to touch. In fact, almost all of their body is made from cartilage rather than bone. Their body are flat and broad.

Their head is so large with signature feathery gills that it waves softly in the water. They have mouths were often bent into a slight grin or in otherwise, are expressive.

These cute amphibian pets have round, dark eyes with yellow iridescent irises. Their limbs resemble those of a lizard. The axolotl can reach speeds of up to 15 kilometers per hour in a pinch.

Generally, they can reach sexually mature adults at age 18-24 months. They also have barely visible vestigial teeth and would have evolved during metamorphosis.

They are not social animals and do not require any tankmates. If they were keeping with other species like fish, they might eat the pet fish or conversely.

The young axolotl can be cannibalistic, so don’t keep them in the same tank. The best way to raise them is by keeping them in a separate aquarium.

The adult axolotl also becomes potentially cannibalistic when kept with another one. Actually, the axolotl can regenerate its body when it gets bitten by its tank mates. But avoiding this condition is the best choice.

Avaibility

As we know, the axolotl is rarely found in the trade and is hard to find at nearby local pet stores. However, they can be found at axolotl enthusiasts or private axolotl breeders. You can also order them online. The range costs between $20 – $70 on average. However, the axolotl with rare coloring, such as copper, is more expensive.

Axolotl Tank Requirements and Aquarium Setup

Use an aquarium with a size of 15-20 gallons for a single axolotl. Use a tank lid to secure these animals from jumping out of the aquarium.

The minimum depth of water is slightly more than the length of your axolotl. Adding depth to the water will improve the water quality and provide more space for your axolotl to swim freely.

The water temperature should be between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius, and it should not exceed 24 degrees Celsius. The higher water temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius or above can cause them to become stressed and usually negatively affect their health if sustained for several days. So you will require an aquarium thermometer to control it.

If the water temperatures are under 14 °C, they lead the metabolism process to occur more slowly, making they look less active. They will also eat less frequently, and in some cases, refuse food altogether. You may need an aquarium chiller to keep your axolotl happy for years.

Use fine sand as the substrate for their aquarium. It’s safer than normal aquarium gravel. The axolotl has bad habits when kept in an aquarium with a gravel substrate. They sometimes bite the gravel and occasionally swallow it into their mouth.

The young axolotl should be kept in an aquarium with dim lighting to prevent it from becoming shy. while the older one is growing well under a brighter light tank. However, they still need shady areas, and you could add some rocks, driftwood, some tall low-light aquarium plants like Anubias, or pipe into the aquarium.

Install a high-quality water filtration system to maintain stable water quality. Additionally, it features an essential component, external filtration, which is safer for the axolotl.

Axolotl Feeding and Diet

These exotic animals are carnivorous. In the wild, they often eat some small insects, small fish, and worms. You can feed them with bait worms, bloodworms, frozen shrimps, or raw hamburger meat. In some cases, they also accept manufactured food, such as pellets or flakes. However, the best way to ensure their metabolisms stay healthy is to choose live food.

Do not feed them too much, as this will degrade the water quality. lead to health issues in the axolotl and stimulate the growth of aquatic pests and algae in the aquarium.