The axolotl, also known as Ambystoma mexicanum, is a completely aquatic salamander species, which means it retains its larval characteristics throughout its entire life, unlike other salamanders that undergo complete metamorphosis and lose their gills to adapt to land. Instead, this fascinating creature keeps its cute, large, feathery gills, fin-like tail, and broad head, all while sporting a captivating, everlasting smile. However, caring for it can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining the right water temperature, which often necessitates a chiller and a temperature controller. If you’re ready for this responsibility, this axolotl care guide will help you create the best habitat and maximize your axolotl lifespan.
What is Axolotl?
You may hear the axolotl often called the Mexican walking fish. Actually, it’s not a fish but an aquatic salamander found only in three lakes near Mexico city. Sadly, habitat loss, with Lake Xochimilco being its last remaining home, as well as severe pollution from the expanding human population have pushed this unique creature to the brink of extinction in the wild, where it is currently listed as critically endangered.
In its natural habitat, the axolotl is a bottom-dweller that primarily feeds on worms, slugs, and insects. Because it is nocturnal and lives in mud, it has poor eyesight and relies on its sensory organs to detect movement in the water. One of its most notable traits is its ability to regenerate lost limbs, tails, and even parts of its heart and brain, which makes it extremely valuable in medical research.
Axolotl Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?
In captivity and with proper care, axolotls can live for 10 to 15 years, with some even living over 20. However, their lifespan in the wild is drastically shorter, with axolotls lucky to survive 5 to 6 years.
Is It Legal to Have an Axolotl as Pet?
For most parts of the world, it is legal to own an axolotl as a pet. However, in California, Maine, and New Jersey, you’ll find that it’s against the law to keep, import, or sell axolotls. Meanwhile, New Mexico and Hawaii have specific regulations that require you to obtain a permit. Always check your state, provincial, or local axolotl laws before bringing one home.
Aquarium Size and Requirements
Tank Size
A 20-gallon tank is the bare minimum for housing an adult axolotl, but a 30-gallon tank or larger is recommended. This size allows them to stretch out comfortably and helps to dilute their waste more effectively. If you plan to keep more than one axolotl, add at least 10 gallons for each additional pet. Since axolotls are bottom-dwellers, the length and width of the tank are more important than the height. Also, remember to secure a well-ventilated lid on the tank, as they might jump out unexpectedly.
Substrate
For baby axolotls, a bare bottom is safer and easier to clean. However, a smooth surface can be stressful for them since they struggle to maintain their balance. Therefore, as they grow older, you can introduce fine sand to the substrate. While they might accidentally ingest small amounts when feeding, it will pass smoothly through their digestive system without causing blockage.
If you choose to use gravel as a substrate, make sure it's coarse enough to be larger than the axolotl's head, as axolotls have a strong feeding instinct and will try to swallow anything that fits in their mouths.
Filtration
The waters of Lake Xochimilco, the native habitat of axolotl, are relatively calm, so it’s best to avoid filters and equipment that create strong water flow and surface agitation. Canister filters and hang-on-back filters are good options, but they need to have a spray bar or baffle to reduce the flow at the outlet. Axolotls dislike strong currents. Alternatively, sponge filters, while cheaper and less efficient, suit axolotls perfectly as they provide gentle filtration.
Lighting
Axolotls are nocturnal and live in dark areas under plants or rocks at the bottom of lakes. They are quite sensitive to bright light, which means they need little to no light to live. A little bit of low-intensity, indirect light indoors in all they need to survive comfortably.
Decorations
Prioritizing a hiding place for your axolotl pet is essential for reducing stress. A ceramic cave or clay pot designed for aquariums is a good idea. Make sure there is no sharp edges. You can also incorporate some live aquatic plants like pothos, water fig, and Java fern, which not only provide natural cover but also help improve water quality.
Water Parameters
Cycling
Like any other aquatic pets, your aquarium must be fully nitrogen-cycled before introducing an axolotl. This can take 4-8 weeks to complete. You can monitor the cycle using a reliable liquid test kit. Simply follow the instructions on the kit to check your water quality in a matter of minutes. It’s best to wait until the nitrogen cycle is complete before bringing home your axolotl.
Temperature
Axolotls are cold-water creatures and prefer to stay in cool water. The ideal temperature range is 60-68°F (15-20°C). If the temperature is too high, it can cause stress, weaken their immune system, increase susceptibility to disease, and significantly shorten their lifespan, while if it's too low, it can also slow their metabolism.
To keep the aquarium temperature stable, using an INKBIRD ITC-308 temperature controller connected to an aquarium cooler is recommended. Unless you live in an extremely cold area, a dedicated heater is not necessary.
Water Quality
After a complete cycle, the water quality parameters of your aquarium should be:
- Ammonia (NH3/NH4+): 0 ppm
- Nitrite (NO2-): 0 ppm
- Nitrate (NO3-): <20 ppm
- pH: 6.5 - 7.8, neutral to slightly alkaline
Each time you add tap water, use a high-quality dechlorinator or water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines. Test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH weekly, and test more frequently in new setups.
Water Changes
Axolotls are quite messy, so partial water changes of 20-30% are necessary weekly to keep nitrate levels under 20 ppm. Always use cold, treated water, and use a siphon vacuum to clean the substrate surface to remove waste and debris.
If ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate levels in the aquarium exceed ideal values, consider doing larger water changes, but avoid changing 100% of the water at once.
Diet and Feeding
Axolotls are carnivores with voracious appetites. Earthworms are their best staple food - nutritionally complete, digestible, and readily accepted. You can also purchase bottom feeds formulated specifically for axolotls. If you want to treat your pet, occasionally offer bloodworms, brine shrimp, or worms as additional snacks. Avoid feeding it fish caught from wild, as these may carry parasites. Additionally, axolotls do not require vitamin or mineral supplements.
Typically, juveniles should be fed daily, while adults should be fed 2-3 times a week. Feed only as much as they are willing to eat. If your axolotl seems uninterested in eating during day, try feeding it at night when it is more active. Use feeding tongs to place food close to it, and remove any leftovers after 15-20 minutes to keep the water clean.
Axolotl Tank Mates
Axolotls are naturally solitary creatures, meaning they don't require other tank mates or companionship. While they can be kept together if they are of similar size in a properly sized aquarium, there's a risk of cannibalism. So, solitary housing is the safest and most recommended option.
Additionally, most fish will nip at axolotl’s delicate gills, legs, and tail, mistaking them for food, while small fish, snails, and clams may be eaten, leading to potential clogging issue. If you do want to add tank mates, only very small, peaceful, cold-water species like ghost shrimp are suitable, and even then, they should be in large, well-filtered aquariums.
Stress Reduction and Handling
Avoid handling axolotls unless absolutely necessary. Their skin is delicate, and mucus layer is vulnerable, all make them susceptible to infection. If you have to move them, use wet hands or a soft, fine mesh and gently support their entire body.
Stress can arise from various factors, including poor water quality, incorrect temperature, strong water flows, harsh lighting, aggressive tank mates, insufficient hiding spots, or rough handling. Signs of stress include curled or closed gills, loss of appetite, erratic swimming, pale coloration, or excessive floating.
Common Health Problems & Treatments
Most axolotl health issues can be traced back to poor water quality, incorrect temperature, or improper feeding. Vigilance is key to early detection and treatment. Find an experienced exotic veterinarian before you have an emergency.
|
Health Issue |
Symptom & Reason |
Prevention |
Treatment |
|
Fungal Infections |
Appear as white, cottony growths, often found on gills or wounds. Caused by poor water quality, stress, or injury. |
Impeccable water, correct temperature, stress reduction. |
Salt baths or antifungal medications that are amphibian-safe. |
|
Bacterial Infections |
Red sores/ulcers, bloating, lethargy, loss of appetite. Often secondary to stress or poor water. |
Same as fungal. |
Requires prompt veterinary attention and antibiotics. |
|
Impaction |
Caused by ingesting gravel, large food items, or substrate. Symptoms include lack of appetite, floating abnormally, lack of waste production, lethargy. |
Only use fine sand or bare bottom, feed appropriate-sized food. |
Fridge method under vet guidance or, in more severe cases, surgery. |
|
Gill Deterioration |
Gills shrink and lose filaments. Primarily caused by chronically poor water quality, especially high ammonia/nitrite, or excessively warm temperatures. |
Maintain perfect water parameters and correct temperature. |
ix underlying water and temperature issues. Gills can regenerate if the cause is removed early. |
|
Skin Lesions/Redness |
Can indicate poor water, chemical irritation from untreated tap water or cleaning products, or physical injury. |
Use water conditioner, avoid tank contaminants, ensure smooth decor. |
Improve water quality, remove irritant, salt baths if infected. |
FAQs
Can you hold an axolotl?
Their skin is extremely delicate and permeable. Handling removes their protective slime coat, causes stress, and risks injury. Only handle if absolutely necessary, using wet, clean hands or a soft net briefly.
How big can an axolotl get?
Adult axolotls can reach up to 9 inches (23 cm) in length, but some can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm), depending on their genetics, diet, and environment.
How to determine the sex of an axolotl?
Axolotls can’t be accurately sexed until they reach sexual maturity, which usually happens between 12 and 18 months. To determine their sex, you can check the cloaca. Males have a noticeably swollen and protruding cloaca, while females have a smaller and less pronounced one. Additionally, females may appear rounder, especially when they are carrying eggs.
