The Ultimate Guide to Caring for an Axolotl

If you are considering getting an axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), you are about to welcome a truly unique pet into your home. These fascinating amphibians, often called Mexican walking fish, are not fish at all but fully aquatic salamanders that retain their juvenile features throughout their lives.

Axolotls require specialised care to thrive in captivity. This guide will cover everything you need to know about keeping an axolotl happy and healthy.

Introduction to the Axolotl

Axolotls originate from lakes Xochimilco and Chalco in Mexico, where they inhabit cool, slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation. They are famous for their ability to regenerate limbs and their external gills, which give them their characteristic frilly appearance.

Unlike most amphibians, axolotls remain in their larval stage for their entire lives and rarely undergo metamorphosis. They can grow up to 30 cm in length and live for 10 to 15 years with proper care.

Is an Axolotl the Right Pet for You?

Before deciding to get an axolotl, consider the following:

• They require a well-maintained aquatic environment with cool, clean water.
• They are sensitive to water quality and temperature fluctuations.
• They should not be handled frequently, as their skin is delicate.
• They are long-lived, requiring years of commitment.
• They are best kept alone, as they can be aggressive toward tank mates.

Housing Your Axolotl

Tank Setup

Axolotls need a spacious, well-filtered tank with plenty of room to move around. A minimum of a 75 litre tank is recommended for a single axolotl, with an additional 40 litres per extra axolotl.

Tank Requirements

• Water depth should be at least 25 cm, though deeper is better.
• A secure lid is essential, as axolotls can jump out of their tank.
• A sponge filter or low-flow filter is necessary, as strong currents stress axolotls.
• Hiding places such as caves, PVC pipes, or live plants provide security.

Water Conditions

Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial for axolotl health.

• Temperature should be between 14 and 18°C. Axolotls do not tolerate warm water above 22°C.
• pH levels should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Ammonia and nitrites must always be at 0 ppm, while nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm.
• Dechlorinated water must be used, as chlorine and chloramines are toxic to axolotls.

Regular water changes of 20 to 30 percent per week are necessary to maintain good water quality.

Substrate and Decorations

Choosing the right substrate is important to prevent accidental ingestion.

• Bare-bottom tanks are the safest and easiest to clean.
• Fine sand can be used, but gravel or small stones should be avoided, as axolotls may swallow them, leading to impaction.
• Live or artificial plants and smooth decorations provide enrichment. Avoid sharp objects that could injure their delicate skin.

Feeding Your Axolotl

Axolotls are carnivores and require a high-protein diet of meaty foods.

Recommended Foods

• Earthworms
• Bloodworms, live or frozen
• Blackworms
• Axolotl pellets
• Small shrimp or prawns
• Occasional feeder fish, quarantine first to avoid parasites

Feed juvenile axolotls daily and adults two to three times a week, offering as much as they can eat in five minutes.

Handling and Interaction

Axolotls should not be handled unless absolutely necessary. Their skin is highly sensitive, and they absorb chemicals and bacteria through it. If handling is required, use wet hands or a fine-mesh net to minimise stress.

They are best enjoyed as observational pets and will often become responsive to their owner’s presence, especially during feeding time.

Veterinary Care and the Importance of a Specialist

Finding a reptile and amphibian vet with experience treating axolotls is important. General veterinarians may not have the necessary knowledge to diagnose or treat them effectively.

Common Health Issues

• Fungal infections appear as white, cotton-like patches on the skin, often caused by poor water quality.
• Bacterial infections present as open sores or reddening of the skin and require veterinary attention.
• Floating issues can result from gas buildup or impaction.
• Ammonia poisoning causes red gills, lethargy, and burns, indicating poor water conditions.

If you notice loss of appetite, lethargy, or unusual behaviour, consult a specialist vet immediately.

Tank Mates and Coexistence

Axolotls are best kept alone, as they may nip at other tank mates or even attempt to eat them. If housing multiple axolotls together, ensure they are of similar size and provide plenty of space to reduce aggression.

Avoid keeping axolotls with fish, as many species will nip at their gills or may be eaten themselves.

Breeding Axolotls

Breeding axolotls in captivity is common, but it requires careful planning.

Breeding Behaviour

• Males deposit spermatophores on the tank floor, which females collect.
• Females lay hundreds of eggs on plants or decorations.
• Eggs hatch in two to three weeks, and larvae require live food such as baby brine shrimp.

If you are not prepared to care for baby axolotls, it is best to house males and females separately to avoid unexpected breeding.

Where to Get an Axolotl

It is crucial to buy your axolotl from a reputable breeder or specialist exotic pet store. Many axolotls in pet shops are not kept in ideal conditions, leading to stress and illness.

Before purchasing, check that the axolotl:

• Has clear, smooth skin with no signs of fungal infection.
• Is active and responsive to movement.
• Has intact gills and limbs.

Avoid wild-caught axolotls, as they are critically endangered in the wild due to habitat destruction.

Final Thoughts

Axolotls are unique, low-maintenance pets when provided with the right environment. They require cool, clean water, a high-protein diet, and minimal handling. With proper care, they can live for over a decade, making them a long-term commitment.

If you are willing to invest time in maintaining their habitat, an axolotl can be a fascinating and rewarding pet.