The axolotl is a lizard-like amphibian with a reputation for being one of the most amazing pets around. They’re also one of the few animals that can live their entire life in captivity, making them an ideal choice for people who don’t have a lot of time to spend on pet care.
However, if you’re still unsure whether or not this creature is right for you then read on! We’ll discuss everything from how much they cost to their dietary habits so that by the end you should feel confident about adopting one as your own.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls require dedicated care and attention. |
| Proper tank setup and water conditions are crucial for their well-being. |
| Feeding axolotls a varied diet is important for their nutritional needs. |
| Axolotls have a fascinating ability to regenerate lost body parts. |
| The conservation status of axolotls in the wild is critically endangered. |
Can You Have 2 Axolotls In The Same Tank?
Yes, axolotls can be kept in pairs or small groups. To ensure that your axolotls get along with their tank mates, you should introduce them slowly and make sure the tank is large enough for multiple axolotls to cohabitate.
The minimum size of an aquarium for one axolotl is 10 gallons. It’s best to have a larger tank so that there’s plenty of room for each animal to thrive, however: 12-15 gallons per axolotl will allow them to spread out comfortably and explore their environment.
To keep several axolotls happy and healthy in the same habitat, you’ll also need to provide plenty of food they’re voracious feeders!
If you’re considering axolotls as pets, you’ll be pleased to know that they make wonderful companions. Discover why axolotls make good pets in our comprehensive guide on axolotls as pets.
Do Axolotls Need A Filter?
If you didn’t know, axolotls are bottom dwellers. They don’t need a filter because they are very clean and produce little waste compared to other aquatic animals. If your tank has a lot of plants or is heavily planted, then it’s best to add a filter just to be on the safe side.
Axolotls also don’t eat much because they are carnivores. They only eat once per week but if you want them to grow more quickly, feed them as much as possible but not so much that it will make them sick!
| Tank Size | Filter Recommended |
|---|---|
| Small (20 gallons or less) | Yes |
| Medium (20-40 gallons) | Recommended |
| Large (40+ gallons) | Not necessary, but beneficial |
How Long Can Axolotls Live Without Food?
You may be wondering how long axolotls can live without food, and while there’s no exact number of days or weeks, it’s safe to say that they can go quite some time without any food at all. Axolotls are carnivores and need a high protein diet to thrive.
The longest documented period of starvation was 6 months! Some people think that this is because axolotls are cold-blooded animals (ectothermic) which means their metabolic rate is very low.
It takes less energy for them to function than for other animals with higher temperatures so when times get tough on their food supply, an axolotl may be able to survive longer than other creatures might under similar circumstances.
But don’t worry too much about your pet going hungry: chances are high that he’ll find something tasty eventually! And if he doesn’t? Well then maybe you’ve got yourself one happy little hermaphrodite after all…
While axolotls are fascinating creatures, they may not be suitable for everyone. Learn more about the reasons why axolotls should not be pets in our detailed article on axolotls as unsuitable pets
Are Axolotls Smelly?
Axolotls are not smelly in the same way cats and dogs are. Axolotls have no odor, which is because they live in water and are amphibians.
A lot of people think that axolotls smell like cat pee but this is simply not true. Cat urine has an ammonia-like smell because it contains urea, whereas axolotls don’t produce urea so there isn’t any ammonia to give off a foul odor.
Additionally, because axolotls are carnivores they don’t need to urinate as frequently as herbivores do (such as us humans), who can go several times a day sometimes!
The digestive tract of an axolotl only produces one or two bowel movements per month so there isn’t much waste product involved either!
What Should I Name My Axolotl?
It is up to you to decide. Axolotls are highly intelligent creatures, so you must name your axolotl something that will make them happy.
You can name your axolotl after a favorite movie character, such as Dobby from Harry Potter or Ewoks from Star Wars. You can also name it after your favorite food such as bacon or cheeseburgers, or perhaps even your favorite flower if you want to be more creative.
| Gender | Name Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Male | Neptune, Finley, Dexter, Gizmo, Spike |
| Female | Luna, Coral, Pearl, Ivy, Nala |
| Unisex | Ziggy, Bubbles, Quill, Marbles, Sushi |
What Do You Feed Axolotls?
Axolotls are omnivores and will eat a variety of different foods. You can feed them live food, frozen food, and dried food as well as pellets and worms.
One thing that isn’t recommended is feeding them fresh food like fish or meat because axolotls are quite sensitive to changing their diet too quickly and this can cause problems with digestion.
The best way to feed your axolotl is by giving them a mix of both live, frozen, and dried food every day so that they get all the nutrients they need from each source.
It’s also important not to give your axolotl too much of any one type of diet because this could lead to health problems such as bloating or constipation!
Are you curious about the benefits of having axolotls as pets? Discover why axolotls are considered good pets and what makes them unique in our informative guide on axolotls as good pets.
How Often Should You Feed An Axolotl?
Feeding time is a must. If you don’t feed your axolotl, it will die. That’s just how it is for them. So if your axolotl doesn’t eat.
Then you’ll need to do something about it because otherwise it will get sick or fat or skinny or all three at once! It’s not uncommon for an axolotl to stop eating for a day or so;
Sometimes they’re just tired and want some time off from all that food-getting business. But if this happens regularly or even occasionally then something needs to change!
Once you’ve figured out why your axolotl isn’t eating, try changing their diet or offering different types of food (such as chicken instead of beef).
| Age of Axolotl | Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|
| Juvenile (0-6 months) | Twice a day |
| Sub-Adult (6-12 months) | Once a day |
| Adult (12+ months) | Every other day |
Why Does My Axolotl Keep Trying To Eat The Gravel In His Tank?
You may have noticed that your axolotl is trying to eat the gravel in his tank. This is because he’s an amphibian, and as such, he needs to eat live food. In other words, as a carnivore he needs meat!
Fortunately for you, there are plenty of options for feeding your axolotl worms, insects, and crustaceans (all available at your local pet store). All you need to do is drop the treat into his habitat once or twice daily for about three minutes or so that’s all it takes!
Taking care of axolotls requires dedication and effort. Find out the key aspects and challenges involved in their care in our comprehensive article on caring for axolotls.
Should I Get An Axolotl?
If you’re the kind of person who can’t be bothered to remember to feed their pet once a day, get an axolotl (also known as an “axolotl”). They don’t care when you come home from work or if they’re alone for hours on end.
They will be happy to see you whenever you arrive home from work, no matter how long it’s been since your last visit. And they won’t complain if every day of their lives is spent in solitude in fact, many axolotls prefer being alone.
They’ll also never complain about where they live: If you want to keep them in a tank with goldfish and betta fish, go right ahead! They just want food and water (and maybe some gravel or fake plants). No need for fancy equipment here!
If you’re new to keeping pets or specifically interested in axolotls, our guide on axolotls as pets for beginners is a valuable resource. Discover the basics and essential considerations for beginners in this informative article.
Conclusion
These are just some of the most common questions we get asked about axolotls. If you have any more questions about these fascinating creatures, we would love to hear from you!
Just leave a comment below, chat with us on Facebook or Twitter, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Happy Axolotl-ing!
Further Reading
Axolotls as Pets on The Spruce Pets: Learn more about keeping axolotls as pets, their care requirements, and their unique characteristics.
Axolotl Care on Modest Fish: Get comprehensive information on how to care for axolotls, including tank setup, feeding, and handling tips.
Axolotl Facts on National Geographic: Discover fascinating facts about axolotls, their natural habitat, and their conservation status.
And here’s the FAQs section with 5 questions and answers in Markdown:
FAQs
Can axolotls live on land?
Axolotls are fully aquatic creatures and are not adapted to live on land. They require a water environment to thrive.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls primarily feed on live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and small fish. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
How big do axolotls grow?
On average, axolotls can reach a size of 9 to 12 inches, although some individuals can grow even larger under optimal conditions.
Can axolotls regenerate their limbs?
Yes, axolotls have a remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts, including limbs, spinal cord, heart tissue, and even parts of their brain.
Are axolotls endangered?
Yes, axolotls are considered critically endangered in the wild. Factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of non-native species have greatly impacted their populations.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.