Axolotls are a type of salamander native to Mexico. They are unique in that they have the ability to regenerate limbs, tails, and even spinal cords.
Axolotls can also change their color depending on their surroundings which makes them an interesting pet for those who want something different!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls can make good pets with proper care and attention. |
| Understanding the specific needs and requirements of axolotls is crucial for their well-being. |
| Providing a suitable tank setup, including the right water conditions and hiding spots, is essential. |
| Axolotls primarily feed on live prey, and their diet should be varied and nutritionally balanced. |
| Regular monitoring of their health and addressing any potential issues promptly is important. |
| Axolotls require a commitment of time, effort, and resources to ensure their overall welfare. |
| Researching and educating oneself about axolotl care is essential before deciding to have them as pets. |
| Consulting with experienced axolotl owners or professionals can provide valuable guidance and support. |
| Responsible pet ownership includes providing a suitable environment and meeting the needs of the animal. |
| Enjoying the unique characteristics and beauty of axolotls can be a rewarding experience. |
What Is An Axolotl?
An axolotl is a type of salamander and is native to Mexico. The species is known for its neoteny or the retention of larval traits into adulthood.
Axolotls are aquatic salamanders, meaning they spend their entire lives in water but can breathe air through their lungs when out of the water as adults.
They have four legs and two feet that are webbed together for swimming; these also allow them to move quickly on land if necessary (though it’s not recommended). Their bodies are long, flat, and wide like eels’, with a large head that takes up about one-third of their body length.
You’ll often see them with brownish-gray skin with reddish spots all over their body these red spots are where your axolotl will store its energy when it needs extra help staying warm!
If you’re wondering why axolotls make good pets, our veterinary experts have the answers. Discover the unique qualities that make axolotls excellent companions in our comprehensive guide on why axolotls make good pets.
How Long Will An Axolotl Live?
How long do axolotls live? How long is an Axolotl expected to live?
Axolotls have been known to live up to 20 years in captivity, but their natural lifespan is 5-7 years. It’s still not clear why they tend to live longer in captivity than they do in the wild (which has always been a bit of a mystery).
Why Do Axolotls Have External Gills
The axolotl is an amphibian that inhabits the water. That’s why it has external gills and breathes through its skin. Because it’s an amphibian and not a fish, it needs to breathe oxygen from the air and not from water.
| Axolotl Species | Presence of External Gills |
|---|---|
| Wildtype Axolotl | Present |
| Leucistic Axolotl | Present |
| Golden Axolotl | Present |
| Melanoid Axolotl | Present |
| GFP Axolotl | Present |
| Copper Axolotl | Present |
| Chimera Axolotl | Present |
| Axanthic Axolotl | Present |
Are Axolotls Easy To Keep As Pets?
The answer is: yes, axolotls are easy pets. However, they can be difficult to keep in the home because of their specific water conditions. Many people have trouble finding them at all and those that do often find that the axolotls are more expensive than other pet types.
In addition to these factors, axolotls may need to be fed live food or kept in a tank instead of a bowl, which may make them less convenient for some families.
Still interested? Let’s look at how you can keep your new pet happy and healthy!
Are you considering axolotls as pets? Learn why these fascinating creatures are considered good pets by exploring our detailed insights in the article on why axolotls are good pets provided by our veterinary experts.
How Big Do Axolotls Get?
While the axolotl is not a large animal, it can grow up to 6 inches long and should be kept in a tank that is at least 20 gallons. It’s also important to note that axolotls are nocturnal, so if you want to see your pet during daylight hours, this may not be the best choice for you.
If you do decide on getting an axolotl as a pet and want it to live past its first year, try keeping it around 12 hours of light per day (from sunrise until noon).
Do Axolotls Bite Humans?
The answer is no, axolotls do not bite humans. Axolotls are not aggressive and they don’t have any teeth. Axolotls are very docile animals, which means that they won’t bite or attack you when you hold them.
Because these creatures aren’t dangerous in any way, it’s safe to say that petting an axolotl is a good idea for kids who want to learn about the animal world. Parents should be present during this activity so there are no accidents!
| Axolotl Species | Biting Behavior |
|---|---|
| Wildtype Axolotl | Rarely |
| Leucistic Axolotl | Rarely |
| Golden Axolotl | Rarely |
| Melanoid Axolotl | Rarely |
| GFP Axolotl | Rarely |
| Copper Axolotl | Rarely |
| Chimera Axolotl | Rarely |
| Axanthic Axolotl | Rarely |
Why Are Axolotls Endangered?
It’s a sad fact that axolotls are endangered, but the reasons for this are numerous and complex.
Axolotls are native to Mexico, so their natural habitat is being destroyed by human activity such as agriculture, road building, and overfishing. They’re also being caught and sold as pets, which has left their wild population numbers dwindling.
To make matters worse, they’re sometimes used in scientific research because they have amazing regenerative abilities but this is problematic because these creatures can’t easily be bred in captivity (and there need to be strict laws against buying or selling axolotls).
Finally, there’s another problem: many species of amphibians are eaten by humans so even though you might not eat an axolotl yourself if given one as a pet (us neither), it doesn’t mean someone else won’t!
For a comprehensive understanding of why axolotls make great pets, delve into our in-depth exploration on why axolotls are good pets explained in detail. Discover their unique characteristics, care requirements, and the joys of having axolotls as companions.
Where To Buy An Axolotl
- Check if the pet store has a good reputation.
- Most people are not aware of this, but you can check if the pet store has a good track record by looking at reviews and comments from previous customers on the internet. Look for any complaints about poor customer service or lack of care for animals in general.
- Check if the pet store is known for caring for axolotls specifically and see what their rating is on places like Yelp or Google Reviews.
- Find out what kind of experience other customers have had with this particular pet store/neighborhood, especially regarding axolotl care and welfare!
If you’re a beginner considering axolotls as pets, our expert insights on axolotls as pets for beginners explained will guide you through the essentials. Learn about their care needs, ideal habitats, and tips for ensuring a positive experience with these captivating amphibians.
Are There Any Other Similar Pets To Axolotls?
- Tadpoles are the larval form of frog and toad species.
- Salamanders are amphibians that start as a tadpole and grow into adults with four legs but don’t lay eggs.
- Newts are similar to salamanders in some ways (lack of egg-laying), but they have longer tails, live in water, and don’t have gills as salamanders do.
- Frogs lay eggs in water or on land; depending on the species they either use their hind legs or front arms to swim while holding their eggs with their mouths or hop around while holding their eggs with their back legs.
- Some frogs have sticky pads on the bottom of their feet so they can climb up walls!
- Toads are another type of amphibian that lives mostly on land but will often travel through the water as well as jump off rocks into ponds/puddles/streams during rainstorms.
| Pet | Similarity to Axolotls |
|---|---|
| Mudskipper | Semi-aquatic lifestyle |
| African Clawed Frog | Aquatic nature |
| Fire-bellied Newt | Unique appearance |
| Japanese Fire-Bellied Newt | Aquatic habitat |
| Tiger Salamander | Regenerative abilities |
| Mudpuppy | Aquatic lifestyle |
| Dwarf Caiman | Aquatic habitat |
| Red-bellied Newt | Similar appearance |
| Hynobiidae (Asian Salamanders) | Close evolutionary relation |
You Should Do Your Research If You Want To Get An Axolotl
If you want to own an axolotl, research is key. It’s important to learn about the animal and its needs, as well as any legal requirements that may be in place. The more information you have on hand when purchasing one of these creatures, the easier it will be to care for them properly.
Are you curious about whether axolotls are easy to take care of? Explore our informative article on the ease of caring for axolotls explained to gain valuable knowledge about their low-maintenance requirements, feeding habits, tank setup, and more.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add an axolotl to your home, there are things you should know. First of all, they aren’t easy pets. They need a lot of care, and they can be very expensive.
They also have some special needs that other animals don’t have like needing fresh water every day. This means that if you aren’t willing to put in the time and cost it takes then maybe getting an axolotl isn’t right for you!
However, if this sounds like something fun for your family then go ahead and do some research on these unique creatures before making any decisions about adding one as part of your family!!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that provide further information on caring for axolotls as pets:
Axolotl as a Pet: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Axolotl: Discover comprehensive guidance on axolotl care, including tank setup, feeding, and health considerations.
Things to Know Before Getting an Axolotl: Learn essential facts and considerations to keep in mind before bringing an axolotl into your home, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the responsibility.
Are Axolotls Good Pets?: Explore the characteristics and care requirements of axolotls to determine if they are suitable pets for your lifestyle and preferences.
FAQs
Can axolotls live outside of water?
Axolotls are aquatic creatures and require water to survive. They cannot live outside of water as it is essential for their respiration and overall well-being.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls primarily feed on live prey, such as worms, insects, and small crustaceans. It’s important to provide them with a varied diet that meets their nutritional needs.
How large do axolotls grow?
Axolotls have the potential to grow up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in length, although the actual size can vary depending on various factors such as genetics and care conditions.
How often do axolotls shed their skin?
Axolotls regularly shed their skin as a natural process to allow for growth and regeneration. The frequency of shedding can vary but typically occurs every few weeks to a couple of months.
Do axolotls require a special tank setup?
Yes, axolotls have specific tank requirements. They need a spacious tank with appropriate filtration, a cooler water temperature, and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat and ensure their well-being.
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.