Are Axolotls Easy To Keep? (Explained)

Axolotls, also known as Mexican salamanders, are one of the most popular species of amphibians.

They are unique because they can be kept in captivity and they don’t require a lot of care. In fact, axolotls have been kept as pets since pre-Hispanic times when Aztecs would keep them in large pools inside their homes!

AXOLOTL CARE GUIDE | Housing, Feeding, & Tank Mates

Takeaways
Axolotls can be considered relatively easy to keep as pets.
They require specific care, including appropriate water conditions, tank setup, and diet.
Axolotls are fully aquatic creatures and cannot live out of water.
Providing a suitable environment and diet is crucial for their health and well-being.
Axolotls have the ability to regenerate body parts, which is a unique and fascinating characteristic.
It’s important to gather comprehensive information and seek expert advice when considering axolotls as pets.

Table of Contents

Are Axolotls Easy To Take Care Of?

They are very low maintenance, and not difficult to keep in captivity. They require no special equipment, and most axolotls will live their entire lives in a standard fish tank.

As long as you have a large enough aquarium with good filtration and adequate aeration, you should be able to keep your axolotl happy and healthy for many years.

However, there are some things that can make it easier for you to look after your axolotl’s needs:

A heater is vital if you want your axolotl to thrive. Axolotls need temperatures between 24°C and 26°C (75°F – 79°F).

If they’re kept too cold or too warm they won’t eat properly which can lead to health problems later on down the line. This is especially true if you plan on breeding them!

If you’re wondering why axolotls make great pets, our comprehensive guide on the benefits of keeping axolotls as pets will provide you with valuable insights and expert opinions from veterinarians.

Do Axolotls Need A Filter?

As with every other aquatic pet, your axolotl will need a filter to keep its water clean. If you don’t have one, it will be much harder to keep the water clear and healthy.

A good filter is an essential part of maintaining an aquarium because it helps remove dirt and debris from the water so that your pets can stay healthy.

If you have more than one animal in your tank, then you’ll definitely want at least a small filter but even if all you’re keeping is your axolotl, having a filter installed is still recommended (especially if they’re getting older).

Most filters come with different settings that allow them to be adjusted according to what kind of plants or fish are being kept in the tank.

How Long Do Axolotls Live Without Food?

As a general rule, axolotls can live without food for up to a year. The longer they go without eating, the more likely they are to die.

However, you don’t need to worry about your axolotl starving itself on purpose or going into some kind of fasting mode because it wants to be healthier. Axolotls eat when their body tells them that they need food; just like humans!

Curious about the reasons why axolotls should not be kept as pets? Discover the potential challenges and considerations in our article on why axolotls may not be suitable as pets, featuring veterinary expertise and important insights.

Why Did My Axolotl Die?

So, your axolotl has died. You’re probably wondering if it was something you did wrong.

The good news is that the most common reasons why axolotls die are easily correctable mistakes that do not reflect on you as a pet owner.

Axolotls are very sensitive to water quality. They cannot tolerate toxins like chlorine and fluoride, so if you have a well-maintained aquarium filter or have been using spring water from the store, your axolotl should be fine.

However, if you don’t maintain an adequate filtration system or don’t use spring water, it’s likely that bacterial infections killed your axolotls during his early stages of life (or they may still). If this is the case with your pet, please see our article “How To Set Up A Tank For Axolotls.”

Axolotls also need strong lighting they won’t live long without it! This can lead to two different problems: too much light or not enough food/water changes per day (which means no sunlight).

If an animal dies because its tank is too bright for its needs and/or doesn’t get enough water changes per week due to poor maintenance practices (e.g., dirty filters).

Then this could explain why some people report that their pet died suddenly one day despite seemingly healthy behavior beforehand;

However, there’s no way around this problem other than ensuring proper conditions for keeping an aquatic animal indoors under artificial light sources like incandescent bulbs etcetera.”

Cause	Description
Poor Water Quality	Inadequate water parameters, such as high ammonia or nitrite levels, can be harmful to axolotls.
Incorrect Water Temperature	Extreme temperatures outside the suitable range can cause stress or health issues for axolotls.
Improper Tank Setup	Insufficient hiding places, incorrect substrate, or inappropriate tank size can impact axolotls’ well-being.
Inadequate Diet	Feeding an unbalanced or insufficient diet can lead to malnutrition and weaken axolotls’ immune system.
Disease or Infection	Axolotls can be susceptible to various diseases, such as fungal infections or bacterial diseases.
Chemical Contamination	Exposure to chemicals, such as untreated tap water or toxic substances, can harm axolotls.
Handling Stress	Frequent or improper handling can cause stress and injuries to axolotls.
Tankmate Conflict	Aggressive tank mates or incompatible species can lead to physical injuries or stress for axolotls.
Genetic or Congenital Issues	Axolotls may be prone to certain genetic or congenital conditions that can affect their health and survival.

What Size Tank Does An Axolotl Need?

An axolotl’s tank should be at least 20 gallons, and a 40-gallon tank is the ideal size. This allows your axolotl to swim around freely without bumping into things or getting stuck in corners of the aquarium.

A lid on top of their tank will also prevent them from jumping out while they’re exploring their new home. It’s important to remember that axolotls are escape artists!

It might sound silly because they’re aquatic creatures, but they can still climb out of their tanks if given enough time. A lid will help keep them safe in case one slips out by accident.

Curious about the reasons why axolotls should not be kept as pets? Discover the potential challenges and considerations in our article on why axolotls may not be suitable as pets, featuring veterinary expertise and important insights.

Can Axolotls Eat Fish Food?

While axolotls are carnivores, they can eat fish food. The best kind of fish food for your axolotl is frozen food that is made specifically for them.

While there are many different types of frozen fish foods available at pet stores, it’s important to make sure that the one you buy contains all the nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy.

While some people choose not to feed their axolotls live worms or insects out of concern over germs and parasites, many hobbyists find it beneficial for their pets’ health to feed them live prey once in a while as well as frozen foods (especially if their aquariums have plants).

Simply place a few worms or insects into your tank with the goal of feeding them only once every few months or so!

Food Type	Compatibility
Pellets	Some axolotls accept high-quality sinking pellets specifically formulated for aquatic salamanders.
Live Foods	Axolotls generally prefer live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Frozen Foods	Frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp are commonly fed to axolotls. Thaw them before offering.
Fish Flakes	Some axolotls may accept high-quality fish flakes, but they should not be the primary diet.
Freeze-Dried Foods	Freeze-dried foods can be fed occasionally as a treat, but not as the main diet. Rehydrate before offering.
Vegetables/Fruits	Axolotls are carnivorous and do not require vegetables or fruits in their diet.
Other Insects/Prey	Axolotls may occasionally accept other small insects or prey, but ensure they are safe and appropriate.
Human Foods	Human foods should be avoided as they may contain seasonings, additives, or ingredients harmful to axolotls.

Where Can You Buy An Axolotl?

There are several ways you can get your hands on an axolotl:

Pet stores. This is the most common way to find one, but beware that many pet stores do not keep their animals in ideal conditions. If possible, visit the store and see how it’s been set up before buying your axolotl from them.

Make sure there is enough space for the animal to be comfortable (not too crowded) and that they have plenty of clean water and a healthy diet available at all times.

Online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon can also be good sources, although it can be hard to find honest sellers who provide adequate information about what kind of care axolotls need and how big they get over time (and some even sell sick animals).

It’s best if you can make sure the person selling them has had experience raising this type of amphibian before making any purchasing decisions; otherwise there may not be much recourse if something goes wrong with your purchase!

Breeders might also offer some options depending on where in North America you live; however, these tend not

How Do You Keep An Axolotl Happy?

How do you keep an axolotl happy?

Axolotls are social creatures, and therefore need a lot of space to roam. They also need a large aquarium with a good filter. In addition, they need a good diet and lots of hiding places.

Aspect	Recommendation
Tank Size	Provide a spacious tank with adequate swimming space.
Water Parameters	Maintain suitable water temperature, pH level, and cleanliness.
Filtration	Use a reliable filtration system to keep the water clean.
Hiding Places	Include caves or plants to create hiding spots for the axolotl.
Lighting	Provide a suitable light cycle with a balance of light and darkness.
Diet	Offer a varied diet of live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Handling	Minimize handling to reduce stress on the axolotl.
Compatibility	Avoid housing axolotls with aggressive tank mates.
Enrichment	Introduce objects for exploration and mental stimulation.
Monitoring	Regularly check water parameters and observe the axolotl’s behavior.

Can You Keep An Axolotl In Tap Water?

Yes, but it’s not recommended. Axolotls are very sensitive to chemicals and can easily get sick.

If you do use tap water, make sure you change it every day since tap water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can be harmful to axolotls. As an alternative, you can buy dechlorinated water at a local pet store or online.

Are you a beginner interested in keeping axolotls as pets? Our informative guide on keeping axolotls as pets for beginners covers everything you need to know, from setup and care to understanding their unique requirements.

Axolotls Are Easy To Keep If You Have The Right Aquarium With The Right Environment

The first thing you need to know about axolotls is that they are not hardy. They do not do well in improper conditions, such as a small tank or without a filter.

So if you’re thinking of keeping an axolotl, make sure your aquarium is the right size and equipped with all the necessary equipment.

An aquarium that’s too small won’t provide enough space for your pet to thrive and it’s also dangerous for them! An adult axolotl can grow up to two feet long, which means it needs plenty of room in the water column.

Your tank should be at least 20 gallons for one axolotl; this will allow him or her plenty of room for swimming around and exploring his new home.

If you want your pet to live long and healthy lives (and why wouldn’t you?), then it’s essential that their environment mimics what they’d find in nature as closely as possible.

This includes providing them with adequate space; this includes giving them access to adequate food sources; this includes giving them access to clean water at all times (more on why later).

Looking for a suitable pet for beginners? Our article on why axolotls make great starter pets explains their low maintenance needs, fascinating characteristics, and why they can be an excellent choice for novice pet owners.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun pet to keep in your home, then the axolotl is a perfect choice. They’re easy to care for and won’t cause too much trouble when it comes time to clean their tank.

But remember that it’s still important for you as an owner not only understand what these creatures need but also have access to all of those things before getting one yourself!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about axolotls:

Are axolotls easy to care for?

Yes, axolotls are generally considered relatively easy to care for, but they still require specific water conditions, appropriate tank setup, and a suitable diet to thrive.

Can axolotls live out of water?

No, axolotls are fully aquatic creatures and cannot live out of water. They require a water environment to survive and thrive.

How big do axolotls grow?

Axolotls can grow up to 10-18 inches in length, depending on factors like genetics, age, and care conditions. They generally reach their full size within 12-18 months.

What do axolotls eat?

Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily feed on small live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and small fish. It’s essential to provide a varied diet to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Can axolotls regenerate their body parts?

Yes, axolotls have a remarkable ability to regenerate body parts, including limbs, spinal cord, heart, and even parts of their brain. This regenerative ability makes them unique and fascinating creatures.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

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.