Axolotls are amphibians that resemble salamanders. Axolotls are native to Mexico, where they live in lakes and ponds. Axolotl care is easy because they don’t require much attention or special equipment to keep them alive.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls require specific water conditions and temperature to thrive. |
| Providing a suitable tank setup and environment is crucial for axolotl care. |
| Axolotls are carnivorous and have specific dietary needs. |
| Regular water quality monitoring and maintenance are essential for axolotl health. |
| Axolotls have unique regenerative abilities. |
| Handling axolotls should be minimized to reduce stress. |
| Understanding the commitment and responsibility of axolotl ownership is important. |
| Axolotls can live for 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. |
Are Axolotls Easy To Take Care Of?
Are axolotls easy to take care of? It’s a question we get asked a lot by people who are new to the hobby. And while it can be true that some fish are hard to care for, axolotls aren’t one of them!
While they do require specialized housing and food, caring for axolotls doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge. In fact, all you need is patience and a desire to learn about these amazing creatures!
If you’re wondering why axolotls make good pets, our veterinarian has all the answers. Discover the unique qualities that make them ideal companions in our comprehensive guide on why axolotls make good pets.
How Much Does A Pet Axolotl Cost?
The price of a pet axolotl will depend on a variety of factors. The age, gender, and size of the animal all factor into its cost. Some breeders may also charge more for certain colors or markings, particularly if they are rarer.
Generally speaking, however, you can expect to pay anywhere between $20-$30 for an adult axolotl (depending on your source), while younger ones will be less money at around $10-$20 each.
Where Can I Find An Axolotl For Sale?
The best place to get an axolotl is from a reputable breeder. There are many different places where you can buy an axolotl, but when it comes down to it if you want to be sure that your pet will be healthy and happy for years to come, then buying from a breeder is the way to go.
You can find them at most local pet stores or reptile expos in your area. If this doesn’t work out for you, there are always online auctions (although these aren’t recommended).
The best thing about getting an axolotl from a reputable breeder is that they’ll take care of all of the paperwork involved with buying one including registering it with local authorities or licenses if necessary and they’ll also ensure that the animal is properly housed and healthy before sending it home with its new owner!
Considering axolotls as pets? Before you make a decision, it’s essential to understand why they may not be suitable for everyone. Our veterinarian explains the reasons why axolotls should not be pets in our informative article on why axolotls should not be pets.
How Long Do Pet Axolotls Live?
An axolotl can live for 20 years or more, but the oldest axolotl known to have lived was 14 years old. The average lifespan of an axolotl is 8-10 years, which is a little longer than the average lifespan of a dog or cat.
The longest time spent in captivity by a wild specimen was three and half years; however, this isn’t typical as most wild-caught animals die within their first year due to stressors such as injury or disease.
What Do Pet Axolotls Eat?
The first thing to know about axolotls is that they’re carnivores. That means that they eat other animals, not plants. They’ll eat worms, insects, and other small creatures in the wild and you can feed them the same food in your home.
Axolotls require a lot of food because their metabolism is very fast; therefore, it’s important to feed them at least twice per day! You should also offer frozen or live foods once or twice each week for variety (or just for fun).
Axolotls can be fed regular fish flakes but what we find works best with this species is sinking pellets which allow us to target exactly how much they are eating while keeping clean water conditions at all times.
Meaning no excess waste collecting around the tank surface area which could lead towards unwanted bacterial growth due to lack of oxygenation within these areas causing ammonia levels reaching toxic levels if left untreated.”
| Food Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Live Foods | Bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms |
| Frozen Foods | Frozen bloodworms, frozen brine shrimp |
| Pellets | Hikari Axolotl Food, Zoo Med Axolotl Food |
| Worms | Earthworms, nightcrawlers, red wigglers |
| Insects | Daphnia, small feeder fish |
| Vegetables and Fruits | Cucumber, zucchini, squash, bloodworm-grown plants |
| Commercial Axolotl Food | Tetra ReptoMin Floating Food Sticks, Mazuri Axolotl Diet |
Should You Keep More Than One Axolotl In The Same Tank?
Axolotls are solitary creatures and should not be kept in a tank with another axolotl. Axolotls are territorial and will fight over territory, so having two axolotls in the same tank will cause them to fight each other.
The best way to prevent fighting is by giving your axolotls enough space; keeping them in an aquarium that is at least 10 gallons per axolotl is recommended.
The size of your aquarium will also affect how much food you need to feed your axolotl(s). A 15-gallon aquarium should have about 2 inches of water at the bottom.
(1 inch deep) for each inch of length from nose to tail on an adult axolotl (so if you have an adult male or female, they would need at least 3 inches worth of water).
This means that if you have one juvenile, expect it to require around half as much water as an adult would require but don’t worry about measuring exactly!
Just remember that juvenile axolotls tend towards being smaller than adults, so keep this factoid in mind when deciding how big or small your tank needs to be
Are you curious about whether axolotls are good pets and want to explore the topic in detail? Our comprehensive guide on are axolotls good pets, explained in detail covers all aspects you need to know, from their care requirements to their behavior and suitability as pets.
Can You Potty Train An Axolotl?
The short answer: you can train an axolotl to use a toilet, but it may take some time. Axolotls can learn how to use a toilet bowl, litter box, or water bottle. If you want to train an axolotl manually, be prepared for long hours of work and patience.
Your best bet is to buy an aquarium with a built-in filtration system that has been specifically designed for axolotls; it will provide them with everything they need in one package.
| Axolotl Species | Potty Training Feasibility |
|---|---|
| Common Axolotl | Not Feasible |
| Leucistic Axolotl | Not Feasible |
| Golden Axolotl | Not Feasible |
| Albino Axolotl | Not Feasible |
Is The Axolotl’s Water Safe To Drink?
It is not safe to drink the water that an axolotl lives in. The water has a lot of minerals and chemicals in it, which makes it unsafe to drink. If you want your axolotl’s water to be safe for them to drink, there are some things that you can do.
You can put the axolotl’s bowl on top of a filter so that the water goes through and does not have any bacteria or other harmful particles left in it.
Another option is using bottled water for your pet, but this option is more expensive than simply buying an aquarium filter system from any store nearby where you live (or even online).
If neither of these options appeals to you then distilled water may be worth looking into because it does not contain any chemicals whatsoever.
Thus making this an extremely reliable way for keeping your pet healthy at all times without worrying about whether or not their habitat will become contaminated over time due its lack of chemical content overall.”
For those new to axolotl ownership, it’s crucial to consider whether they are suitable starter pets. Our article on are axolotls good starter pets, explained provides valuable insights into the ease of caring for these fascinating creatures as beginners and offers guidance for a successful experience.
Do Axolotls Have Teeth (Or Bite)?
Axolotls don’t bite. They are amphibians, meaning they live both in water and on land, but they’re not reptiles. Axolotls have teeth that help them eat food and prey.
Their front teeth are used to grip prey and their back teeth are used for chewing it up into smaller pieces so it’s easier to digest!
How Often Should You Feed An Axolotl?
Feed Your Axolotl Every Day
Feed your axolotl the same amount of food each time, and feed them enough so that they don’t get hungry or eat too much.
This is a very important point because if you underfeed or overfeed your axolotl, then it can become sick. If you want to be on the safe side, only feed them once per day in small amounts (1-4 pellets).
| Axolotl Age | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Juvenile | Once Daily |
| Adult | Every Other Day |
It Is Very Important To Find Out The Necessary Information Before Buying An Axolotl Pet
If you are thinking of getting an axolotl pet, it is very important to find out the necessary information before buying one.
An axolotl is a type of salamander that originates from Mexico. It has become very popular as a pet recently because it does not require any special care to live for long periods.
The only downside about having an axolotl as a pet is that they are not able to be kept in with fish or other amphibians because of their sensitive skin.
If you want to get an axolotl and learn more about how they work and what they need, then this article will give some great advice on how you can do so!
Wondering if axolotls are good pets for beginners? We’ve got you covered. Discover the reasons why axolotls can be great choices for novice pet owners in our informative guide on are axolotls good pets for beginners, explained.
Conclusion
As you can see, the axolotl is a unique and interesting pet to own. But before making the decision to get one, it is important to find out everything there is about this animal. This includes their care requirements as well as how much they cost.
You also need to research where you can buy a pet axolotl from so that you don’t end up getting scammed by some shady dealer!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on axolotl care:
Axolotl Care Sheet – Natural World Pets: This comprehensive care sheet provides detailed information on how to properly care for axolotls, including their habitat, diet, and common health issues.
Axolotls as Pets – The Spruce Pets: Learn about axolotls as pets, their unique characteristics, tank setup, and feeding requirements in this informative article.
Axolotl Care Sheet – Reptiles Magazine: Find essential care guidelines for axolotls, including tank setup, water parameters, feeding, and common health problems, in this comprehensive care sheet.
FAQs
How long do axolotls live?
Axolotls have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years in captivity, but with proper care and a healthy environment, they can live even longer.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily eat live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small fish. They can also be fed pellets or worms specifically formulated for axolotls.
Do axolotls require a heater for their tank?
Axolotls are cold-water amphibians and prefer temperatures between 60°F and 68°F (15°C to 20°C). In most cases, a heater is not necessary if the room temperature stays within this range. However, a reliable thermometer should be used to monitor the water temperature consistently.
Can axolotls regenerate their limbs?
Yes, axolotls have remarkable regenerative abilities. If an axolotl loses a limb, it can regenerate a new one over time. This unique ability makes them fascinating creatures to observe and study.
Can axolotls be kept in the same tank together?
While axolotls are generally peaceful, they can become aggressive toward each other, especially when housed together in smaller tanks or if there is a significant size difference. It is best to keep axolotls individually unless you have a large enough tank with ample space for each axolotl to establish its territory.
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.