Axolotls are a type of salamander that is native to Mexico. They have adapted to the waters of Lake Xochimilco, which means they live in the bottom mud.
Axolotls can be kept as pets, but they do require special care and conditions. In this article, we will look at how to keep an axolotl as your pet, what size aquarium you need for your axolotl, how long axolotls live, etc.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls can make good pets if their specific care needs are met. |
| They are unique creatures with fascinating characteristics. |
| Axolotls are fully aquatic and cannot live on land. |
| Proper diet and feeding habits are crucial for their health. |
| Axolotls require a suitable tank setup with appropriate water conditions. |
| They have specific temperature requirements and prefer cooler water. |
| Axolotls are not recommended as pets for young children due to their delicate nature. |
| It’s important to research and understand their lifespan and potential long-term commitments. |
| Axolotls are known for their regenerative abilities, including the ability to regrow body parts. |
| Responsible pet ownership includes regular monitoring of their health and well-being. |
Do Axolotls Like To Be Held
Of the three axolotl species, the Mexican variety is the most commonly kept in captivity. They are fairly easy to keep and breed, but their personalities make them a poor choice for children.
They are shy and sensitive. If handled roughly or without proper care, they can become extremely stressed and may even die from stress-related illnesses.
Because of this, it’s important to handle your axolotl gently when you do choose to hold it, especially if you’ve never held one before.
Because of their delicate nature and small size (usually around six inches long), an adult should always be present when children are interacting with an axolotl so that they don’t unintentionally harm it or cause too much stress by trying to play with it too roughly.
The best way to interact with your pet is by observing them through a glass tank while they swim back and forth peacefully in their environment
If you’re wondering why axolotls make good pets, our vet has all the answers. Discover the fascinating reasons behind their suitability as pets in our detailed guide on why axolotls make good pets.
What Size Aquarium Do You Need For An Axolotl
When it comes to axolotl pets, you’re going to need an aquarium that is at least 10 gallons in size. Ideally, though, you should have 20 or 30 gallons of space for your axolotl pet.
Of course, if you have the room and are willing to spend more money on an aquarium then a 50-gallon tank would be ideal for your pet.
You can also get away with using a 75-gallon tank if you want but they are quite expensive so it may not be worth the investment unless you love axolotls!
How Long Do Axolotls Live
Axolotls are great pets for those who love exotic animals and want to be able to interact with unique creatures.
They can live for up to 20 years, which means you’ll have a lot of time with them. As with any pet, you must do your research before bringing an axolotl home.
Be sure to ask questions about the axolotl’s diet, habitat needs, and any special care instructions from its previous owner.
While axolotls are unique creatures, they may not be the best choice as pets for everyone. Our vet explains the reasons why axolotls should not be pets in our informative article on why axolotls should not be pets.
Are Axolotls Easy To Take Care Of
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, the axolotl is not the right choice. He may be easy to care for in comparison to other pets like most amphibians.
He’s an aquatic animal who doesn’t need to eat every day or have his cage cleaned very often but that doesn’t mean he’ll be a walk in the park.
He will require regular feeding and cleaning of his aquarium, as well as some special equipment such as a filter and ultraviolet light bulb.
If you don’t have those on hand already, it’s easy enough to find them online or at your local pet store (and if you don’t know what those things are yet but want one anyway…good luck!).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are axolotls easy to care for? | Yes, axolotls have relatively simple care requirements. |
| What is their feeding schedule? | They typically eat once a day or every other day. |
| What do axolotls eat? | Commercial axolotl pellets, live or frozen foods like worms. |
| How often should the tank be cleaned? | Regular partial water changes are necessary for maintaining water quality. |
| What temperature should the tank be? | Keeping the water temperature between 60-68°F (15-20°C) is ideal. |
What Do Axolotls Eat
Axolotls are carnivorous, meaning they eat meat. They will eat worms, insects, and small fish. The best diet for an axolotl is live food because it is more nutritious. However, you can also feed them frozen or freeze-dried foods.
Pellets are fine but not as beneficial to the axolotl’s health as live food is. Cat food should not be fed to your axolotl because it does not have the proper vitamins and minerals that your pet needs to stay healthy.
The best way to feed your pet would be with live worms or insects so that he won’t grow too large for his habitat (or tank).
Did you know that axolotls play an important role in the ecosystem? Find out more about their significance and the reasons why axolotls are important in our comprehensive guide on why axolotls are important.
Can You Buy A Pet Axolotl Online
If you want to buy an axolotl online, the short answer is that it is not possible. Axolotls are wild animals and cannot be bought in stores or online.
The only way to get a pet axolotl is through adoption at a pet store or from a breeder. If you’re interested in purchasing your pet axolotl supplies online, however, there are plenty of options available from reputable companies that specialize in reptile care products.
A quick search on Amazon will show that there are several sellers offering food and supplies for axolotls from freeze-dried bloodworms to live crickets but these items can also be purchased locally if you prefer not to order them online (or before ordering them).
Pet stores frequently carry accessories such as fish tanks designed specifically for aquatic pets like snakes or turtles; some shops may even have special tanks designed specifically for axolotls!
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you purchase axolotls online? | Yes, several reputable online retailers offer axolotls for sale. |
| What are the advantages? | Convenience, wider variety of options, and access to specialized breeders. |
| What should you consider? | Reputation of the seller, shipping policies, health guarantees, and customer reviews. |
| Are there any risks? | Potential for stress during shipping, receiving unhealthy specimens, or scams. |
| How to ensure a successful purchase? | Research sellers, read reviews, ask for clear photos, and verify proper shipping methods. |
Can You Keep An Axolotl With Other Fish
While many people have kept an axolotl with other fish, it’s not recommended. Axolotls are carnivores and will eat your goldfish, guppies, and other bottom-dwelling fish.
However, they can be kept with certain types of fish that live near the surface and prefer to munch on insects or plants rather than feeding on other animals (e.g., frogs).
Axolotls also seem to get along well with geckos and tree frogs; if you want an aquatic pet that won’t eat its tankmates, these are good options!
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can axolotls be kept with other fish? | Possible, but caution and proper planning are necessary. |
| Which fish are compatible with axolotls? | Peaceful, slow-moving species that won’t harm or stress the axolotl. |
| What fish should be avoided? | Fast or aggressive species that may nip at or harass the axolotl. |
| What size tank is recommended? | A larger tank with ample space to accommodate both fish and axolotl. |
| How should the tank be set up? | Providing hiding spots and minimizing competition for resources. |
Does An Aquarium Filter Affect The Water pH Level?
The pH level of your aquarium is an important aspect of your fish’s health. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance, in this case, water, is.
If the pH level is too low (acidic), it can cause a range of problems, including death. Fortunately, maintaining a stable and healthy pH level in an aquarium is fairly straightforward.
Aquarium filters can affect the water’s acidity or alkalinity the measure how acidic or alkaline the solution is which makes them another important consideration when looking into whether axolotls are good pets for you.
In general, though, changing out filters regularly will help keep your tank at an appropriate pH level
Curious about why axolotls are considered good pets? Our vet provides expert insights and explains the benefits of having axolotls as pets in our detailed article on why axolotls are good pets.
They Are Unique Looking, Interesting, And Fun To Watch
If you’re looking for a unique pet with an interesting personality, then the axolotl may be your best bet.
They are fascinating to watch as they swim around their tank, glide over the glass and rest on underwater plants. Their natural behaviors are fun to observe and make them great pets for aquarists of all ages.
Axolotls are truly awesome creatures! Discover fascinating facts and expert opinions about axolotls in our captivating article on why axolotls are awesome.
Conclusion
The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Axolotls are amazing pets that are great for people of all ages.
They are easy to care for and don’t require much attention or maintenance. If you’re looking for an unusual pet that will give you years of enjoyment, then an axolotl may be perfect for you!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on the topic of axolotls as pets:
Are Axolotls Good Pets?: Discover the factors to consider when deciding if axolotls are suitable pets and learn about their unique care requirements.
Axolotls as Pets: A Beginner’s Guide: This comprehensive guide provides essential information for beginners, including axolotl care, habitat setup, and feeding tips.
Things to Know Before Getting an Axolotl: Learn about the important considerations and responsibilities associated with owning an axolotl, including tank requirements, temperature control, and potential lifespan.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about axolotls as pets along with their answers:
Q: Can axolotls live outside of water?
A: No, axolotls are fully aquatic creatures and require water to survive. They are not adapted for living on land.
Q: What do axolotls eat?
A: Axolotls primarily feed on live foods such as small worms, insects, and crustaceans. They have specific dietary needs that should be met to ensure their health.
Q: How large do axolotls grow?
A: Axolotls can grow to an average length of 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) but can vary in size depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and environment.
Q: Do axolotls require a heater for their tank?
A: Axolotls are cold-water creatures and prefer temperatures between 60-68°F (15-20°C). In most cases, a heater is not necessary unless the room temperature falls below this range.
Q: Can axolotls live together in the same tank?
A: Axolotls are generally solitary creatures and can exhibit cannibalistic behavior, especially when housed with individuals of similar size. It’s recommended to keep them separate unless breeding is intended.
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.