Axolotls are a species of salamander that is native to the Lake Xochimilco area in Mexico, as well as other bodies of water such as Lake Chalco. Axolotls have been around for over 50 million years and are known for their ability to regenerate limbs and other body parts.
They’re also one of the few pet amphibians that can be kept in cold water without having to be moved into warmer temperatures.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls can make good starter pets |
| Consider the pros and cons before getting an axolotl |
| Axolotls have unique characteristics that make them fascinating pets |
| Proper care and setup are essential for their well-being |
| Axolotls require a suitable tank, proper nutrition, and a stable environment |
| Research and educate yourself about axolotl care before making a decision |
| Axolotls can be a rewarding and enjoyable pet for those willing to provide the necessary care |
Is An Axolotl A Good Starter Pet?
Yes, axolotls are great starter pets. They are not only low maintenance but also very easy to care for, feed and breed. You can find them in many pet stores or online websites such as Amazon.
These little critters love to be clean, so you should wash your hands before handling them or their tank water which will help keep your axolotl healthy and happy!
It is not recommended that children under the age of ten handle these guys because they have sharp teeth so make sure you supervise them when they are around your little one!
If you’re wondering why axolotls make good pets, our veterinarian has all the answers! Discover the unique qualities that make them great companions in our comprehensive guide on why axolotls make good pets explained.
Axolotl Care Guide
It is important to choose the right axolotl for your family. When choosing an axolotl, be sure to consider how much time and energy you can devote to caring for it. Axolotls require a lot of attention and care, so make sure you are ready to commit.
If you are ready to take on the responsibility of owning an axolotl as a pet, there are many things that you should know about them before making your purchase. This article will cover everything from feeding them right through to keeping them healthy and happy in captivity.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Tank Setup | Proper tank size, filtration, and substrate for axolotls. |
| Water Quality | Maintaining optimal water parameters and regular water testing. |
| Feeding | Suitable diet, feeding frequency, and recommended food sources. |
| Temperature | Maintaining the appropriate temperature range for axolotls. |
| Lighting | Providing appropriate lighting conditions for axolotls. |
| Handling | Proper techniques for handling and minimizing stress on axolotls. |
| Health Care | Identifying common health issues, preventive measures, and finding a veterinarian. |
| Breeding | Understanding the breeding process and caring for axolotl eggs and larvae. |
| Tank Mates | Compatibility with other aquatic species and choosing suitable tank mates. |
What Do I Feed My Axolotls?
Axolotls have lots of unique dietary needs when compared with other common household pets such as dogs or cats.
They need food sources containing plenty of calcium, which includes calcium-rich foods like earthworms or crickets, as well as vegetables like peas or spinach sprouts (not whole leaves).
While axolotls are fascinating creatures, it’s important to consider both sides of the argument. Our veterinarian shares valuable insights on why axolotls should not be pets to help you make an informed decision about their suitability as pets.
Axolotl Or Salamander?
So, you want to get an axolotl as a pet. Or maybe you’re thinking about getting a salamander instead. Or maybe you’ve never heard of either animal before. If that’s the case, let’s start with the basics: axolotls and salamanders are both amphibians;
Amphibians are creatures that live their lives both on land and in water; these creatures also have life spans of several years; they eat algae, insects, and other small animals found in their natural habitat (i.e., ponds).
Axolotls and salamanders are different kinds of amphibians axolotls are true salamanders (meaning they breed inside their gills).
And salamanders being lizards or newts that live underwater for most or all of their lives (depending on whether they reproduce through eggs or by laying their young alive).
Axolotls share some traits with frogs (they have long back legs) but do not belong in this species group because they lack webbing between their toes.
One way scientists identify them as different from frogs is by examining these characteristics under a microscope at high magnification levels where we can see small details like these patterns around each toe.”
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Natural habitat and geographical distribution. |
| Appearance | Physical characteristics and distinguishing features. |
| Life Cycle | Development stages and metamorphosis process. |
| Behavior | Typical behaviors and interactions with the environment. |
| Diet | Feeding habits and preferred food sources. |
| Conservation | Conservation status and efforts to protect the species. |
| Pet Suitability | Considerations for keeping as a pet and care requirements. |
| Differences | Key differences between axolotls and salamanders. |
| Similarities | Common characteristics and shared traits. |
Are Axolotls Cannibals?
Are axolotls cannibals? Yes, but only under certain circumstances. If colony members are not fed enough food, they will eat each other. They also have been known to eat their eggs if there is an excess of them in one area and not enough food for the adults.
Axolotls are carnivorous and prefer live prey such as worms or small fish (this is why they’re usually fed brine shrimp) but they can survive on a diet of pond plants alone when necessary (though this should still be considered a last resort).
Some people have raised axolotls successfully on vegetarian diets but it takes some advanced planning to ensure your pet has all the nutrients it needs with no deficiencies developing over time.
Axolotl cannibalism tends to occur when captive conditions aren’t ideal, such as overcrowding or insufficient nutrition (for example if you’re trying out a new type of food).
In nature these creatures wouldn’t encounter these issues because their environment would be naturally balanced by natural predators etcetera… so we must keep things running smoothly when keeping our pets at home too!
Are you curious about why axolotls are considered good pets? Our veterinarian explains the reasons behind their popularity in our detailed article on why axolotls are good pets. Discover their unique characteristics and how they can make wonderful companions.
What Do Axolotls Eat?
The axolotl is a carnivorous species that eat worms, insects, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals. The axolotl prefers to eat live prey so it can hunt for itself.
However, it will also eat freeze-dried food or live foods which are fed to them by its owner. When feeding your axolotl live food make sure it is healthy before feeding to your pet.
Axolotls should be fed once a day but should not be overfed as they can get constipated if they eat too much at one time. If you notice that your axolotl has stopped eating then this could indicate there is something wrong with its habitat or water quality
How Much Does It Cost To Own An Axolotl?
Owning an axolotl can be expensive, especially if you’re not prepared. You need to make sure that you have the right tank, food, and other supplies before bringing home your new pet. And then there are vet bills.
Axolotls can become sick or injured just like any other animal and require veterinary care if something goes wrong. If you want to breed your axolotl, there are additional costs involved as well.
For example, let’s say that you buy two young (between 2 and 5 inches long) wild-caught golden albino axolotls from a reputable breeder: $500 plus shipping costs per pair of adult axolotls shipped overnight in climate-controlled packaging with extra cold packs.
So they arrive safely at their destination without being stressed out by extreme temperatures along their journey across the country by plane (this would typically cost around $100).
| Expense | Average Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Axolotl | Varies |
| Tank | $50 – $100 |
| Filtration System | $30 – $100 |
| Substrate | $10 – $20 |
| Lighting | $20 – $50 |
| Water Conditioner | $10 – $20 |
| Thermometer | $5 – $15 |
| Food | $10 – $20 per month |
| Veterinary Care | Varies |
| Miscellaneous Supplies | $20 – $50 |
Are They Hardy?
Axolotls are hardy animals. They don’t mind a wide range of temperatures and humidity, pollution, or light as long as it isn’t too bright.
They don’t mind noise or vibrations either. If you have an axolotl, you can expect to be able to leave it alone for long periods without worrying that anything bad will happen to it
Are you curious about why axolotls are considered good pets? Our veterinarian explains the reasons behind their popularity in our detailed article on why axolotls are good pets. Discover their unique characteristics and how they can make wonderful companions.
Are They Aggressive?
Not really. Axolotls are not aggressive towards other axolotls, but they will fight with other types of salamanders. Remember, an axolotl is a type of salamander so it’s natural for them to behave this way.
However, they are territorial so if you have one axolotl in an aquarium with fish or another amphibian species like frogs or newts then there may be some issues with aggression between your pet or its tank mates if they’re left together unsupervised for too long.
What about humans? Axolotls can bite when provoked and because their teeth are sharp it means that you should be careful around them.
Even though most owners do not report any problems handling their pets without incident (as long as you wash your hands after touching anything in the tank).
Can They Be Kept In Cold Water?
Axolotls can be kept in cold water. Axolotls are cold-blooded animals and will not mind the temperature of their tank as long as it’s set to the right range.
If you want to keep your axolotl at a certain temperature, there are several options for you to choose from:
A heater (if your tank isn’t already heated). Heaters generally cost around $20, but there’s some variation depending on the size of your tank; it’s best for beginners if you start small!
A filter that circulates warm water through a heating element inside of it. This is another option for keeping your axolotl at an appropriate temperature without spending extra money on equipment beyond what comes with most fish tanks purchased from pet stores today!
To truly understand axolotls, it’s essential to learn about their origins. Explore our comprehensive guide on where axolotls originate from to gain insights into their natural habitat and their unique adaptations to their native environment.
Conclusion
I would recommend axolotls as a starter pet. They are unique animal that is easy to care for and will provide hours of enjoyment. However, you should be aware that they do not thrive in cold water and must have heat at all times.
You also need to make sure that your tank has enough space for them since they can grow up to 10 inches long if left alone with no other tank mates. If you’re interested in starting your axolotl colony then check out our guide on how much does it cost to own an axolotl?
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on axolotls as pets:
The Spruce Pets: Axolotls as Pets: Discover everything you need to know about keeping axolotls as pets, including their care requirements, tank setup, and feeding habits.
A-Z Animals: Axolotl as a Pet – The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Axolotl: Get an in-depth understanding of axolotl care with this comprehensive guide, covering topics such as tank maintenance, water parameters, and common health issues.
The Pets and Love: Things to Know Before Getting an Axolotl: Before bringing an axolotl into your home, make sure to read this informative article that highlights key considerations, including tank size, temperature requirements, and dietary needs.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about axolotls as pets:
Are axolotls good pets for beginners?
Yes, axolotls can be good pets for beginners. They have relatively simple care requirements and can adapt well to captivity with proper setup and maintenance.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls primarily feed on live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, 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?
Axolotls can grow up to 10-12 inches in length, although some individuals may reach even larger sizes. Their growth rate can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and tank conditions.
Do axolotls need a heater?
Axolotls are cold-water creatures and prefer temperatures between 60°F and 68°F (15°C to 20°C). While they don’t necessarily require a heater, it’s crucial to maintain a stable temperature within this range for their well-being.
Can axolotls live with other fish?
Axolotls are generally not recommended to be kept with other fish, as they may view smaller fish as prey and larger fish as competitors. It’s best to keep axolotls in a species-only tank to ensure their safety and reduce stress.
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.