Are you a new owner of an axolotl, or are you looking to get one? You need some information about how they fare in similar environments and what types of animals they can be kept with.
In this guide, we’ll look at exactly that: how to tell if your axolotl is male or female if they can eat their tank mates, and other fun facts about these unique creatures.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls can have tank mates, but careful consideration is necessary. |
| Tank mates should be chosen based on compatibility with axolotls’ temperature and water requirements. |
| Suitable tank mates for axolotls include larger, non-aggressive fish species. |
| Introducing tank mates should be done gradually, with proper acclimation and monitoring. |
| Axolotls may prey on smaller tank mates, so size and compatibility are important factors to consider. |
| Providing ample hiding places and ensuring all tank mates have sufficient space and resources is crucial. |
| Regular observation and attention to the behavior of axolotls and tank mates are necessary for their well-being. |
Can Axolotls Have Tank Mates?
In order to answer this question, it’s important to understand what axolotls are. Axolotls are aquatic salamanders that live in water and breathe through their skin.
As you can imagine, they’re not the most active animals out there, so having tank mates isn’t absolutely necessary for them but it does help.
If you want your axolotl’s life to be more interesting and social, then yes: you can keep him or her with other animals like guppies and fish.
However, before getting started make sure to research the compatibility of these different types of creatures because if they don’t get along well enough together then things might become very messy!
When considering tank mates for your axolotls, it’s important to address the potential risks. Our article on Do Axolotls Kill Fish provides insights based on real owner experiences, helping you make informed decisions about introducing other fish into your axolotl tank.
Can Axolotls Live With Other Axolotls?
You can keep axolotls in the same tank, but you should make sure that each of your axolotls has its own space.
The best way to do this is by using a large tank and adding rocks so that each axolotl has his or her own cave. You will also need to keep an eye on the temperature in your tank and make sure that it’s not too hot or too cold.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can axolotls live together? | Yes, axolotls can coexist with each other. |
| Do axolotls require social interaction? | Axolotls do not have a strong need for social interaction. |
| Can different sizes of axolotls be housed together? | Axolotls of different sizes can live together peacefully. |
| Are there territorial issues among axolotls? | Axolotls may exhibit territorial behavior, especially during feeding. |
| Do axolotls benefit from companionship? | While axolotls do not necessarily need companionship, they may display natural behaviors when housed together. |
Can You Keep Axolotls With Guppies?
The first thing to consider when keeping axolotls with any other animal is whether they’re compatible. In general, the best tankmates for your axolotl are other fish.
This can be tricky because there are a lot of different types of fish out there, so it’s important not only to look at the size but also the diet and behavior of each species.
Axolotls have a diet composed of meaty foods like crickets and earthworms as well as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and krill.
Although guppies are small enough that an adult axolotl will probably be able to eat one if it gets hungry enough (which isn’t something you want happening),
guppies do not provide these types of nutrients in their diet; on top of that, since both species tend towards being carnivorous in nature, this would lead toward an unhealthy diet for your little aquatic friend!
So instead we suggest looking into some less likely candidates like betta fish or small killifish such as rams horn minnows.
These little guys have similar dietary requirements while also being larger than most aquarium specimens meaning they won’t get eaten by accident! Plus they’re really colorful which makes them fun additions regardless!
Wondering if axolotls can peacefully coexist with other fish? Discover the answer in our informative post on Axolotls Getting Along with Other Fish, where owners share their experiences and provide valuable insights on creating a harmonious aquatic community.
Are Axolotls Compatible With Other Amphibians?
You can keep axolotls alongside other amphibians, but you’ll need to make sure that they’re compatible. Axolotl cannibalism is not uncommon, so it’s wise to avoid keeping them with animals they might eat.
The axolotl tank should ideally be big enough for all the animals in it this makes it more likely that they won’t fight over food and territory.
What Types Of Fish Can You Keep With Axolotls?
In terms of fish, small, peaceful types like goldfish and guppies are good candidates for compatibility.
You can also try keeping a smaller cichlid (no more than 5 inches) or catfish (no more than 4 inches). Livebearers such as platys or mollies may be okay if they don’t grow too large.
For those interested in getting an exotic finned pet from South America, axolotls can be kept in conjunction with other amphibians such as fire-bellied toads and tree frogs.
To keep an axolotl tank neat and clean for all its inhabitants, you’ll have to do some regular maintenance on it.
| Fish Species |
|---|
| Rosy Red Minnows |
| White Cloud Mountain Minnows |
| Goldfish (Common or Fancy) |
| Bristlenose Plecos |
| Dojo Loaches |
How Many Fish Can You Keep In A Tank With An Axolotl?
You cannot keep other types of fish with axolotls. This is because they do not eat the same foods, so there is no reason for them to be living together in the same tank.
You also cannot keep other species of amphibians with your axolotl because they are not going to get along well and might fight or harm each other if put together.
Some amphibians like frogs can actually pose a threat to your axolotl’s life because frogs breathe through their skin rather than using gills as fish do, which means they rely on water quality and oxygen levels much more than fish do.
If you keep frogs in an aquarium near an axolotl, the frog may try to eat your friend!
If you’re considering adding plecos to your axolotl tank, it’s essential to understand their compatibility. Our vet-approved article on Can You Put Plecos with Axolotls offers expert guidance, ensuring the well-being and cohabitation success of these two species.
How Much Space Does An Adult Axolotl Need In A Tank?
The size of the tank depends on the number of axolotls you want to keep. The minimum tank size is 10 gallons, but it’s best to aim for a tank that’s 2x2x2 feet.
This will give your axolotls plenty of room to swim around in, as well as provide a space for them to explore and hide in.
In addition to this base requirement, however, there are other factors that influence how much space an individual will need:
- The age of your axolotl (younger ones need more room)
- The gender (males tend to be larger than females)
- Their personality type (some are bolder than others)
Is It Okay To Have More Than One Male Axolotl In The Same Tank?
If you want to keep more than one male axolotl in your tank, it is best to have at least two of them. If you have only one male, he may become depressed and stop eating because he is lonely.
If you plan on keeping more than one male together, ensure they are not too young when put into their new environment; otherwise, their growth will be stunted by fighting with each other for food and territory.
Looking to add snails to your axolotl habitat? Check out our guide on keeping snails with axolotls to learn about the veterinarian-recommended practices for introducing and maintaining snails in an axolotl tank
How Many Axolotls Can I Keep In A Tank?
You can keep your axolotls together as long as you have enough room in the tank. The number of axolotls that can be kept together is dependent on the size of the tank and the number of gallons (or liters) it holds.
A good rule of thumb is to allow one square foot per gallon (or three square feet per 60 liters). If you don’t want to do the math, this translates into one axolotl per 10 gallons (roughly 3 feet x 3 feet x 1 foot). This means an adult male could be kept in a 10-gallon tank with another male; however, it would not be recommended since males tend to fight each other and may cause injury or death if not properly cared for by owners who know how to handle them properly without getting injured themselves.
| Tank Size | Number of Axolotls |
|---|---|
| 20 gallons | Up to 2 axolotls |
| 40 gallons | Up to 4 axolotls |
| 60 gallons | Up to 6 axolotls |
| 75 gallons | Up to 8 axolotls |
| 100 gallons | Up to 10 axolotls |
Can I Keep Other Kinds Of Fish In My Axolotl Tank?
Yes, you can keep other fish in the same tank as your axolotls. However, it is essential to choose the right kind of fish for your axolotl’s size and personality.
Axolotls are huge creatures and can be quite territorial; if you already have an adult axolotl, it might not be a good idea to add another type of animal that gets too big or aggressive for them to eat. Remember: Axolotls will grow to be over 6 feet long.
You should also avoid small fish that aren’t big enough for an adult axolotl to eat whole (like guppies).
If you have both types of animals together in one tank especially if there are lots of little ones then there’s a chance the bigger one could attack the smaller one accidentally while trying to find food on its own terms (even if those terms include eating other types).
If you do want some company in your pet’s home, consider finding another type of animal instead. That way everyone will get along well without any problems at all.”
Looking to add shrimp as tank mates for your axolotls? Before making a decision, it’s crucial to understand the compatibility and potential risks involved. Our vet-provided article on Can You Keep Shrimp with Axolotls offers valuable insights and recommendations to ensure a harmonious and thriving aquatic environment.
What Ages Are Best For Axolotls To Be Kept Together?
It is possible to keep young axolotls together, and it is also possible to keep older axolotls together. You should avoid keeping male and female axolotls together unless they are bred for the purpose of breeding.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of animals that can be kept with an axolotl. You’ll need to make sure they get along well with each other before adding them to the same tank, but don’t worry.
We have all the answers right here. Just remember that when it comes down to it: if at first, you don’t succeed, try again!
Further Reading
Hepper: Axolotl Tank Mates: Discover a comprehensive guide on suitable tank mates for axolotls, ensuring a harmonious and balanced aquatic environment.
Axolotl Nerd: Axolotl Tank Mates: Explore a variety of compatible tank mate options for axolotls, providing insights and considerations for successful cohabitation.
Aquarium Store Depot: Axolotl Tank Mates: Learn about different species that can live alongside axolotls in a tank, including tips for compatibility and maintaining a thriving ecosystem.
Now, let’s move on to the FAQs section in H2 format with five questions and answers:
FAQs
Are axolotls aggressive towards other fish?
Axolotls are generally peaceful creatures, but they can exhibit predatory behavior towards smaller fish. It’s important to choose tank mates that are compatible in terms of size and temperament to avoid potential conflicts.
Can axolotls live with turtles?
Axolotls and turtles have different habitat and environmental requirements. While it’s possible to keep them together, careful consideration of tank size, water conditions, and the potential risk of injury to both species is crucial for their successful cohabitation.
What are some suitable tank mates for axolotls?
Good tank mates for axolotls include larger fish species that are non-aggressive and can withstand the axolotl’s cold water requirements. Some options include larger species of goldfish, guppies, or white cloud mountain minnows.
Can axolotls live with shrimp?
Axolotls have been known to prey on smaller shrimp, so keeping them together may not be advisable. If you choose to keep shrimp as tank mates, providing plenty of hiding places and ensuring the shrimp are large enough to avoid predation can help increase their chances of coexistence.
How can I introduce new tank mates to my axolotl tank?
When introducing new tank mates, it’s recommended to provide separate hiding spots and gradually acclimate them to the tank environment. Monitoring their behavior closely and ensuring all species have adequate space and resources is essential for a successful introduction.
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.