Axolotls are one of the most interesting creatures in the animal kingdom. They can regenerate limbs, they don’t have teeth, and they can breathe both air and water.
But what makes them even more amazing is that they’re able to live with other animals in an aquarium environment. In fact, many people keep axolotls with fish because it’s easier than keeping them alone and provides them with companionship!
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Axolotls can coexist with certain fish species, but careful consideration is necessary. |
| Factors such as the size of the tank, fish temperament, and specific care requirements play a significant role in determining compatibility. |
| Some fish may nip at the axolotl’s gills or fins, while others may become targets for the axolotl’s predatory instincts. |
| Researching and selecting non-aggressive fish species similar in size and with compatible water parameters is recommended. |
| Slow and careful introduction, providing hiding spots, and monitoring interactions are crucial for successful cohabitation. |
Can Axolotls Live With Fish?
There are several reasons why axolotls are not compatible with fish. The first reason is their diet. Axolotls are carnivores, meaning they only eat meat.
They don’t eat plant matter as fish do; they also don’t eat algae or other aquatic plants that can be found in your aquarium.
This means that if you have an axolotl, it will never go after your fish because it’s not hungry enough to hunt them down! If you’re still worried about this happening, then just make sure to feed your axolotl more often than usual so it doesn’t feel the need to hunt for food outside of its tank.
Another reason why these two creatures do not get along well is space concerns: even though an aquarium looks like a big area for both animals (and maybe even too much space), most people underestimate how much room an axolotl truly needs when living alongside other pets (especially fish).
Not only does this require special filtration systems and filters but also careful planning about where exactly all these components should go inside the tank itself so as not to disturb any other species’ habitats as well as keep things balanced between how much oxygen levels there are versus carbon dioxide levels etcetera ad nauseam!
If you’re wondering whether axolotls can live alone, our owner’s experience provides valuable insights. Discover the pros and cons of keeping axolotls solo in our detailed guide on axolotls living alone.
Do Axolotls Need To Eat Fish?
Yes, axolotls are omnivores and need to eat small animals like fish to stay healthy. Axolotls are carnivores, which means they prefer meat-based foods like fish, frogs, or worms over plant matter like lettuce.
They may not always be able to catch their prey, however; some aquarium owners have reported that their axolotls were unable to capture the slippery fish in their tanks and instead had to rely on crickets for food.
However, you should only feed your axolotl small types of fish as big ones may be too big for its mouth and can cause injury by getting stuck there.
You should pick only those kinds of fish whose body length is smaller than 4 inches (10 cm) since larger species could get stuck inside your axolotl’s mouth while trying to swallow them down!
| Feeding Preference | Description |
|---|---|
| Carnivorous | Axolotls primarily eat live or frozen meaty foods. |
| Varied Diet | They require a diverse diet consisting of small invertebrates, such as worms and insects. |
| Fish as Food | While fish can be included in their diet, it is not a necessity for axolotls to consume fish. |
| Pellet Alternatives | Commercially available axolotl pellets can provide necessary nutrition and serve as a convenient food option. |
| Dietary Balance | It is essential to ensure a balanced diet to meet the nutritional needs of axolotls. |
Can Axolotls Eat Fish Food?
Feeding your axolotl is simple enough: just drop the food into his habitat and he’ll go for it. Axolotls can eat different types of food, but the most common types are crickets, worms, and bloodworms (you may have heard this called “red worms” or “bloodworms”).
You can also feed your axolotl pellets made out of fish food if you’d rather not deal with live insects.
What Kind Of Fish Can You Keep With An Axolotl?
You can keep many kinds of fish with axolotls. However, some fish are more suitable for this purpose than others. The ideal axolotl tank mates are those that prefer cooler temperatures, don’t grow too large, and aren’t aggressive predators.
These include:
- Angelfish (Centropyge argi) – grows to about 6 inches long in captivity; not a predator; prefers warmer water; does not require saltwater conditions.
- Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) – grows to about 2 inches in length in captivity; cannot tolerate freshwater conditions outside its natural habitat (the sea); requires saltwater conditions to thrive and breed successfully; typically lives in groups of three or more individuals.
Curious about the compatibility of axolotls with other fish? Our owner’s experience sheds light on the subject. Learn about the challenges and considerations of keeping axolotls and other fish together in our article on axolotls getting along with other fish.
How Can I Tell If My Axolotl Is Eating A Fish?
If you are trying to determine if your axolotl is eating a fish, there are several ways to tell.
Look at their mouth. An axolotl has a large mouth and wide gape, which means they can fit most larger prey items in. If you notice any parts of the fish being missing, or the fish seems
smaller than when it was first introduced (or even dead), then this may be why! They have been known to eat fish that get too close to their tank or fall into it by accident.
Check for evidence of feeding behavior in the tank itself: The water level should be lower than normal due to digestion processes using up oxygen from the water column (this does not occur with goldfish as they have gills instead).
If there’s no change in water level after feeding time has passed and no other signs of feeding activity present themselves (such as poop), then it could mean that your axolotl isn’t interested in eating anything at all right now!
| Signs | Description |
|---|---|
| Fish Disappearing | If you notice fish in the tank disappearing over time, it could indicate that your axolotl is consuming them. |
| Evidence in Tank | Look for fish remains, such as scales or bones, in the tank, which could suggest that your axolotl has been eating fish. |
| Bulging Stomach | A visibly bulging stomach in your axolotl may indicate that it has recently consumed a fish. |
| Behavior Changes | Observe any changes in your axolotl’s behavior, such as increased activity or hunting-like movements, which could indicate fish consumption. |
| Tank Compatibility | Consider the compatibility of your axolotl’s tankmates. If you have fish species known to be preyed upon by axolotls, it’s more likely that your axolotl is eating fish. |
Will My Axolotl Go After My Fish?
If you have an axolotl, the answer is simple: no. Axolotls do not eat other fish in general, and they will not eat any type of goldfish or guppy.
They don’t even eat other small fish like neon tetras or swords! However, there are a few exceptions to this rule; if your axolotl has been eating live food for a while (like crickets), it may be possible that he will try to go after some of your smaller fish.
In general, though, you should keep your fish away from your axolotl and vice versa. If your tank is big enough for both creatures then it won’t be an issue since they’ll have their own parts where they can move around freely without disturbing each other too much!
Are you worried about axolotls potentially harming your fish? Our owner’s experience provides valuable insights. Discover the factors that can lead to conflicts between axolotls and fish in our comprehensive guide on axolotls killing fish.
I Have A Goldfish, Can I Keep It With My Axolotl?
You should also make sure that your aquarium has enough food for both animals because one of them might not be able to find any food if there isn’t enough for both of them to eat.
If you want an axolotl and a fish living together, you need to make sure that they’re both in the same temperature range so they can share their tank together without any problems or danger from either one eating the other.
What Should I Feed My Axolotl If I Have A Fish With It?
One important thing to note about keeping fish with axolotls is that your axolotl will most likely eat the fish if it gets the chance.
This means that you should only keep small, non-aggressive aquarium fish that won’t make much of a splash when they’re taken by your axolotl.
If you have a slow-moving species of aquarium fish like guppies, goldfish or mollies, then you can certainly keep these types of pets together with an axolotl as long as they stay on opposite sides of the tank. The main concern here would be overcrowding in one area which could cause potential conflicts between these two different kinds of pets.
What Kind Of Water Temperature Does An Axolotl Need To Live With A Fish?
When it comes to axolotls and temperature, things can get a little tricky. Axolotls are cold-blooded creatures that need to keep their environment at a certain temperature in order to thrive.
This means they’re more sensitive than most fish when it comes to water temperature changes.
Ideally, the ideal temperature range for your axolotl is between 15°C (59°F) and 18°C (65°F). If the water gets too hot or too cold outside of this range, you might end up killing your axolotl or causing other damage by exposing them to temperatures outside their acceptable range.
Can An Axolotl Eat A Guppy?
Yes, axolotls can eat guppies. Guppies are common aquarium fish and they’re actually a favorite food of many amphibians, including axolotls. However, not all axolotls will eat guppies because they have different diets based on their size and age.
Younger axolotls feed more on insects and crustaceans than larger ones do (the older they get). So if you have a young axolotl that’s just starting out in life, then it might be okay to keep with your little guys!
Considering keeping axolotls with betta fish? Expert advice is crucial. Learn about the compatibility, tank setup, and potential challenges of housing axolotls and betta fish together in our informative article on axolotls and betta fish cohabitation.
How Many Fish Can I Have In My Tank With An Axolotl?
The answer to this question will depend on the size of your tank and how many fish you want to keep. If you have a small tank, it is recommended that you only keep one or two fish in there.
You should also consider whether or not the snakehead fish are compatible with your axolotl because they can be aggressive towards them at times.
For example, if you do want to keep more than one kind of fish in your tank then it’s best not to get too many different kinds because they might fight over territory and food sources etcetera (or vice versa).
Can Axolotls Live With Fish If They’re The Same Temperature?
As a cold-blooded animal, the axolotl needs to be kept at room temperature or cooler. Because this is true, they can be kept with fish that prefer warmer water.
The only thing you have to watch out for is that your axolotl doesn’t get too hot in the tank and die or become sick because of it.
If you’re just setting up a new tank or if someone has moved your pet while cleaning up the tank, they might not have known what temperature was best for an axolotl in which case check on them every hour or so until they are comfortable in their new environment.
| Temperature Compatibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Same Temperature | Axolotls and fish can coexist more harmoniously if they require similar temperature ranges in their aquatic habitat. |
| Cold-Water Species | Axolotls are generally cold-water species, thriving in temperatures around 16-18°C (60-64°F). They are compatible with many species of fish that prefer similar temperature ranges. |
| Research Fish Species | Before adding fish to an axolotl tank, research the temperature requirements of the specific fish species to ensure they align with the axolotl’s preferred temperature range. |
| Avoid High Temperatures | Axolotls are sensitive to higher temperatures, and housing them with fish that require warmer water can lead to stress, compromised health, or even death for the axolotl. |
| Monitoring Water Temperature | Regularly monitor and maintain the temperature of the tank to ensure it remains within the suitable range for both axolotls and any fish companions. |
Can Axolotls Live With Fish If They’re Different Temperatures?
Multiple studies have been done on this topic, and the consensus is that axolotls can live with fish. It all depends on the temperature of the tank. If both creatures are cold-blooded, it’s possible to keep them together if they both aren’t too cold or too warm.
If you want to know how many fish can be kept in a tank with an axolotl, look at your local pet store for recommendations based on their experience with different kinds of fish and axolotls at different temperatures.
Can Axolotls Live With Fish If I Put A Divider Between Them?
One of the best ways to discourage your axolotl from eating your fish is by putting a divider between them. Make sure the divider is sturdy and safe for both creatures, so make sure it’s not sharp or toxic (you wouldn’t want an axolotl getting hurt).
Also, make sure that you don’t accidentally hurt your axolotl by using something harmful like copper in the tank water!
Interested in keeping axolotls and turtles together? Veterinary insights can guide your decision-making process. Discover the compatibility factors, tank requirements, and important considerations in our comprehensive article on axolotls living with turtles.
How Often Should I Change The Water In My Aquarium?
How often you should change the water in your aquarium depends on how many fish you have. If you have a single fish, change the water every two weeks. If you have a small group of fish, change it every four weeks.
However, if your tank is at least 20 gallons (76 liters), then they can go as long as six months without needing to be changed out!
Conclusion
That’s it! You’ve learned a lot about the axolotl and its life in an aquarium. If you’re looking for more information on this fascinating creature, we recommend taking some time to read our other articles on the subject. We hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as we did writing it.
Further reading
Can Axolotls Live with Fish? – Pet Familyz: A comprehensive guide discussing the compatibility of axolotls with fish and providing insights on their cohabitation.
Can Axolotls Live with Fish? – Badman’s Tropical Fish: Learn about the considerations and potential challenges of keeping axolotls and fish together in this informative article.
Axolotls and Fish: Can They Live Together? – Badman’s Tropical Fish: Discover the factors to consider when deciding whether axolotls and fish can coexist peacefully in the same tank.
Please note that the provided URLs and descriptions are for illustrative purposes. Make sure to replace them with the actual URLs and relevant descriptions based on the content you want to reference.
Now, let’s move on to the FAQs section. Here are five questions and answers to include in the H3 subheadings without numbering them:
FAQs
Can axolotls live with other aquatic pets?
Yes, axolotls can live with other aquatic pets, but it depends on various factors such as the size of the tank, the temperament of the other pets, and their specific care requirements.
Do axolotls get along with fish?
Axolotls can potentially coexist with certain fish species, but caution is advised. Some fish may nip at the axolotl’s gills or fins, while others may become targets for the axolotl’s predatory instincts.
What types of fish are compatible with axolotls?
Fish species that are non-aggressive, similar in size to the axolotl, and have similar temperature and water parameter requirements are generally more compatible. Researching specific species and their behavior is recommended.
Are there any risks in keeping axolotls with fish?
There are risks associated with housing axolotls and fish together. Fish can potentially harm axolotls, especially if they are small enough to be seen as prey. Additionally, fish can contribute to the water pollution, affecting the axolotl’s health.
How should I introduce axolotls to a tank with fish?
To minimize stress and potential conflicts, it is recommended to introduce axolotls and fish slowly and observe their interactions closely. Providing ample hiding spots and ensuring sufficient space for all tank inhabitants is crucial for successful cohabitation.
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.