Axolotls are the most adorable and interesting creatures on earth. They’re also very easy to care for, and they can live up to 20 years in captivity if they’re well taken care of! But what makes them so special? Why would anyone want to touch an axolotl?
What’s the best way to pet one without getting slime all over you? And what’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done with your axolotl?
In this article I’ll answer all these questions and more:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls can be touched and handled by their owners. |
| Proper handling techniques should be followed to ensure the well-being of axolotls. |
| It is important to wash hands thoroughly before and after touching axolotls. |
| Gentle and slow movements are recommended when interacting with axolotls. |
| Avoid touching axolotls’ gills and sensitive body parts. |
| Regular interaction and handling can help axolotls become more comfortable with their owners. |
| Observing axolotls’ body language and reactions can indicate their comfort level. |
| Consult with an expert or veterinarian for specific handling guidelines for axolotls. |
Can You Touch an Axolotl?
Yes. It’s true that you can touch an axolotl! They are usually quite friendly and will allow you to pet them and even hold them if they’re used to being handled. Axolotls enjoy the company of humans, so don’t be afraid to pick one up or pat its head if it’s been hand-fed before (and if this is your first time handling an axolotl, make sure it’s properly hydrated).
The best way to pet an axolotl without getting slime all over yourself is simple: just use two hands! One hand should support the underside of its body while the other slides over its head and down its back. Make sure not to squeeze too hard; otherwise, it might get scared or bite you!
If you’re wondering whether axolotls like their owners, our owner experience guide provides insights into the fascinating bond between axolotls and their human companions. Discover the joy of connecting with these unique creatures in our article on do axolotls like their owners.
Do Axolotls Have Teeth?
Yes they have teeth. No they don’t. It depends on which type of axolotl you’re talking about!
The answer is yes, but only in a very limited way the Mexican salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) has teeth that are called denticles or “amorphous granules” by biologists.
These are small tooth-like structures found only on the roof of its mouth, and they’re used primarily for grasping prey items like crickets (they can also be used to help remove bits of food that get stuck between their gills as they eat).
Axolotls don’t have these denticles, though; instead, they use their lower jaw to grip onto prey while sucking water into their mouths through the gill slits located near their eyes and at the base of their neck region.
Most salamanders lack any sort of hard parts at all! Instead of having jaws like mammals do or even just bones most salamanders have cartilage instead; this makes them much softer and easier for predators (like cats!) to eat than if there were harder parts inside them like ours would be.”
| Dental Feature | Presence |
|---|---|
| Incisors | Yes |
| Canines | No |
| Premolars | Yes |
| Molars | No |
| Wisdom Teeth | Not applicable |
Do Axolotls Make Good Pets?
If you want to keep an axolotl as a pet, you will need to be prepared to care for it properly. Axolotls are not suitable pets for children.
They require a lot of space and live in water, so they cannot simply be kept in a bowl on top of the kitchen counter like other common household pets such as hamsters or goldfish.
If you do decide that having your own axolotl is something that would make your life complete, there are some other things you should know about them:
Curious about how axolotls interact with humans? Our owner’s experience sheds light on the captivating interactions and relationships between axolotls and their human caregivers. Dive into the world of axolotl-human interaction with our article on do axolotls interact with humans.
Why Would Anyone Want to Touch an Axolotl?
Why would anyone want to touch an axolotl? It’s easy to understand why people become fascinated with these creatures. They are cute, and they make great pets. Not only that, but they’re also easy to care for and lay-back enough that you can pick them up and cuddle them if you want (but should probably avoid licking them).
How Do You Touch an Axolotl?
Wear gloves. It’s not just for keeping the slime off of your hands, it’s also for safety (and comfort).
Use a towel or other protective covering on the floor where you plan to set up your tank and put down some newspaper or plastic sheeting under it before setting up the tank. This can help prevent accidents should any water spill while making sure that there is less mess if anyone slips or falls while handling their pet axolotl.
Don’t touch the axolotl directly! It’s best not to handle an axolotl directly because they have few natural predators and will bite when handled by humans or even worse if one touches its tail!
What’s the Best Way to Pet an Axolotl Without Getting Slime All Over You?
You might be tempted to pet your axolotl, but before you do make sure that your hands are clean and that there aren’t any open wounds on your fingers. It’s also important to make sure that the axolotl has no open wounds or other health problems. If it does, it might not feel comfortable being touched by someone else’s hands.
| Petting Technique | Result |
|---|---|
| Gentle stroking with clean hands | Minimal slime transfer |
| Avoid rapid movements | Reduced slime secretion |
| Petting along the body and tail | Limited slime contact |
| Refrain from touching axolotl’s gills | Minimized slime release |
| Patience and gradual acclimation | Decreased slime production over time |
What Does It Feel Like to Hold an Axolotl?
You know that axolotls are slippery and slimy, but have you ever wondered what it feels like to hold one? It’s not easy to explain, but I’ll try.
Axolotls are squishy and they feel like they’re made of jelly. Their skin is smooth and cool, but when you pick them up, they’ll become very slippery (thanks to their mucus).
You can’t really hold onto them; instead, you kind of just push your hand against the top of their head so that it sort of glides along with their body as it wriggles around in your hands. The slime from their skin makes this easier than if they were dry. Once again: don’t get any slime on yourself!
Discover the thrill of holding axolotls and learn about the proper handling techniques with our comprehensive owner experience guide. Explore the rewarding experience of holding these amazing creatures in our article on can you hold axolotls.
Are Axolotls Slimy or Slimier Than Slimy?
It depends on how you define it! They’re definitely slippery, but not as slippery as some other kinds of animals. For example, slugs are much slipperier than axolotls.
But if you’re talking about a scale measuring the slimeiness of different species, I think you’d have to say that axolotls fall somewhere in between slugs and snails on the scale.
| Species | Sliminess Level |
|---|---|
| Axolotls | Moderate |
| Slugs | Slimier |
| Snails | Slimier |
| Hagfish | Slimier |
| Banana Slugs | Slimier |
How Do You Handle It When People Make Fun of Your Pet?
If you own an axolotl, you know that people have a lot of opinions about your pet. Some people think they’re gross; others think they’re the cutest thing ever.
This can be intimidating, especially if someone makes fun of your axolotl in public—but there’s no need to feel threatened by these haters (after all, they’re probably just jealous).
First off, let me tell you something: don’t take it personally when someone asks how many times per day you feed your axolotl or whether or not it helps if he/she does #1 and #2 at the same time as well!
You might even want to laugh with them about it it’s okay for both parties involved in a joke like this one to find themselves funny because sometimes those kinds of jokes just click for some reason. If nothing else comes out from these conversations except laughter (and maybe some new friends), then no harm done!
Considering keeping axolotls with turtles? Our vet answer provides valuable insights and considerations for creating a harmonious environment for both species. Learn about the compatibility of axolotls and turtles in our article on can you keep axolotls with turtles.
What’s the Weirdest Thing You’ve Ever Done With Your Axolotl?
You may have heard of people who feed their axolotls to other animals, but I’d like to take this opportunity to make a few suggestions:
Hold it in your mouth. This is the most natural way for us humans to interact with our pets. It’s also fun! It’s like having a little living keychain on hand for whenever you need something cute and small to hold or show off. You can even put them on hooks and hang them from your belt loops for easy access when needed!
Eat them. This is a popular choice among some amateur axolotl-owners because their skin is so tasty and nutritious!
The best part about eating an axolotl is that they don’t need to be cooked first; just bite right into one while its still alive (you can tell if they’re still alive by looking at their eyes) and enjoy being able to eat something so exotic without having gone through all the work of preparing it properly first (or paying any money).
Eating an axolotl takes less time than cooking one does too which means less work overall too!
Curious about the bond between axolotls and their owners? Explore our article on axolotls liking their owners to understand the affectionate nature of these amazing creatures and how they can form a special connection with their human companions.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading this article on how to pet an axolotl. We know it can be intimidating, but don’t worry! You’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
Remember that your axolotl loves attention (even if they don’t show it), so keep on petting those little guys until they relax and enjoy themselves.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore for further information on axolotls:
Do Axolotls Bond with Their Owner?: Discover the fascinating nature of the bond between axolotls and their owners, and learn how these unique creatures form connections with their human caregivers.
Axolotls as Pets: A Comprehensive Guide: Dive into this comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights on keeping axolotls as pets. Learn about their care requirements, tank setup, feeding habits, and more.
Can You Hold an Axolotl?: Find out whether it is safe to hold an axolotl and learn about the proper techniques and considerations for handling these delicate creatures.
FAQs
Are axolotls good pets?
Yes, axolotls can make great pets. They are unique, captivating creatures that require specific care, such as maintaining appropriate water conditions and providing a suitable environment.
Do axolotls need a heater?
Axolotls are cold-water animals and typically prefer temperatures between 60°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C). While a heater may not be necessary in a room that maintains a stable temperature within this range, it can be beneficial to use a heater to ensure consistent water temperature.
Can axolotls live with other fish?
Axolotls are generally not recommended to be housed with other fish, as they may view them as potential food and nip at their fins. Additionally, some fish species may pose a threat to axolotls due to their aggressive nature or temperature requirements.
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Axolotls should be fed two to three times a week, offering them a diet consisting of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. It’s important to monitor their feeding habits and adjust the amount accordingly to maintain a healthy weight.
Do axolotls undergo metamorphosis like other amphibians?
No, axolotls are unique among amphibians as they typically retain their juvenile form throughout their lives, a phenomenon known as neoteny. They do not undergo a complete metamorphosis, unlike frogs or salamanders.
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.