Axolotls are amazing creatures. They can regenerate limbs, change their skin color and even regrow brain cells. One of the most interesting things about axolotls is that they are carnivores and herbivores.
This means that they eat both meat and plants! However, when it comes to feeding your axolotl one thing is important: only feed them what they will eat! Here’s what you need to know about feeding your axolotl meat or plants…
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls can eat snails, but it is important to consider the potential risks. |
| Feeding snails to axolotls may pose the risk of shell impaction and parasites. |
| It is advisable to thoroughly research and consult experts before introducing snails into an axolotl’s diet. |
| There are alternative food options that are generally considered safer for axolotls. |
| Snails should be properly prepared and sourced from a reputable environment if fed to axolotls. |
| Monitoring axolotls for any signs of health issues related to consuming snails is crucial. |
| Seeking veterinary advice is recommended if any health concerns arise. |
Do Axolotls Eat Fish?
Yes, but only if you’re talking about live goldfish. If you have some spare time on your hands and a few spare goldfish lying around the house, then why not try feeding one to your axolotl? It’s a fun experiment that can teach you more about how to properly feed them in the future.
However, don’t be surprised if your axolotl refuses to eat the fish. Many people have tried this with their own pets and been unsuccessful! You see, although most pet shops will tell you that axolotls are carnivorous (meaning they only eat other animals), there is actually debate over whether or not they should be classified as omnivores (animals who eat both plants and animals).
Until this issue is resolved one way or another by scientists at The International Committee On Taxonomy Of Axolotls (ICTA), we’ll just have to keep guessing on how best we can feed our pets
If you’re wondering whether axolotls can eat red wigglers, our article on axolotls and red wigglers provides valuable insights from experienced axolotl owners, helping you understand the potential benefits and considerations of including red wigglers in their diet.
Are Axolotls Piscivorous, Or Do They Eat Meat?
You may be wondering whether axolotls are carnivorous or herbivorous. The answer is both! The axolotl is an omnivore, meaning that it eats both meat and plants (a very rare trait indeed).
While they will eat fish in the wild, they also enjoy eating worms, shrimp and crickets. On the other hand, when kept as pets most of us feed them a diet consisting primarily of veggies such as spinach and lettuce.
Are Axolotls Carnivorous Or Herbivorous?
This is a common question among new owners who are just learning about axolotls. The answer is that axolotls are omnivorous, meaning they eat both meat and plants. They will eat live prey such as mealworms and crickets but they also enjoy eating thawed frozen vegetables such as spinach or peas. Axolotls do not need to be fed fish because they are not piscivorous (fish-eating).
Have you ever thought about feeding your axolotls daphnia? Learn more about the compatibility of axolotls and daphnia in our detailed guide on axolotls and daphnia, where our veterinary experts shed light on this potential food source and its impact on axolotls’ health.
Do Axolotls Eat Worms?
Yes, axolotls will eat earthworms, wax worms and mealworms in captivity. Earthworms are actually a good source of protein for axolotls! In fact, you can buy frozen earthworms at your local pet store or online for use as live food for your pet axolotl.
Do Axolotls Eat Worms In The Wild?
Yes! While you wouldn’t find them consuming worms as frequently as they would consume insects such as crickets and flies (which are easily found around ponds), they do eat worms from time to time. This is why it’s important to feed them a variety of foods so that their diet remains balanced with all nutrients necessary for proper growth and health.
| Worm Type | Axolotl’s Wild Diet |
|---|---|
| Earthworms | Yes |
| Red Wigglers | Yes |
| Mealworms | No |
| Wax Worms | No |
| Superworms | No |
| Nightcrawlers | Yes |
Do Axolotls Eat Shrimp?
Shrimp is not a natural food for axolotls, but they can eat it if they need to. However, shrimp has a high protein content which can be bad for your axolotl’s digestive system. If you want to feed your axolotl shrimp, you should only do so occasionally and in moderation.
Curious about the impact of snails on axolotls? Our article on axolotls and snails explores this topic, providing valuable insights and experiences from axolotl owners, helping you understand the dynamics between these two organisms and make informed decisions for your axolotl’s well-being.
Can Axolotls Eat Crickets?
Axolotls are carnivorous, meaning they only eat meat. They’re also herbivorous, though meaning they usually eat plants.
But there are some things that can be considered a “middle-ground” food for them. For example, crickets aren’t very big or nutritious and aren’t going to fill your axolotl up all by themselves, but they’re not poisonous either (unless you buy them from an especially gross pet store).
If you want to feed your axolotl live prey like crickets and worms (or even small fish), then it’s important to make sure those animals have been gut loaded beforehand so that they’ll be full of nutrients when offered up as meals for your pet amphibian.
Do Axolotls Eat Mice?
If you’re wondering what an axolotl eats, the answer is anything small enough to fit in its mouth! That’s right, these little guys will eat other animals. They’re carnivorous by nature, so they’ll usually go for insects or worms first.
However, some people are under the impression that axolotls can eat mice as well. This couldn’t be farther from the truth: mice are too large for an axolotl’s tiny mouth; it would choke trying to swallow one whole!
So unless you want your axolotl choking on its food (or worse), we recommend feeding it smaller critters like crickets and worms instead of rodents when possible.
| Mouse Type | Axolotl’s Diet |
|---|---|
| Wild Mice | No |
| Pet Mice | No |
| Feeder Mice | No |
| Fancy Mice | No |
| Lab Mice | No |
Should You Feed Your Axolotl Meat?
The answer is no. Axolotls are herbivores and need to eat vegetables, fruits, and worms in captivity. You should not feed your axolotl meat because it can cause serious health problems for your pet.
Looking for suitable food options for your axolotls? Our comprehensive guide on feeding axolotls covers various food sources, including red wigglers, providing valuable information on their nutritional value and potential benefits for your axolotls’ diet.
Can You Feed Your Axolotl Live Prey?
Axolotls are carnivores and need to eat live food. You can feed your axolotl live goldfish, crickets, earthworms and even small mice.
If you want to keep in mind that axolotls are cold-blooded animals so their metabolism is very slow compared to ours. They don’t need as much food as we do because they would get full much faster than us humans when we eat something delicious like pizza or burgers etcetera! So it may take longer for them to digest their food before they’re ready for another meal again.”
| Prey Type | Axolotl’s Diet |
|---|---|
| Earthworms | Yes |
| Red Wigglers | Yes |
| Daphnia | Yes |
| Brine Shrimp | Yes |
| Bloodworms | Yes |
| Ghost Shrimp | Yes |
| Guppies | Yes |
| Snails | Yes |
| Crickets | No |
| Mealworms | No |
| Wax Worms | No |
| Superworms | No |
| Small Fish (Goldfish) | No |
| Mice | No |
Can You Feed Your Axolotl Live Goldfish?
Here are some reasons why you should not feed your axolotl goldfish:
Goldfish are not nutritious. Most people think that goldfish are a good source of protein for their axolotls, but this isn’t true. Most of the protein in goldfish comes from their flesh, which doesn’t contain much essential amino acids or proteins at all.
This means that if you give your axolotl too many goldfish, they will end up getting fat and unhealthy without getting any vitamins or minerals out of them at all!
Goldfish aren’t good for digestion either—their hard scales make it difficult for them to be digested by other animals (including humans). This can lead to poor health in both animals who eat them as well as those who eat both types together!
Confused about what to feed your axolotls? Our detailed article on axolotl diet offers expert advice and recommendations, guiding you through the best food options to ensure a balanced and healthy diet for your axolotls.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of conflicting opinions about what axolotls eat. The truth is that axolotls can be fed just about anything that will fit into their mouths.
This includes dead worms, shrimp, crickets and even goldfish if you have them available to you! Axolotls do not need live prey because they can survive on dry food alone. So long as your axolotl has access to water with enough nutrients in it (or a diet high in calcium), it will be happy no matter what type or quantity of food you choose for it.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on the topic of axolotls and their interaction with snails:
Are Snails Safe for Axolotls to Eat?: This article explores the safety of snails as a food source for axolotls, discussing the potential risks and considerations associated with feeding snails to axolotls.
Snails and Axolotls: In this forum thread, users discuss their experiences and opinions regarding the compatibility of snails and axolotls, offering insights into the potential benefits and challenges of introducing snails as a food source.
Do Axolotls Eat Snails? Why Snails Are Not the Best Food for Axolotls: This informative article discusses the reasons why snails may not be the optimal food choice for axolotls, highlighting nutritional concerns and alternative food options.
FAQs
Can axolotls safely consume snails as part of their diet?
Axolotls can consume snails; however, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with feeding snails to axolotls, such as shell impaction and parasites. It is advisable to thoroughly research and consult with experts before introducing snails into an axolotl’s diet.
What are the potential risks of feeding snails to axolotls?
Feeding snails to axolotls can pose risks such as shell impaction, which occurs when an axolotl ingests a snail’s shell, leading to digestive issues. Snails may also carry parasites that can be harmful to axolotls if ingested.
Are there alternative food options that are safer for axolotls than snails?
Yes, there are several alternative food options that are generally considered safer for axolotls. These include commercially available axolotl pellets, earthworms, bloodworms, and various aquatic invertebrates like daphnia or brine shrimp.
How should snails be prepared before feeding them to axolotls?
If you choose to feed snails to axolotls, it is essential to ensure the snails are sourced from a reputable and safe environment. Snails should be properly cleaned and ideally quarantined before offering them to axolotls to minimize the risk of introducing harmful substances or parasites.
What are the signs that indicate an axolotl is experiencing health issues related to consuming snails?
Signs of health issues in axolotls that may be associated with consuming snails include changes in appetite, bloating, abnormal stool appearance, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to seek veterinary advice promptly to address any potential health concerns.
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.