Axolotls are a type of salamander that has been kept as a pet for thousands of years. They live in the wild in Mexico and were first discovered by Europeans during the Mexican War.
Axolotl are unique because they can survive for up to two months without food or water, which makes them an ideal candidate for being kept as pets.
They have also become popular due to their appearance as well as their ability to regenerate limbs when injured.
In this article we’ll discuss what they’re like at home with other animals and how much fun they can be!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls are social creatures and can play with each other. |
| Providing axolotls with suitable tank mates can enhance their social interactions. |
| Axolotls may engage in behaviors like chasing, nudging, and wrestling during play. |
| Monitoring the interactions between axolotls is important to ensure they are not aggressive towards each other. |
| Axolotls can benefit from the stimulation and exercise that playing with tank mates provides. |
Do Axolotls Play With Each Other?
Axolotls are social animals and enjoy interacting with one another. In fact, most hobbyists keep their axolotls in groups of three or more.
This is because the axolotl is an active swimmer, which means it needs a larger tank to thrive. Plus, if you’re going to have more than one axolotl in your tank, they should be kept together so that they can enjoy each other’s company!
You will also see them swimming up to the surface of the water or floating on top when sleeping; this is because they like having contact with their environment at all times (and not just during feeding).
When it comes to feeding axolotls, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet. Our comprehensive guide on how to feed axolotl offers valuable insights and expert advice to ensure your axolotls receive the nutrition they need.
How Do Axolotls Interact With Other Animals?
Axolotls are social animals, and they like to interact with other axolotls. If you’re housing more than one axolotl in your tank, they will generally get along just fine.
It’s not uncommon to see a group of three or four axolotls floating around together.
The only time there might be any problems between your axolotls is if two males are placed together in the same tank; this could lead to fighting over territory or mating rights.
However, if you’re sure that the second male is a female (and it isn’t mating season), then you should have no problem keeping both of them together.
Axolotls can also be kept with other species of salamanders such as tiger salamanders and mudpuppies (Necturus maculosus).
In fact, some people keep all three types of salamander together in their tanks!
| Interaction | Description |
|---|---|
| With Fish | Axolotls may exhibit curiosity or indifference towards fish in the same tank. Proper monitoring is necessary to ensure compatibility. |
| With Snails | Axolotls may see snails as potential prey and attempt to eat them. Snails can help clean the tank but should be chosen carefully. |
| With Shrimp | Axolotls may view shrimp as food and may try to consume them. Keeping shrimp as tank mates requires caution. |
| With Turtles | Axolotls and turtles should not be housed together due to differences in habitat requirements and potential harm to each other. |
| With Other Axolotls | Axolotls can interact positively with each other, engaging in play and social behaviors. Monitoring their interactions is important to prevent aggression. |
Why Are Axolotls So Popular As Pets?
You may be wondering why axolotls are so popular as pets. As a matter of fact, the aquatic salamanders have been a favorite among animal enthusiasts for decades and it’s easy to see why.
Not only are they relatively inexpensive, but they can also live for up to 15 years! That’s longer than most dogs or cats live (longevity can vary depending on the care you give).
Axolotls don’t require much space either a 10-gallon tank is usually more than enough space for an adult axolotl.
Axolotls also make great pets because they’re easy to handle and interact with. Unlike other types of amphibians that can be aggressive towards humans (especially during mating season), axolotls will usually ignore your presence unless you try to pick them up or touch their sensitive skin glands near their gills, which may cause them discomfort if touched too often.
To create a suitable habitat for your axolotls, you might wonder if substrate is necessary. Our informative article, Do Axolotls Need Substrate?, explores the importance of substrate and provides guidance on choosing the right type for your axolotl tank.
Do Axolotls Have A Sense Of Smell Like Humans?
It’s true. Axolotls have a sense of smell that is very similar to our own. They use their sense of smell to find food, mates, shelter and even danger!
However, it’s important to remember that axolotls do not have nostrils like humans do; instead they have tiny gills which are located above each eye.
The gills contain olfactory sensory cells which are used to detect odors in the water around them.
It’s possible that axolots use these cells while hunting around in the wild but it has not been proven yet (even though many people believe this is true).
Do Axolotls Play With Their Owners?
As you can see, the answer is a resounding yes! Axolotls are very social creatures and enjoy interacting with people.
In fact, many owners report that their axolotls actually become more animated when they have visitors over!
| Interaction | Description |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Axolotls can engage in interactive behaviors with their owners, such as following their movements and responding to stimuli. |
| Recognition | Axolotls may show recognition of their owners through visual and tactile cues. |
| Hand-Feeding | Axolotls can be trained to associate their owners with food and may eagerly approach them for hand-feeding. |
| Response to Touch | Axolotls can display sensitivity to touch and may react to gentle strokes or contact from their owners. |
| Bonding | With consistent care and positive interactions, axolotls can form a bond with their owners, demonstrating trust and familiarity. |
Are There Some Axolotls That Do Not Play Well With Others?
Unfortunately, there are some cases where an axolotl is aggressive. There are several reasons why this can happen.
For example, if you have two male axolotls who are both in the same tank and they fight over territory (especially if one of them is smaller than the other), then it may be best to separate them into different tanks.
Additionally, if your axolotl has been bullied by other animals before they came into your home, they might be more likely to become aggressive towards new pets as well.
Even though these kinds of situations do not happen often, sometimes all it takes is one bad experience for an animal (like humans) to develop a fear response that lasts forevermore!
Providing a secure environment is crucial when caring for axolotls. Learn more about whether axolotls need a lid for their tank in our article, Do Axolotls Need a Lid?, where we discuss the benefits of a tank lid and how it contributes to the well-being of your axolotls.
Do All Axolotls Need To Be Housed In A Tank That Has A Lid?
Some axolotls need to be housed in a tank with a lid, while others can live happily without one. The ones that need the lid have built-in buoyancy chambers on their backs, which allows them to float in the water and breathe air through their skin.
These axolotls are less likely to drown or suffocate if they happen to fall asleep on the floor of your tank but they also need extra cleaning because they’ll be in contact with whatever is on the bottom of your tank.
How Do You Know If Your Axolotl Is Playing?
If you are wondering, how do you know if your axolotl is playing? Well, the answer is simple: if something is moving and it catches their attention, they will try to catch it.
If they can’t catch it but they try hard enough and it keeps moving away from them, then they think that object must be playing with them. What a clever little creature!
| Play Behavior | Indicators |
|---|---|
| Chase and Nudge | Axolotls may chase each other or objects in the tank and gently nudge them. |
| Wrestling and Tumbling | Axolotls can engage in playful wrestling, rolling, or tumbling movements. |
| Swimming in Spirals | Axolotls may swim in spirals or loops, showing playful and energetic behavior. |
| Exploring and Investigating | Playful axolotls may actively explore their environment, investigating different areas and objects. |
| Active and Alert | Playing axolotls will be active, displaying heightened alertness and attentiveness. |
What Do Axolotls Do When They’re Playing?
When an axolotl is playing, they will be moving around a lot. They might swim, jump or dart around the tank.
Some even do a little dance! If you want to encourage your axolotl to play with you, it’s best to give them something to play with as well as another animal for company.
They also like toys such as flowers (which are made from dried leaves) and plastic creatures that resemble insects or snakes which are sold in pet stores. You can try putting these objects in their tank so they can spend some time playing with them whenever they feel like it!
Maintaining proper water quality is essential for the health of your axolotls. Find out if axolotls need a filter for their tank by reading our informative article, Do Axolotls Need a Filter?, where we explain the importance of filtration systems and their role in ensuring a clean and healthy aquatic environment
What Kinds Of Things Do Axolotls Like To Play With?
Axolotls are generally pretty playful animals. They like to interact with their owners and other Axolotls, particularly if the owner or other Axolotl is holding a toy in their hands.
Some axolotls will play by themselves, usually hiding under objects in the tank and then jumping out of the way when you walk past them.
Others prefer to interact with another Axolotl, as they enjoy wrestling or chasing each other around in circles.
If you’re looking for something that your axolotl can do alone without any input from you, try giving them something to hide under or under a rock where they can ambush unsuspecting prey items such as minnows or shrimp!
Lighting plays a significant role in creating an ideal habitat for axolotls. Discover the importance of light and whether axolotls need it by exploring our article, Do Axolotls Need Light?, where we provide valuable insights and practical tips on lighting setups for axolotl tanks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear that the axolotl is an amazing creature. With its weird appearance and unique biology, it’s no wonder that so many people are fascinated by this animal.
It’s also easy to see why it makes such a great pet! If you want something different from every other aquarium fish out there, then this could be just what you need.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on axolotls:
5 Weird but Normal Axolotl Behaviors: Explore peculiar yet common behaviors exhibited by axolotls and gain insights into their natural habits and characteristics.
Axolotl – The Mexican Walking Fish: Discover fascinating information about axolotls, their unique features, and their natural habitat, providing a deeper understanding of these captivating amphibians.
Axolotls – Burke’s Backyard: Learn about axolotls as pets and get practical advice on their care, housing, and feeding, with valuable tips from Burke’s Backyard.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about axolotls:
Do axolotls require a lot of care?
Axolotls require specific care to ensure their well-being. They need a suitable tank setup, proper water conditions, and a balanced diet. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to keep them healthy.
Can axolotls regrow their limbs?
Yes, axolotls have the incredible ability to regrow lost body parts, including limbs, organs, and even parts of their spinal cord. This unique regenerative capability is one of the remarkable traits of axolotls.
How big do axolotls typically grow?
Axolotls generally reach a size of 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) in length when fully grown. However, some individuals can grow even larger, depending on their genetics and environmental factors.
What is the lifespan of an axolotl?
Under proper care, axolotls can live for an average of 10 to 15 years. However, with excellent husbandry and optimal conditions, some axolotls have been known to live up to 20 years or more.
Can axolotls change their color?
Yes, axolotls can exhibit color variations and change their coloration. Factors such as age, stress, environment, and genetic factors can influence the coloration of axolotls, resulting in different shades and patterns.
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.