If you’re considering adopting an axolotl as a pet, it’s important to know how much care they need.
The truth is that axolotls aren’t the easiest animals to take care of. In fact, if you don’t have experience with aquatic creatures or amphibians, then it might be best to pass on adopting one altogether!
That said, if you have lots of time on your hands and are willing to learn some new tricks (like how not to kill them), then read on for all of my tips about caring for these fascinating creatures:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls require proper care and attention for their well-being. |
| Providing a suitable tank setup is essential for axolotl care. |
| Axolotls have specific dietary needs and should be fed a balanced diet. |
| Maintaining appropriate water parameters, including temperature and pH, is crucial. |
| Regular monitoring of axolotls’ health and behavior is important. |
| Axolotls can live for a long time, so commitment and dedication are necessary. |
| Handling axolotls should be done with care to avoid stress or injury. |
| Creating a comfortable and safe environment helps axolotls thrive. |
| Consulting with a veterinarian experienced in axolotl care is recommended. |
| Educating oneself about axolotl care through reliable sources is essential. |
Do Axolotls Require A Lot Of Care?
If you want an axolotl as a pet, the answer is yes. Axolotls are not hard to care for and will not cost you a lot of money. You can keep your axolotl in a bowl and change the water every day or feed them live food or frozen food.
They can live for up to 10 years so if you’re looking for a long-term companion that won’t put a strain on your budget, then this little salamander might be right up your alley!
When it comes to feeding axolotls, it’s crucial to understand their dietary needs. Our comprehensive guide on how to feed axolotls provides expert advice and tips to ensure your axolotls receive proper nutrition and thrive in their habitat.
How Many Axolotls Can I Keep In One Tank?
You should only keep one to two axolotls per tank. A 20 gallon tank will be perfect for a single axolotl, while a 10 gallon tank is suitable for two axolotls.
Larger tanks are not recommended, as they can become quite dirty due to the amount of waste produced by your pet. In addition, you may need more filtration equipment than would be necessary in smaller tanks.
What Kind Of Water Temperature Do Axolotls Prefer?
- The water temperature should be between 21 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius.
- The water should be clean, clear and free from debris.
- The water should be soft and not too hard.
- The water should be well aerated so that the axolotl can breathe properly (by swimming above the surface).
| Tank Size (Gallons) | Recommended Number of Axolotls |
|---|---|
| 10 | 1 |
| 20 | 2 |
| 30 | 2-3 |
| 40 | 3-4 |
| 55 | 4-5 |
| 75 | 5-7 |
Are Axolotl Juveniles The Same Size As Adults?
Yes and no. The juvenile axolotls do reach the same size as their adult counterparts, but they have red gills instead of white ones.
As you can see from the picture below, it’s pretty easy to tell which one is a baby and which one is an adult just by looking at their gills!
Are you unsure whether axolotls require saltwater for their tank? Our informative article on do axolotls require saltwater explores this topic in detail, shedding light on the ideal water conditions and salinity levels for these fascinating aquatic creatures.
Do Axolotls Need To Be Fed Every Day?
As a general rule, you should feed your axolotl once per day. If you have more than one axolotl in the same tank, make sure you are feeding each one an equal amount of food.
There are a few different types of foods that work well for feeding axolotls: live food such as earthworms and crickets (you can buy these at pet stores), frozen fish or shrimp, freeze dried blood worms, or freeze dried brine shrimp.
You can also use pellets designed especially for aquatic animals like Axolotl Pellets or ReptoMin Aquatic Turtle Food.
You may not notice any change in weight over time if your axolotls eat the same amount every day but it is still important to monitor their growth so they don’t become overweight or underweight (which could impact their health).
| Feeding Frequency | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Daily | Not necessary for adult axolotls |
| Every Other Day | Suitable for most adult axolotls |
| 2-3 Times per Week | Adequate for adult axolotls with healthy weight |
| Every Few Days | Appropriate for axolotls with slower metabolism |
Can You Keep Axolotls In A Bowl?
No, you can’t keep them in a bowl. If you’ve ever seen an axolotl, then you know that they’re pretty big and need adequate space to live comfortably.
The smallest tank I recommend is an aquarium from 10 gallons up to 20 gallons so that the axolotl has room to swim and explore.
If you have more than one, it’s recommended that your tank be at least 30 gallons for each adult axolotl; this way there can be plenty of room for them both to swim around without getting in each other’s way.
You will also need adequate filtration (at least two filters), lighting (UVB bulbs are required), heating (a heater rated at 75°F or higher), and humidity (generally 25%–55%).
What Temperature Should You Keep Your Axolotls At?
You can keep your axolotls at a temperature between 60 and 80 degrees, which is perfect for their biology. If you go below or above this range, it will stress them out and could potentially kill them.
Curious about the egg-laying behavior of axolotls? Discover more about this intriguing process by checking out our article on do axolotls lay eggs, where we delve into the reproductive habits of axolotls and provide insights on how to care for their eggs.
Should You Feed Your Axolotls Live Food Or Frozen Food?
The main thing to remember is that axolotls are carnivores, meaning they should eat meat. When you’re feeding your axolotls, it’s important to remember this fact.
Your axolotls will eat live food or frozen food but if you decide to give them frozen food then make sure it is high quality and has been kept in the freezer for no more than three months.
You can feed your axolots small portions at least once a day, but twice a day would be better if possible as they tend to be hungry little guys!
Axolotl diet
In addition to meaty foods like worms or crickets (which are usually sold alive), they also enjoy feeding on earthworms.
Bloodworms/bloodsuckers aren’t recommended as these creepy crawlies have been known to cause health problems such as weight gain within some species of fish due their high fat content which isn’t good for aquatic creatures like Axolotls who lack fat stores so should stick with something else instead!
| Feeding Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Live Food | Suitable for young axolotls |
| Frozen Food | Recommended for adult axolotls |
| Combination | Provides variety and balanced diet |
How Long Does It Take For An Axolotl To Grow Up?
How long it takes an axolotl to grow up depends on the species you have. Axolotls can grow up to 20 cm in length and live anywhere between 2 – 15 years in captivity, but this all depends on how warm your water temperature is.
If you keep your axolotl in a tank with a temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) it may only take a few months for them to become fully grown adults, whereas if you keep them at room temperature (21 °C) then they will likely take longer than that.
Choosing the right substrate for your axolotl tank is essential for their well-being. Learn about different substrate options and their pros and cons in our guide on do axolotls need substrate, helping you create a comfortable and suitable environment for your axolotls.
How Do I Know If My Axolotl Is Sick Or Not?
- Signs of illness include:
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen gills
- Swollen eyes
- White patches on skin
- Lethargy (tiredness)
Weight loss or gain, especially one that is not accompanied by a change in food intake. This can indicate a bacterial infection or internal parasite infestation.
Inflammation of the liver may also cause weight loss. If your axolotl doesn’t eat for 3 days and is lethargic, you should take it to an exotic veterinary specialist immediately because this can be fatal!
If your axolotl is already sick and stops eating, there’s not much you can do except try to keep him comfortable until he passes away peacefully (or if he gets better).
What Is The Lifespan Of An Adult Axolotl?
In captivity, axolotls can live for up to 20 years. They have a high metabolism and burn through food quickly, which means you’ll need to replace their food every few days if you want them to stay healthy.
This also makes them unsuitable pets for children because they won’t be able to keep up with the feeding schedule.
Axolotls are not suitable pets for beginners but may be right for experienced hobbyists who know how to care for these reptiles properly.
Do They Make Good Pets?
If you are looking for a pet that is easy to care for, then the axolotl may be the perfect pet for you.
They are very low maintenance, require minimal space and have very simple dietary requirements. They also have a long lifespan of 15+ years in captivity so they could potentially be a lifelong companion.
They are not recommended as pets for children under 12 years old as they can be quite skittish but older children will love having them around!
To ensure the safety and security of your axolotls, providing a suitable lid for their tank is crucial. Discover the importance of tank lids and find practical tips in our article on do axolotls need a lid, where we share our insights based on firsthand experiences and expert advice.
Conclusion
We hope this article has answered some of your questions about caring for axolotls. They’re not as hard to take care of as some people think, but they do need special conditions in order to thrive.
Remember that if you’re thinking about getting an axolotl then you should research everything first, so that you know exactly what kind of tank size and setup will work best for them!
Further Reading
Everything Reptiles: Axolotl Care: A comprehensive guide covering various aspects of axolotl care, including tank setup, feeding, and common health issues.
Modest Fish: Axolotl Care: Learn about the essentials of axolotl care, from tank requirements and water parameters to feeding habits and handling tips.
A-Z Animals Blog: Axolotl as a Pet – The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Axolotl: A detailed guide that explores everything you need to know about keeping axolotls as pets, including habitat setup, feeding, breeding, and more.
FAQs
Can axolotls live in regular fish tanks?
Yes, axolotls can live in regular fish tanks. However, it’s important to consider their specific needs regarding tank size, water parameters, and filtration systems to ensure their well-being.
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Axolotls should be fed around two to three times per week, offering them a diet consisting of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and pellets specially formulated for axolotls.
Do axolotls need a heater for their tank?
Yes, axolotls require a heater in their tank to maintain a stable water temperature. The ideal temperature range for axolotls is between 60°F and 68°F (15°C to 20°C).
Can axolotls regenerate their limbs?
Yes, axolotls have incredible regenerative abilities and can regenerate lost limbs, organs, and even parts of their spinal cord. This unique trait makes them fascinating creatures to observe and study.
How big do axolotls grow?
Axolotls can grow to be around 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) in length, although some individuals may reach larger sizes. Providing a spacious tank and proper care is essential for their growth and development.
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.