When you adopt a new axolotl, it’s important to know how to care for them properly. Axolotls are unique creatures that can live in captivity for decades. With proper care and a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to enjoy the company of your axolotl for many years.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls can be aged through various methods. |
| The size and external features can indicate the age of an axolotl. |
| Growth rings on the bones can be counted to estimate the age. |
| Axolotls’ behavior and reproductive capabilities change with age. |
| Consulting a veterinarian can provide more accurate age estimation. |
Feed Them
Depending on the type of food you’re feeding your axolotl, there are a variety of nutrients that they need. These include:
- Protein (to help with cell regeneration)
- Calcium (for strong bones and shells)
- Vitamins (for overall health)
- Minerals (for healthy gills, teeth and scales)
When it comes to feeding axolotls, it’s essential to follow proper guidelines. Our comprehensive guide on how to feed axolotl provides valuable insights and expert advice to ensure the optimal nutrition and health of your axolotl.
Provide A Quarantine Tank
After you have purchased your axolotl, it needs to be quarantined. This is because they are not immune to the same illnesses that affect humans and other animals.
Quarantine tanks should be kept at the same temperature as the main tank–between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18-22 degrees Celsius). You will want to keep them at about a pH of 6.0-7.0, as well.
When setting up a quarantine tank or aquarium for your new axolotl, there are some things you should do:
Do not add any substrate until after your new pet has become accustomed to its new environment
Do not overstock it with food or decorations; it’s better to let one item go bad than risk upsetting your axolotl’s digestive system
| Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Prevents spread of diseases | Isolating new fish in a quarantine tank reduces the risk of introducing diseases to the main tank. |
| Observes fish behavior and health | A separate tank allows close monitoring of new fish, detecting any signs of illness or stress. |
| Minimizes stress during acclimation | Providing a calm and controlled environment helps new fish adjust to the tank parameters and reduces stress. |
| Facilitates treatment if necessary | A quarantine tank allows for targeted treatment of any diseases or parasites without affecting the main tank. |
| Ensures compatibility with tankmates | Keeping new fish separate allows observation and compatibility testing before introducing them to the main tank. |
Health Check Up
Eyes: Take a look at the eyes of your axolotl. Are they clear and bright? Is there any cloudiness to them? A cloudy eye is an indicator of illness, so if you see anything unusual, it’s probably best to skip feeding your axolotl until they seem better again.
Gills: Open up their gills by gently lifting them away from their body (but do not pull them out!). If one or both gills are red or inflamed in any way, this could indicate an infection or other health issue that requires attention from a veterinarian.
Skin: Press down on various parts of your axolotl’s body with your fingers; if it feels soft or mushy in areas where it normally would not be (such as around its belly), this may indicate dehydration or other health issues that require attention from a veterinarian.
On the other hand, if pressing down feels normal everywhere except for its tail which should be firm but still somewhat squishy due to cartilage then you’re probably good!
You’ll know soon enough whether something is wrong when feeding time comes around again tomorrow morning…
Considering adopting an axolotl? Learn the 12 easy steps to provide a loving home for these fascinating creatures. Check out our guide on how to adopt an axolotl to discover the joys and responsibilities of being an axolotl owner.
Isolate They
When you are ready to age your axolotl, the first thing that you should do is isolate them in a separate tank.
To do this, it’s best if you use a large plastic container or bucket because they are more comfortable in shallow water than in deep tanks.
You can also use an old fish tank if you have one lying around; just make sure that it has enough room for your axolotl to swim around comfortably and lay eggs.
Once the container is filled with water from the main aquarium, add air stones or other filtration devices so that there is some movement of oxygen throughout the water but not too much turbulence as this may stress out your axolotls. Make sure there are no sharp corners where they could hurt themselves on accident!
Buy A Fish Net
When it comes to netting your axolotl, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. The first is that you need a net with small enough holes that your axolotl can’t get through them.
If the holes are too big, this will allow your axolotl to escape and make it harder for you to catch him later on.
The second thing is that if you plan on keeping him in the tank after aging him out of the water and into air (which I strongly recommend), then make sure that the net has large enough holes so that he can still breathe while swimming around in his new environment.
| Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Easy fish handling | A fish net allows for safe and gentle handling of fish during tank maintenance or transfers. |
| Prevents fish from jumping out | Using a fish net helps prevent fish from jumping out of the tank, reducing the risk of escape. |
| Assists in fish health examination | A fish net enables closer inspection of fish for signs of illness, injuries, or parasites. |
| Efficient tank maintenance | With a fish net, removing debris or uneaten food from the tank becomes quicker and more effective. |
| Facilitates selective fish capture | When specific fish need to be isolated or moved, a fish net allows for targeted capture without disturbing others. |
Mix The Water In Your Main Tank With Water From Your Quarantine Tank
Now that your quarantine tank is set up and ready for business, it’s time to begin mixing the water from your main tank with the water from your quarantine tank.
It’s important that you do this carefully and properly so as not to disrupt any of the chemicals in either aquarium.
First, open both aquariums completely so that they’re sided by side but not touching each other (if possible).
Next, using a plastic bucket or another container, carefully measure out enough of each type of water so that all three are roughly equal in size (i.e., if one contains 100 gallons of water, then you should have 100 gallons total).
Pour this mixture into an even bigger container (a bathtub works well) until every drop has been mixed together thoroughly.
Proper acclimation of axolotls is crucial for their well-being. Our guide on how to acclimate axolotl offers practical tips and step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth transition for your axolotl into its new habitat.
Lots Of Light
To ensure your axolotl is getting enough light, you should provide it with UVB rays. UVB rays can be provided by using a special light bulb called a “full spectrum” or “heat lamp.” A regular incandescent bulb will not work.
You’ll need one that has a warm light to it; this indicates that it emits UVB rays. These lights are often sold in pet stores as aquarium lighting systems or as snake heat lamps.
If you have an aquatic tank, your axolotl may be receiving enough natural sunlight through the glass walls of its habitat.
This is especially true if there’s good lighting on the side of your house where the tank is situated (as long as those windows face east).
Even if those windows are shaded by trees or other obstructions throughout most of the day, they may still provide some amount of natural illumination during morning and evening hours when they’re exposed directly to sunlight.
Lowering Iodine Level
If you have high levels of iodine in your tank, you can lower them without killing your axolotls by adding a chemical called Lugol’s solution. It’s easy to find at pet stores and online, and it’s also inexpensive.
The easiest way to tell if your axolotls are getting too much iodine is by looking at their skin.
If they begin developing white patches on their body or their skin becomes loose around the edge of their mouth or eyes, then it’s likely that they have an iodine deficiency and need more food with vitamins B1 and B2 (like brine shrimp or blood worms).
Curious about axolotl reproduction? Discover the fascinating world of axolotl breeding and learn about their egg-laying habits. Explore our article on do axolotls lay eggs to gain insights into the reproductive behavior of these unique aquatic creatures.
Add Some Plants In Their Aquariums
You should also add some plants to the aquarium. Plants help oxygenate the water and provide a place for your axolotls to hide.
Since axolotls are known to be messy eaters, they will sometimes accidentally ingest some of their food, which can lead to health problems and choking if they’re not able to digest it properly.
Plants also help with algae control since they absorb nutrients from the aquarium water and create oxygen as part of their natural biological processes.
This is especially important if you’re keeping your axolotl in an aquarium without live plants because these fish aren’t equipped with lungs and must rely on their gills for breathing air when out of the water and this is where we get back into talking about temperature!
| Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Natural aesthetic appeal | Live plants enhance the visual appeal of aquariums, creating a natural and vibrant environment. |
| Oxygen production | Aquatic plants release oxygen during photosynthesis, promoting a healthier oxygen-rich environment for fish. |
| Waste and toxin removal | Plants help remove harmful waste products like ammonia and nitrate, improving water quality and reducing the need for frequent water changes. |
| Provides hiding spots for fish | The presence of plants offers hiding places for fish, reducing stress and providing a sense of security. |
| Nutrient uptake and algae control | Plants absorb excess nutrients, competing with algae for resources and helping to control algae growth. |
Turn Off The Lights At Night
Your axolotl needs to be in the dark at night. Since axolotls are nocturnal, they will be most active if you turn off all lights and let them get some rest.
How long to keep the lights off depends on how old your axolotl is, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and give them as much darkness as possible.
Understanding the water requirements for axolotls is essential for their health and happiness. Our comprehensive owner overview on axolotl water needs provides valuable information and tips to help you maintain the optimal aquatic environment for your axolotl.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned about how to age your axolotl, you can care for them properly and make sure they live a long healthy life.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on axolotl care:
A comprehensive guide providing in-depth information on axolotl care, including tank setup, feeding, and common health issues.
The Spruce Pets: Axolotls as Pets
This article offers a beginner-friendly overview of keeping axolotls as pets, covering topics such as habitat, diet, and handling.
Swell UK: Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) Care Sheet
A detailed care sheet providing guidance on axolotl care, tank requirements, water parameters, and recommended feeding practices.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about axolotls:
How long do axolotls live?
Axolotls have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years when provided with proper care and a suitable environment.
Can axolotls regenerate body parts?
Yes, axolotls are known for their remarkable regenerative abilities. They can regenerate lost limbs, spinal cord, heart tissue, and even parts of their brain.
Do axolotls require a heater in their tank?
Axolotls are cold-water creatures and prefer temperatures between 60-68°F (15-20°C). While a heater is not necessary if the room temperature falls within this range, a heater may be required to maintain the ideal temperature in colder environments.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily eat small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small pieces of fish. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Can axolotls be housed together?
While axolotls are generally peaceful, they can be cannibalistic, especially when they are hungry or stressed. It is generally recommended to house axolotls separately to prevent any potential aggression or injuries.
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.
