Axolotls are fascinating creatures that many people keep as pets. They’re unique and interesting to watch, but it’s important to make sure they get the proper nutrition. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on how to feed axolotls properly!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Feeding axolotls requires understanding their unique requirements. |
| It’s important to provide appropriate-sized prey and monitor feeding habits. |
| Avoid overfeeding axolotls to prevent obesity and health issues. |
| Pelleted or gel-based commercial axolotl food can be used as a supplemental option. |
| Consulting with a veterinarian specializing in exotic pets is recommended for tailored advice. |
Feeding Your Axolotl Correctly Is Important
Feeding your axolotl correctly is important. You need to feed them a variety of food, but you also have to be careful not to overfeed them.
Remember that axolotls are carnivores and they only eat meaty foods like worms, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
You should only feed your axolotl once or twice a week; feeding too much can make him sick or even kill him!
Axolotls eat live food so it’s important not to give them anything too big for them; if they don’t have time to chew up the food then it could hurt their throats and cause infection!
When it comes to feeding axolotls, it’s essential to understand their unique requirements. Learn more about the feeding process and other important aspects of axolotl care in our comprehensive guide on feeding axolotls.
Axolotls Can Eat All Sorts Of Bugs
- Crickets
- Earthworms
- Waxworms
- Woodlice (no relation to the woodlice of the bug world)
| Bug Type |
|---|
| Beetles |
| Crickets |
| Worms |
| Moths |
| Flies |
| Grasshoppers |
| Roaches |
| Spiders |
| Ants |
Live Food Is The Easiest Way To Feed Your Axolotls
The easiest way to feed your axolotl is with live food. Axolotls can eat all sorts of bugs, including mealworms and crickets. You can also offer some fish food or earthworms or other large worms as an occasional treat for your axolotl.
You Can Also Give Your Axolotls Some Fish Food
You can also give your axolotls some fish food. A good rule of thumb is that you should only feed them once in a while. You don’t want to overfeed them, so try to limit that if possible.
The size of the food you give them will vary depending on how big your axolotl is and how old he or she is. You shouldn’t give them anything too large because they may not be able to digest it, which could lead to health problems down the road. Likewise, it’s important not to feed them too small and delicate of a piece of food if they swallow it whole but there’s no way for their body to digest it, then again: bad news all around!
Axolotls have fascinating reproductive behavior, and understanding how they lay eggs is crucial for their overall care. Explore our detailed article on axolotl egg laying to gain insights into the breeding habits of these captivating creatures.
Freeze-Dried And Frozen Foods For Fish Are Good For Axolotls Too
You can feed your axolotl freeze-dried or frozen foods. You just need to make sure that the food is safe for axolotls and that you don’t feed them too much of it.
Freeze-dried food like bloodworms and tubifex worms are a good source of protein, while frozen food like brine shrimp and daphnia contain vitamin C (which helps improve the quality of their skin).
Axolotls usually eat these foods by grabbing them with their mouths, but they can also be placed on top of a rock or inside an aquarium plant where they can easily find them.
If you want to give your axolotl more variety in its diet, try adding some live blackworms once in a while they’re usually easy to catch in outdoor ponds where they’re abundant during warm weather months.
Feeding your axolotl too much protein can cause digestive problems so only give them 2–4 pieces at most once per week or every two weeks if necessary
| Food Type |
|---|
| Bloodworms |
| Brine Shrimp |
| Daphnia |
| Krill |
| Mysis Shrimp |
| Tubifex Worms |
| Blackworms |
| Cyclops |
| Glassworms |
| Gammarus Shrimp |
You Can Also Offer Some Earthworms Or Other Large Worms To Your Axolotl
If you want to feed your axolotl some earthworms, it’s best to put them in a cup of water first. Let the worm float on the surface of the water so that your axolotl can take it from there. You can also put an earthworm in a feeding dish and let your axolotl eat it off of there if you prefer.
Maintaining proper water quality is vital for the well-being of axolotls. Discover the importance of using a filter in an axolotl tank by reading our informative post on axolotl tank filtration.
Live Earthworms Are Gut Loaded
Live earthworms are the best food for axolotl. They are a great source of protein and fat. However, if you are going to feed live earthworms, you need to “gut load” them first. Gut loading is used to describe feeding prey foods that increase their nutritional content prior to feeding it to your pet.
The reason this is done is that many species of animals cannot digest all the nutrients found in their prey’s bodies at one time.
Therefore, if an animal does not have enough energy stored up from eating nutritious prey, it may starve before it can digest another meal!
It’s important when buying live earthworms that you make sure they’ve been gut loaded before being sold as food for pet amphibians like axolotls (Mexican Walking Fish).
You should ask your supplier whether they have been fed adequately or whether they’re just regular old garden worms with no extra nutritional value whatsoever – which would mean no benefit at all!
Tubifex Worms Are Small But They Are Good For Your Axolotl Too
- Tubifex worms are small but they are good for your axolotl too.
- They don’t have the best taste so you should only give them to your axolotl if it seems like they need a little extra help in the nutrient department.
| Benefits |
|---|
| High in Protein |
| Natural Food Source |
| Promote Healthy Growth |
| Nutrient-Rich |
| Stimulate Hunting |
| Easy to Digest |
| Varied Diet Option |
| Enhance Coloration |
| Satisfies Natural Instincts |
| Suitable for All Ages |
You Can Feed Them Bloodworms Once In A While
You can feed your axolotl bloodworms once in a while. Bloodworms are rich in protein and nutrients, which makes them good for their digestive system. They also contain lots of calcium and vitamin B12, two important nutrients that help the axolotl grow.
Lighting plays a significant role in the health and behavior of axolotls. Find out more about providing adequate lighting for your axolotl tank in our comprehensive guide on axolotl lighting requirements.
Feeding The Right Amount Of Food Is Also A Must!
You also want to avoid overfeeding them. This can be a problem because they are so small and so cute that it is hard not to want to give them more than they need. However, if you feed them too much, it can lead to bloating, which will kill your axolotl.
They should only eat about 1/4 of their body weight per day; for example, if your axolotl weighs 100 grams (about 31/2 ounces), then you should feed him or her 25 grams (just under an ounce) of food once every two days or so.
That being said: don’t force your axolotl into eating if he doesn’t want anything! Again if he does not eat for three days in a row and then dies on the fourth day because you were trying desperately to make him eat even though he didn’t want any…that would suck!
If you are refusing food recently on top of being active and healthy otherwise (and his gills are clear), then don’t worry about it too much but if yours has been lethargic lately or losing weight despite regular feeding and good water quality…then something’s wrong!
Smaller Prey Is Better Than Bigger Ones
You’ve probably noticed that axolotls seem to be drawn to smaller prey. You’ll often see them chasing and devouring small insects or worms, which is a good thing! Feeding your axolotl smaller prey means you can get more bang for your buck.
It’s also easier for your pet to digest, which means they’ll be less likely to suffer from constipation or other digestive issues if you use smaller food items. Plus, small insects are generally cheaper than larger ones (and much more common).
If you’re going for a walk outdoors and come across some tasty-looking bugs in the grass, this is an excellent opportunity for your axolotl to eat! Be mindful of what kind of bugs you bring home though: some insects may carry toxins on their bodies that can harm your pet.
The best way around this is by only feeding those insects that are labeled as safe for consumption by humans (a good rule of thumb here would be “if it looks like something I wouldn’t eat myself”).
Caring for axolotls requires attention to various aspects, including feeding, habitat, and social needs. Explore our article on axolotl care essentials to ensure you provide the best possible care for these unique amphibians.
Don’t Overfeed Them! In General, Feeding 3 Times Per Week Is Enough!
One of the most common mistakes new axolotl owners make is feeding their pets too much. This can lead to digestive problems and can even be fatal in some cases!
While it’s tempting to feed your new friend every day, try not to do so. Axolotls can survive on a diet of once per week or less, provided that you’re offering them enough food at each meal.
If you are concerned about keeping your axolotl healthy but don’t want to overfeed them, we recommend feeding 2-3 times per week instead of every day.
This may sound counterintuitive at first after all, shouldn’t they need more food than what they would normally eat in their natural habitat? The answer is: no; if anything, our captive conditions are actually detrimental for these amphibians compared with where they would naturally live (deepwater lakes).
Conclusion
If you follow the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to feed your axolotl properly and keep it happy. Make sure that you don’t overfeed them or give them too much food at once, as this can cause health problems for your pet.
You should also make sure that whatever food you give them has been gut-loaded so that they get all the nutrients they need! If all else fails and no one knows what kind of bugs are safe for axolotls then try feeding them some worms like bloodworms or tubifex worms instead
Further Reading
What Do Axolotls Eat?: Discover the dietary preferences and recommended food choices for axolotls, ensuring they receive proper nutrition for optimal health.
How Often to Feed Axolotl: Learn about the feeding frequency and feeding schedule that suits axolotls’ metabolism and growth requirements.
Axolotl as a Pet: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Axolotl: Dive into a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of axolotl care, including habitat setup, feeding, and general maintenance.
FAQs
Can axolotls live in regular fish tanks?
Yes, axolotls can live in regular fish tanks, but it’s important to ensure the tank is adequately sized, properly filtered, and provides suitable water conditions for their specific needs.
Do axolotls require a special diet?
Axolotls have specific dietary requirements. They primarily feed on live or frozen foods such as earthworms, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. It’s essential to provide a varied diet to meet their nutritional needs.
How often should I clean the axolotl tank?
Regular tank maintenance is crucial for axolotl health. It’s recommended to perform partial water changes every 1-2 weeks and remove any excess waste or debris from the tank to maintain good water quality.
Can axolotls regenerate their limbs?
Yes, axolotls are known for their remarkable regenerative abilities. They can regenerate lost limbs, gills, spinal cord, and even parts of their heart and brain. This unique feature makes them a fascinating species to observe and study.
Do axolotls need a heater for their tank?
Axolotls are cold-water creatures and prefer cooler temperatures around 60-68°F (15-20°C). They can tolerate slight temperature fluctuations, but it’s crucial to avoid extreme heat or cold. In most cases, a heater is not necessary unless the room temperature consistently falls outside the recommended range.
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.