Axolotls are fascinating pets and are a lot of fun. They don’t require much maintenance and they’re quite easy to care for.
However, if you want to keep an axolotl as a pet, you should be aware that they can grow very large (upwards of 30 inches long). Also note that axolotls need a large tank with plenty of room to swim around in order to stay healthy!
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Understanding personal experiences with axolotls can provide insights into their care and behavior. |
| Acquiring axolotls for a domestic setting requires careful consideration and preparation. |
| Creating a suitable environment is crucial for the well-being of axolotls. |
| Axolotls can make fascinating and unique pets for enthusiasts. |
| Exploring personal stories can enhance our knowledge and appreciation of axolotls. |
How Did You End Up With Axolotls?
I got my two axolotls, who I named Alphonse and Gaston after my favorite cartoon characters, as a gift from my daughter.
She had rescued them from the neighborhood pond where they were living and brought them home to me because she knew how much I loved animals! She was worried that she wouldn’t be able to care for them properly so she found out about axolotls as an ideal pet for kids by doing research online at animal websites.
She wanted to make sure that if something happened to her before she grew up (which would have been very sad) then her brother could take care of them instead. He is only two years old now but loves his pets very much!
The reason why we chose this particular type of animal was because there aren’t any large predators in our city except maybe some rats sometimes but those aren’t dangerous unless they’re rabid or something like that happens which isn’t likely at all since we live near downtown so there’s lots of people around all day long.
No one ever notices anything strange happening here unless something really bad happens like robbery carjacking assault murder kidnapping arson suicide bombings etcetera etcetera etcetera…
When it comes to keeping axolotls, many wonder if they can be kept alone. In my experience, keeping axolotls alone can be a suitable option, providing them with ample space and attention.
Why Did You Decide To Keep Them There?
To answer this question, we need to start at the beginning. Axolotls are an amphibian species that has evolved from salamanders. They have gills and fins, but also legs and lungs (for breathing air).
They’re able to live on land or in water because they can breathe through their skin like a frog or lizard would; they don’t need to hold their breath while they swim underwater like fish do!
They make great pets because they are very friendly and easy-going creatures who rarely bite people unless provoked by fear or pain (which is rare).
If you own one of these amazing animals then you’ll probably agree with me when I say that axolotls make excellent pets for children since they aren’t too difficult to take care of compared with other animals such as dogs or cats.”
| Reasons |
|---|
| Unique and captivating pets |
| Fascinating to observe |
| Conversation starters |
| Aesthetic appeal |
| Personal interest in amphibians |
| Complements home decor |
| Educational value |
| Low maintenance pets |
| Relaxing and calming presence |
| Personal connection or attachment |
What Do They Eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous. They eat worms, insects, and fish. If you want to feed your axolotl live food (like a maggot), place it in the tank with your pet so that he can eat it up for dinner. For dead food, simply drop it into his aquarium when you think he needs another meal!
Axolotls are messy eaters and can easily make a mess of their container/tank if not given enough space to do so. It is also important not to overfeed them because they will have trouble digesting all the extra food in their stomachs if too much is put inside at once.
Do They Get Along With Each Other?
Axolotls are solitary animals, meaning they don’t fight or socialize with other axolotls. They don’t need to defend territory either:
Their tank will be big enough for them both, so their only concern should be eating enough food and getting enough sunlight. Axolotls are not territorial, and I’ve never seen one attack another of its own species.
The best way to keep two axolotls from fighting is to give them separate tanks but make sure they can see each other through the glass; this works especially well if you have more than one tank (as I do).
Proper care is essential for the well-being of axolotls. If you’re curious about how to provide the best care for your axolotl companions, our comprehensive guide on axolotl care offers valuable insights and practical tips.
Do They Get Along With Other Animals?
Axolotls are not aggressive, although they can be territorial. They do best when kept alone or with other axolotls of similar size and temperament. They should not be kept with fish that nibble on them or larger fish like koi because they will be swallowed whole.
How Much Time Do You Spend Taking Care Of Them Every Day?
You should spend at least an hour a day feeding, cleaning and playing with them. You should also make sure they have enough space to move around.
It’s important that you check the water quality every day. To do this, remove the top of the tank and let some of the water run out into a bucket until it stops flowing clear.
Then, put just enough back into the tank to keep it level and fill up any displaced volume with fresh water that has not been exposed to contaminants (like dust or pollen) since you bought it.
If you notice any changes in behavior between when you change out their water, then something might be wrong with their environment check everything over again!
The transformation of axolotls into salamanders is a fascinating natural process. If you’re curious about why and how this occurs, our detailed article on axolotls turning into salamanders provides insightful explanations and explores the underlying biological mechanisms.
Does The Water Have To Be Changed Regularly?
It’s important to change your axolotls’ water about once a week. You should clean the tank out with water first, then change all of the substrate (the stuff that goes on the bottom), filter media (the sponge thingy in their filter), and finally the actual water itself.
You’ll also want to clean any rocks and plants that are in there every few weeks, because those get dirty too!
| Water Change Frequency |
|---|
| Every 1-2 weeks |
| Every 2-3 weeks |
| Every 3-4 weeks |
| Every 4-6 weeks |
| Every 6-8 weeks |
| Every 8-12 weeks |
| Every 12-16 weeks |
| Every 16-20 weeks |
| Every 20-24 weeks |
| Every 24+ weeks |
Is It Hard To Take Care Of Them?
It is easy to take care of axolotls. They don’t need a lot of attention and they don’t require much space or water. You should feed them once every week or two weeks, depending on how big they are.
They eat small insects like flies and worms, but since you won’t have any of those around your house, you can just give them fish flakes instead.
Feeding axolotls a balanced diet is crucial for their health and vitality. Discover the best food choices and feeding practices in our informative article on what to feed axolotls to ensure they receive the essential nutrients they need.
What Kind Of Aquarium Do They Live In?
The axolotl is a salamander that lives in ponds and lakes in Mexico, so it needs an aquarium that can hold water that’s at least 10 inches deep. Axolotls need to live in water at a temperature from 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
The tank should also be filtered with an air pump and sponge filter, which will help keep the water clean by removing debris such as food and dead skin cells from their bodies. You can feed them crickets or small worms if you want to go fishing!
| Aquarium Types |
|---|
| Glass aquarium |
| Acrylic aquarium |
| Plastic tub/tank |
| Aquaponics system |
| Paludarium |
| Biotope aquarium |
| Naturalistic setup |
| Custom-built enclosure |
| Nano aquarium |
| Vertical aquascape |
Axolotls Are Fascinating Pets And Are A Lot Of Fun
They are fascinating pets and are a lot of fun.
Axolotls are native to the lakes and streams of Mexico. They’re carnivorous, eating small insects, worms, and fish. They’re nocturnal so they sleep during the day in their aquariums and come out at night to hunt for food.
Creating a suitable habitat for axolotls involves considering various factors, including tank size. Learn about the ideal tank size requirements for full-grown axolotls in our guide on tank size for axolotls to provide them with a comfortable living environment.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you some insight into what it’s like to own a pair of axolotls. While they may not be the easiest pets to keep, we think that the unique qualities that they possess make up for any difficulties.
If you’re still interested in learning more about these amazing creatures, feel free to contact us!
Further Reading
Can 2 Axolotls Live Together?: Discover the dynamics of keeping multiple axolotls together and learn whether it’s possible for them to coexist in the same tank.
A Guide to Keeping Axolotls: Dive deeper into the intricacies of axolotl care with this comprehensive guide that covers various aspects of their husbandry and maintenance.
Guide to Axolotl Husbandry: Gain valuable insights into the proper husbandry techniques for axolotls, including tank setup, water quality, and feeding habits, to ensure their well-being.
And here’s the FAQs section with 5 questions and answers in H3 format:
FAQs
How often should I feed my axolotls?
Axolotls should be fed two to three times a week, providing them with a varied diet of commercially available axolotl pellets, live or frozen bloodworms, and other suitable foods.
Can axolotls live outside of water?
While axolotls are primarily aquatic creatures, they require water for survival. They are not equipped to live permanently outside of water and need a fully aquatic environment to thrive.
What is the average lifespan of an axolotl?
Axolotls typically live for 10 to 15 years in captivity when provided with proper care, a suitable habitat, and a balanced diet. However, some axolotls have been known to live even longer under optimal conditions.
Do axolotls require special lighting in their tanks?
Axolotls are sensitive to bright lights, so it is recommended to provide them with low-intensity lighting or use aquarium lights specifically designed for amphibians. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or intense artificial lighting.
Can I handle my axolotls?
While some axolotls may tolerate gentle handling, it’s generally recommended to minimize handling to prevent stress and potential harm to their delicate skin and external gills. Limit handling to necessary maintenance tasks only.
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.