Axolotls are a type of salamander, native to Mexico. They are critically endangered, but breeders are working to ensure their survival. Axolotls have been popular pets for hundreds of years, and can grow up to 15 inches long (38 cm).
If you’re interested in buying one, or keeping these fascinating creatures at home, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about axolotls and how they grow.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Understanding the size at which axolotls grow is crucial for their proper care. |
| Axolotls have the potential to grow up to 12-14 inches in length. |
| Factors such as genetics, environment, and diet play a significant role in determining the size of axolotls. |
| Providing adequate space and a suitable tank size is essential for the healthy growth of axolotls. |
| Regular monitoring of axolotls’ growth and making adjustments to their care as needed is important. |
What Size Do Axolotls Grow To?
They are one of the largest species of salamander, but their bodies are small for their size and have a very long tail. Axolotls are native to Mexico and live in the water.
They spend most of their lives underwater, but hatchlings will eventually leave the water and go on land to search for food.
While axolotls do not have lungs, they still breathe oxygen from either water or air by using their gills which take up about half their body length on each side.
Their legs also have webbing between them so that they can swim easily through murky waters with low visibility or even behind plant matter such as algae growing on rocks near riverbanks where it may be difficult for other animals including humans who don’t know how well-adapted these animals are yet!
When it comes to axolotls, understanding their size is crucial for providing proper care. Our vet answer explains in detail the size of axolotls and helps you ensure their well-being.
How Big Does An Axolotl Get?
Axolotls are generally about 15 inches long when fully grown, but this can vary depending on the type of axolotl. Some may be smaller or larger than others. It also depends on the age of your axolotl and how often it feeds – younger axolotls tend to grow faster than older ones, as do those which are well fed.
In general, though, an average-sized mature female Axolotl will typically be around 6-8 inches long while males will be slightly smaller at 4-6 inches long. In terms of weight, females weigh between 40-50 grams while males weigh between 30-40 grams.
What Size Tank Does An Axolotl Need?
You’ll need a 10-gallon aquarium for one axolotl. This is the size of the tank we recommend as it will give your pet plenty of swimming space, but be aware that larger tanks are also available.
When choosing an aquarium, keep in mind that it should have a lid so you don’t have to worry about your little buddy escaping or being exposed to predators. Axolotls can climb glass and plastic!
The best type of filter for your axolotl tank is an air-powered sponge filter or an undergravel filter, which will help provide oxygenation and keep water clean by removing waste products from the tank’s surface. Be sure to install two or three filters in order to keep up with the high oxygen demands of these creatures; they breathe through their skin as well as their gills so keeping them well-oxygenated is key!
You’ll also need a heater for your tank an axolotl needs temperatures between 75ºF (24ºC) and 85ºF (29ºC).
If you live in a cooler climate where temperatures go below 60ºF (15ºC) during winter months, consider buying two heaters one for summer months when temperatures are warmer and another one specifically designed for winter conditions so you don’t have issues with temperature fluctuations throughout different seasons outside!
Feeding baby axolotls requires special attention to support their growth. Discover valuable vet suggestions on what to feed your baby axolotls in our guide to baby axolotl diet and help them thrive.
How Long Do Axolotls Live For?
Axolotls can live for up to 20 years and are known for their longevity. This is because they have a lower metabolism than other animals, which means they don’t expend as much energy keeping their body temperature up. Another reason is because axolotls are cold-blooded.
They don’t generate heat through muscle movement like humans do; instead, they rely on external sources such as basking lamps or heaters to regulate their temperature (and therefore their metabolism).
| Axolotl Species | Average Lifespan | Maximum Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Axolotl | 10-15 years | Up to 25 years |
| Leucistic Axolotl | 10-15 years | Up to 25 years |
| Golden Axolotl | 10-15 years | Up to 25 years |
| Albino Axolotl | 10-15 years | Up to 25 years |
How Old Can Axolotls Get?
The axolotl is a salamander that does not undergo metamorphosis until it reaches sexual maturity. This means that your axolotl will stay in its larva form for the entirety of its life, never growing up to become an adult.
If you were hoping to have a huge pet on your hands, this news might be disappointing! However, there are some upsides:
- Unlike frogs and newts who spend their lives in small bodies and then grow large at maturity (and then die), axolots can live for 20 years or more without changing size much at all. They don’t grow very much as they age!
- They don’t need much space either—just a small tank will do (see below).
Why Are Axolotls Endangered?
There are a number of reasons why the axolotl is endangered.
Habitat destruction: The axolotl is native to several lakes in Mexico, which are drying up due to climate change and human use.
Over-collection: Some people have tried to collect them from their natural habitats and keep them as pets or sell them illegally on the black market.
Pollution: With increased industrialization, more pollutants enter into the lakes where axolotls live, endangering them further since they are sensitive to pollution levels in their habitat.
Disease: Due to over-collection and pollution, there’s been an increase in disease among wild populations of axolotls; these diseases include leucocytozoonosis (a parasitic infection), trichomoniasis (bacterial infection), ocular infections caused by poor diet or genetics (like cataracts), fungal infections like chytridiomycosis (caused by a fungus that affects amphibians’ skin).
Giving your axolotl the best care is essential for their growth and overall health. Our comprehensive guide on how to care for your axolotl provides expert advice from veterinarians to ensure you provide the optimal environment for your aquatic friend.
What Does An Axolotl Eat?
An axolotl will eat a variety of foods, including earthworms and crickets. However, you should avoid feeding your axolotl rodents or birds because these items may contain harmful chemicals.
It’s important that you feed your axolotl regularly so that it can grow properly. The recommended feeding schedule is once or twice a day, but if you have an overactive animal (e.g., one who is always trying to escape), then three or four times a day might be better for him.
You should also choose what food source based on how much space the tank has available: small worms are best suited for smaller tanks while larger ones would work well with larger containers such as fish tanks or even ponds!
How Much Do Axolotls Cost?
The cost of axolotls will vary depending on several factors. The first is where you buy them: a breeder or pet store, for example. If you go to a breeder, their prices will generally be higher than those at a large chain store like Petco or Petsmart.
However, many breeders sell young (and therefore cheaper) animals in addition to adults.
Another factor that plays into how much an axolotl costs is what size it is when you purchase it. If you want a small one that’s closer to being an adult size (around 6 inches long), then this could cost more than if you were buying a larger version with less chance of survival into adulthood due to its age (around 12 inches long).
| Axolotl Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Wild Type | $20 – $50 |
| Leucistic | $30 – $60 |
| Golden Albino | $40 – $80 |
| Melanoid | $40 – $80 |
| Copper | $60 – $100 |
| Axanthic | $70 – $120 |
Are Axolotls Aggressive?
Are axolotls aggressive? As with many other questions, the answer lies in the details. Axolotls are not a threat to humans as long as you don’t handle them too much and give them plenty of room to swim.
However, if you have smaller pets like fish or snails, they may be a danger to your other pets if they try to eat them. In addition to this, axolotls can become territorial and attack other axolotls of the same sex.
This means that if you have more than one axolotl in an aquarium or tank together then it is important for them both to be male so that there is no competition over territory!
Understanding the social needs of axolotls is important when considering their living arrangements. Learn from the owner experience and discover if axolotls can be kept alone in our article on keeping axolotls alone and make informed decisions about their well-being.
Are Axolotls Dangerous To Humans?
No. Although the axolotl is still a wild animal, it is not aggressive or poisonous. It won’t bite and will only bite if you try to pick them up by their gills. If you handle them gently, they will not hurt you and can be handled easily by children in most cases as long as there are no open wounds or cuts on their hands or fingers.
Axolotls do have teeth but these are very small and not able to cause any significant damage unless you were bitten by one for an extended period of time (which would probably cause infection before anything else).
Axolotls are also not ideal pets for beginners because they need special care and attention which isn’t suited for young children who might get bored after seeing how little movement their pet makes over several days/weeks/months etcetera!
| Axolotl Behavior | Level of Danger |
|---|---|
| Biting | Low |
| Scratching | Low |
| Venomous | Non-venomous |
| Aggressive | Rarely |
| Harmful Diseases | None |
Can Axolotls Bite You?
Axolotls are not aggressive and pose no danger to humans.
They’re also not poisonous or dangerous to humans, so you don’t have to worry about an axolotl bite if you have one as a pet. Axolotls do not eat flesh, so they can’t bite you (although they will eat other animals).
Axolotls are not carnivores, omnivores or herbivores either—they’re actually a type of neotenic salamander that retains its juvenile characteristics into adulthood.
If your friend has a pet axolotl and is worried about it biting people, tell them that this isn’t something they need to worry about!
Maintaining a balanced diet is essential to prevent axolotls from getting fat and maintain their overall health. Check out our informative article on can axolotls get fat to learn about the potential causes, risks, and tips to ensure your axolotl remains in good shape.
Do Axolotls Need A Filter And Heater?
Yes, they do. Axolotls are amphibians and they need to breathe oxygen. A filter will help improve the quality of the water that your axolotl lives in. A heater keeps your axolotl at an optimal temperature and helps it stay healthy.
There are many different kinds of filters on the market today, but we recommend getting one that can hold up to 10 gallons of water (about 40 liters).
The size of your filter will depend entirely on how much space you have available in your tank and what kind of setup you want to go with: if you’re using an aquarium for example, then a small 4″ model might work well for you.
But if instead you wanted something larger like an acrylic tank or terrarium then a larger version may be necessary–if so then look into models like those from Fluval or Eheim which offer larger options such as 1450gph etc…
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on axolotls and their size:
How Big Do Axolotls Get?: This informative blog post explores the topic of axolotl size, providing insights into their growth and potential size variations.
Axolotl Care Guide: Discover comprehensive information about caring for axolotls, including tips on their growth and how to create an ideal environment for them.
How Big Do Axolotls Get?: This resource offers detailed information on axolotl size, covering their growth patterns and factors that influence their final size.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about axolotls and their growth:
How fast do axolotls grow?
Axolotls have a relatively slow growth rate, typically reaching their adult size within 12-18 months.
What factors can affect the growth of axolotls?
Several factors can influence the growth of axolotls, including water quality, temperature, diet, and genetics.
Do male and female axolotls grow to different sizes?
Yes, male axolotls tend to be slightly larger than females, but the difference in size is generally minimal.
Can axolotls grow larger in a larger tank?
Providing axolotls with a spacious tank can promote healthy growth, as it allows them to swim and exercise freely.
What is the average size of a fully grown axolotl?
On average, fully grown axolotls range in size from 9 to 12 inches, although some individuals may grow larger.
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.