When I was a kid, my parents bought me an axolotl for my birthday. It was the coolest thing in the world. We named him Gary and he lived with us for about six months before he passed away from tetanus, which is how all axolotls die.
This happened because we were not aware that axolotls are bad pets at all times and under any circumstances.
In this guide, I’m going to give you everything you need to know about why these creatures are terrible (and I mean terrible) pets so that you don’t make the same mistake we did when buying one as our family pet:
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Axolotls may not be suitable as pets due to various reasons. |
| Expert opinions and guidance can help understand the challenges of keeping axolotls as pets. |
| Consider the specific care requirements and habitat setup necessary for axolotls before deciding to keep them. |
| Understanding the conservation concerns surrounding axolotls is important for responsible pet ownership. |
| Research and educate yourself about axolotls to make an informed decision about their suitability as pets. |
They Can’t Detect Salt In The Water
Axolotls are amphibians, and they live in saltwater. However, they don’t know when to stop drinking the water they have no way of knowing that it’s salty. If you overhydrate an axolotl, its skin may turn white and its organs will swell up (which can be fatal).
If you want a pet that needs less attention than an axolotl does and isn’t as much work to maintain, consider getting a fish tank instead!
When considering axolotls as pets, it is essential to understand why they should not be kept in captivity. Our comprehensive guide on why axolotls should not be pets provides insights from veterinary experts, shedding light on the challenges and concerns associated with keeping axolotls as pets.
They Are Cannibalistic
If you’re planning on keeping more than one axolotl in a tank, you need to know that they are cannibalistic. They’ll fight and eat each other, which means two-thirds of your axies will end up dead or injured.
That’s not an ideal outcome for any pet owner and it’s especially problematic if you’re trying to breed them as well.
If your goal is simply to keep an aquarium full of axolotls, then this should be sufficient information for you. However, if you have plans for breeding them (which we recommend against), then there’s one more thing we need to mention: the eggs may be eaten by adult axolotls!
Even though most people don’t consider them pets because they don’t live long enough for us humans to enjoy their company very much or even get attached the fact remains that they are capable of eating eggs laid by other adults and juveniles alike
They Are Aggressive
Axolotls are territorial, and they will fight with other axolotls to defend their territory. They can also be aggressive towards people, so it’s important to keep them away from your face. If you’re holding an axolotl, don’t try to pet one because it might bite or scratch you!
If you want a pet that won’t attack anyone who tries to pick it up, consider getting some other type of animal instead!
| Animal | Aggression Level |
|---|---|
| Dogs | High |
| Cats | Moderate |
| Hamsters | Low |
| Geese | Very High |
| Goldfish | None |
They Have Difficulty Breathing Out Of Water
As you may have noticed, axolotls are amphibians. This means that they can breathe both in water and out of it.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that a big part of why axolotls are such excellent pets is because they can breathe underwater for long periods of time without any problem. They do this through their gills.
However, having gills does not mean that humans should try breathing underwater by holding their breath like an axolotl would do! That’s because we’re not amphibians we don’t have gills or the ability to breathe through our skin like some fish do (like goldfish).
If you try holding your breath for long periods of time underwater just like an axolotl does, then your lungs may fill up with water instead! The result will be drowning if you don’t get help quickly enough; so please keep yourself safe by avoiding trying something as dangerous as this
Curious about the reasons why axolotls make good pets? Our informative article on why axolotls make good pets offers valuable insights from veterinarians who highlight the unique characteristics and benefits of having axolotls as companions.
Their Toes Easily Come Off And They Don’t Grow Back
In the wild, axolotls have a very loose skin that allows them to swim and breath underwater. These features help them survive in their environment but it also makes it possible for them to lose their toes quite easily.
The bones in the toes are replaced by cartilage, which is more flexible than bone, so you can imagine that this is what makes them easy targets for lost of tail pieces.
The fact that they don’t grow back doesn’t make it any easier on us humans when we see our pet without one or two toes. It’s heartbreaking! And now that you know all about Axolotl health and behavior, here are some tips on how to handle your pet if it loses a few toes:
They Need Cold Water To Survive, But They Like To Keep Warm
Axolotls need cold water to survive, but they like to keep warm. The water temperature should be 70°F-80°F, which is difficult for many people because it’s not easy to maintain a room that cool in the summer.
They also cannot regulate their own body temperature and are very sensitive to temperature changes.
They Eat Like Monsters, And They Poop Like Monsters
One of the more disturbing traits of axolotls is that they eat and poop like monsters.
This isn’t really a big deal for the axolotl, who doesn’t need to worry about being cleaned up after, but it can pose some problems for humans and other pets in your home.
Axolotls are very messy creatures, so you’ll have to be prepared to deal with their waste on a regular basis. And this waste can be toxic to fish and humans alike!
| Animal | Eating Habits | Waste Production |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador | Voracious Eater | High |
| Burmese Python | Large Prey Swallower | High |
| Hamster | Small Food Portions | Moderate |
| Budgie | Seed-based Diet | Moderate |
| Goldfish | Constant Grazer | Low |
Their Diet Is Weird
You’re probably wondering what an axolotl eats. If you haven’t already guessed, they are carnivores and have a very specific diet. They eat fish, worms and insects.
They don’t eat plants at all! This is because their digestive system cannot process plant matter properly, so it will just come right back out of the other end of your axolotl after eating something like lettuce or carrots.
There Isn’t Much Diversity In Their Gene Pool
Although there are a few different types of axolotl, they’re all the same species. The reason for this is that they all come from one area in Mexico: Lake Xochimilco. This means that they aren’t genetically diverse enough to keep diseases at bay (which will be discussed later).
Are you considering axolotls as potential pets? Discover the factors that contribute to their suitability as pets by exploring our detailed guide on why axolotls are good pets. Our expert opinions and recommendations will help you make an informed decision.
They Are Hard To Fit In An Aquarium
You will need a tank with a lid, because axolotls can jump out of their aquarium. You’ll also need a filter and heater, as well as an air pump to keep the water oxygenated. Most importantly, you need to make sure your tank is 20 gallons or larger and at least 10 inches deep for your axolotl’s comfort.
Understanding the challenges faced by axolotls in their natural habitat is crucial in comprehending their unsuitability as pets. Explore our comprehensive list of 10 reasons why axolotls are endangered to gain insights into the conservation concerns surrounding axolotls and the importance of protecting their natural environment.
You Can’t Go On Vacation With Them
Even if you were to set up an aquarium with all of the necessary accessories, there are still a number of obstacles that would prevent you from taking your axolotl on vacation.
- Axolotls need to stay in water that is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If they’re not kept at this temperature, they could die.
- An aquarium also requires a filter and heater to keep the water warm enough for your axolotl to thrive. You can’t just throw them in a hotel bathtub or container of water and expect them to be happy about it!
Most airlines won’t let you bring live animals on airplanes because they’re afraid one might escape during flight (or worse).
The same rule applies for cruise ships and boats it’s illegal for these types of travel operations to allow passengers bring their own pets onboard unless they have special permission from state or federal officials.
| Pet | Vacation Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Dogs | Limited |
| Cats | Limited |
| Fish | Limited |
| Reptiles | Limited |
| Hamsters | Limited |
You Can’t Touch Them Or Hold Them Without Gloves On
Axolotls are very fragile, so you can’t touch them or hold them without gloves on. Their skin is sensitive to chemicals, bacteria and germs in general.
Axolotls also have a slimy skin that can be hard to clean if it gets wet or dirty. You’ll have to wash their tank often if you don’t want your axolotl getting sick because of a dirty tank environment.
Axolotls are fascinating creatures with remarkable qualities. Learn from our expert’s perspective on why axolotls are awesome, as they delve into the unique traits, intriguing behaviors, and captivating characteristics that make axolotls truly awe-inspiring.
Conclusion
I hope that you’ve learned something from this article. If you’re still interested in buying an axolotl, I would recommend waiting until your kids are old enough to take care of it on their own (like teenagers). This way they can learn responsibility and have a pet that won’t die on them.
Further Reading
Do Axolotls Make Great Pets?: Discover the qualities that make axolotls unique as pets and learn about their care requirements, habitat setup, and feeding habits.
Axolotl as Pets – A Comprehensive Guide: Dive into the world of axolotl ownership with this comprehensive guide that covers everything from tank setup and water conditions to handling tips and common health issues.
Axolotl: The Water Monster That Never Grows Up: Explore the fascinating world of axolotls with National Geographic, learning about their unique biology, natural habitat, and conservation efforts.
And here’s the FAQs section with five questions and answers:
FAQs
Are axolotls suitable for beginner pet owners?
Yes, axolotls can be suitable for beginners due to their relatively low maintenance requirements, but proper research and understanding of their needs are crucial.
What kind of tank setup do axolotls require?
Axolotls require a spacious tank with cool, clean water, adequate filtration, and hiding spots. Avoid using gravel and provide a soft substrate to prevent ingestion.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily feed on live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small insects. A varied diet is important for their nutrition.
Can axolotls regenerate lost body parts?
Yes, axolotls are famous for their incredible regenerative abilities. They can regrow lost limbs, spinal cord, and even parts of their heart and brain.
How long do axolotls live?
Axolotls have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years in captivity, but with proper care, they can sometimes live up to 20 years or more.
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.