Axolotls are a species of neotenic amphibians native to parts of Mexico. They are popular in the pet trade, because they’re relatively easy to care for and don’t require very specialized enclosures.
Some people keep them as pets; others keep them as an interesting addition to their aquariums at home. But there is something you should know about axolotls: they will eat each other when they feel threatened by each other.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls have been known to exhibit cannibalistic behavior. |
| Cannibalism among axolotls may occur due to various reasons such as overcrowding, territorial disputes, or lack of suitable food sources. |
| Providing proper tank size, individual spaces, and adequate food can help prevent cannibalism in axolotls. |
| Monitoring axolotls’ behavior and addressing any signs of aggression or stress can contribute to a harmonious coexistence. |
| Consulting a veterinarian specializing in exotic pets is advisable if cannibalism persists or becomes a recurring issue. |
Aggression
Aggression is one of the most common reasons why axolotls eat each other, but it can also be linked to breeding, diet and stress.
Aggressive behaviour is a natural behaviour for these creatures. It’s a sign that they’re territorial and will fight each other if they come into contact with one another. Axolotls are highly aggressive when breeding because this is the best time for them to defend their territory against other male axolotls looking to mate with them (and vice versa).
Aggression increases during this period because they want their potential mates close by so that they can guard their eggs until they hatch. They’ll even attack humans who get too close!
The type of food you give your pet axolotl can also affect its aggression level. For example: if you feed it live fish every day then it may become more aggressive than usual because there’s less food available for everyone else in the tank at once (since all species need protein).
Have you ever wondered why axolotls have the ability to transform into salamanders? Discover the fascinating reasons behind this phenomenon in our detailed guide on why do axolotls turn into salamanders and delve into the world of these unique amphibians.
Cannibalism In The Wild
In the wild, axolotls are cannibalistic. The reason for this is simple: they’re territorial animals, and when you’re hungry, stressed or bored in captivity (or just confused about what’s going on), you eat what’s around you.
What do axolotls eat? In the wild, they eat small fish and crustaceans found in their local waterways. They also prey upon each other from time to time (which may explain why they’re such aggressive swimmers).
| Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Prevalence | High |
| Reasons | Limited food resources, competition |
| Frequency | Occasional |
| Species | Some fish species, insects, reptiles |
| Implications | Population control, survival of fittest |
Cannibalism In Captivity
You may be wondering if you can keep axolotls together in captivity. Well, the answer is yes and no. Axolotls will sometimes eat each other if they are of the same size, but not always. If you are keeping more than one axolotl in your tank, make sure to check on them frequently so that you don’t find yourself with only one remaining after a few days!
If you want your pets to live long lives together as friends rather than food for one another, it’s best not to put more than two adult axolotls in the same tank:
The bigger ones will beat up on the smaller ones until they die or get eaten alive by their larger counterparts.
Keeping multiple young or juvenile axolotls together might work out better because they won’t be able to hurt each other as much when they fight over territory or food but it may also lead them down paths of cannibalism later on as adults when these creatures grow up into full-fledged monsters with sharp teeth and strong jaws! It’s also possible that an older individual could prey upon a younger sibling (or vice versa)
Without any provocation whatsoever just because it felt like doing so at that moment; this kind of behavior needs further study before we know what causes such behaviors among captive populations but I’d recommend keeping only one specimen per tank unless there’s absolutely no way around it.”
The frills on an axolotl are not just aesthetically pleasing but serve an important purpose. Learn more about the intriguing feature of axolotls in our expert answer to the question: why do axolotls have frills. Explore the fascinating adaptations of these captivating creatures.
Territorial Behaviour
Territorial behavior is a normal part of axolotl behavior, and it’s because the axolotl is a territorial species. In fact, this activity is so common that it even has a name: intraspecific aggression.
Intraspecific aggression occurs when animals of the same species fight over food or territory. It can be divided into two categories: agonistic behavior and combat behavior.
Agonistics includes all manner of threats and displays that are used by animals to establish dominance; these include staring down an opponent, raising their bodies above the water level (to display size), making clicking noises (to sound threatening), or even biting and clamping down on another animal’s tail or fins in order to control its movements.
Combatant behaviors include pushing each other underwater using their head or pushing with their tail against an opponent’s body until they lose balance or leave!
Hunger
Axolotls are carnivores, which means they need to eat other animals to survive. That doesn’t mean they’re picky about what they eat axolotls will eat any type of food that will fit in their mouths, including other axolotls!
If you have a pet axolotl, it is extremely important that you feed them a varied and balanced diet. You should make sure that your pet gets all the nutrients it needs by feeding it animal protein (like worms or fish) and plant material (like lettuce).
It is also possible to buy axolotl pellets at many pet stores. These pellets contain all the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development; however, these are often very expensive because they are made using high-quality ingredients such as salmon oil oils — so be sure not overfeed your animals with them!
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Causes | Lack of food, prolonged fasting |
| Symptoms | Increased appetite, reduced energy levels |
| Effects | Weight loss, weakness, impaired cognitive function |
| Brands | Nutrient-rich foods, meal replacement products |
| Solutions | Balanced diet, regular meals, portion control |
Gender Differences
Before you set out to breed your axolotls, it’s important to understand that male and female axolotls are different. While they’re similar in many ways (both being aquatic salamanders), there are some key differences between the two sexes:
Male Axolotls Are More Aggressive: Male axolotls tend to be more aggressive than their female counterparts. This might be because of their larger size or territorial nature, but either way, keep this in mind when planning your breeding program.
Female Axolotls Are More Passive: While males can actively look for and attack other animals (including humans), females tend to be less territorial and more passive overall.
The process of morphing in axolotls is a remarkable natural phenomenon. If you’re curious about the factors that trigger this transformation, our vet answer on why do axolotls morph provides valuable insights into the intricacies of axolotl development.
Breed Differences
Axolotls from the Ambystoma mexicanum species are more likely to eat each other than those from the A. tridactylum species. The reason for this is a matter of temperament and biology.
Axolotls from the Ambystoma mexicanum species are more aggressive than those from the A. tridactylum species, which are calmer in nature and less likely to bite their tankmates’ tails or fins.
It’s not uncommon for axolotls who were raised together as babies or juveniles to become enemies when they grow up especially if they’re both male (more aggressive) or female (less aggressive).
Stress
Stress can be caused by a lack of food. Some axolotls may become so hungry that they will consider other axolotls to be potential prey, even if those others are their own species and kind.
Stress can be caused by a lack of space. This can mean too little space, or it can mean open water in an aquarium where the axolotl might feel trapped and unable to escape from predators such as other fish or turtles.
Stress can also result when there is not enough companionship in the tank with your pet axolotl they do need company!
If you only have one in your tank, consider getting another one so they don’t feel alone! Having more than one will also help cut down on fighting over territory because there’s less competition for resources like food and habitat space (aquariums).
Lack Of Diet Diversity
If a lack of diet diversity is the culprit, then we need to figure out what exactly they are eating. Axolotls are carnivores and omnivores; they feed on a wide variety of live prey and dead prey, as well as plants.
They will eat fish, frogs, worms or other invertebrates that they find in the water around them. They also eat crickets and earthworms if you give them some for dinner!
If your axolotl is eating everything but its own species (and even if it does not), then you should be doing something wrong with their diet.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | Insufficient intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants |
| Health Risks | Increased susceptibility to deficiencies, compromised immune function |
| Brands | Diverse food options, meal subscription services |
| Benefits | Enhanced nutrient absorption, improved overall health |
| Solutions | Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins |
Defensive Behaviour
Axolotls are territorial creatures, and will defend their home from intruders. If you have an axolotl in your aquarium that has its own section of the tank, it may eat other axolotls that enter that area.
This may happen if you have two or more axolotls living together in the same tank. In this situation, one animal can become territorial over a particular area of the tank, which causes it to attack other axolotls when they get too close.
Curious about whether axolotls exhibit cannibalistic behavior? Our expert overview on will axolotls eat each other sheds light on this intriguing topic. Discover the dynamics of axolotl interactions and their eating habits.
The Teeth Don’t Hurt
The most obvious reason why axolotls eat each other is that they have teeth. But these teeth are not used to chew; instead, they’re used to grab and hold on in an attempt to rip food into smaller pieces for easier digestion.
The teeth aren’t sharp enough to hurt anyone (or anything), but they are quite sharp enough to grab onto their prey with a good grip and tear them apart!
They’re Protecting Their Space
The axolotl has a strong territorial instinct, so when you add another axolotl to the tank, it will often try to chase the first one away. This can be dangerous if the new axolotl is smaller than the other and doesn’t want to leave its territory. The experienced axolotl will use its size and strength advantage to fight off or kill their smaller counterpart.
Axolotls also have a tendency toward aggressive behavior with humans as well or at least they do in captivity where they’re not used to people being present all of the time.
When large numbers of people come into contact with an aquarium full of captive axolotls over long periods of time, there’s no doubt that some fighting among individuals occurs as well.
They Get Bored
Axolotls are intelligent animals, so they can get bored easily. If they’re not getting enough stimulation in their environment, they might start eating each other. In fact, this is a problem because axolotls cannot tell the difference between food and another axolotl, they just see something moving and go for it!
If your axolotl is hungry enough, it might even eat its own kind. If you notice that one of your axolotls has disappeared or appears sickly and has been missing for an extended period of time (for example, if your pet hasn’t come out from hiding for several days), this could be a sign that it was eaten by another animal in the tank.
They’re Confused
The second reason why axolotls eat each other is that they’re not very smart. They don’t know the difference between food and other axolotls, so if you put an unfamiliar creature into their tank, they’ll eat it.
And since they’re not afraid of their own species or other species, they will also eat anything that moves in front of them even if it’s another axolotl!
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Indecisiveness, lack of clarity |
| Causes | Unclear instructions, conflicting information |
| Effects | Frustration, inefficiency, mistakes |
| Brands | Clarity-focused tools, organizational apps |
| Solutions | Clear communication, prioritization techniques |
They’re Stressed
You may have heard that axolotls eat each other as a way to reduce stress, but this is only partially true because stress can also cause cannibalism. Stressful situations can make them more aggressive, which could lead to cannibalism.
Stress can also cause a lack of appetite, which would make it harder for them to get nutrients and energy from food.
Cannibalism can be caused by an irregular routine such as not getting enough sleep or exercise. This could happen if you don’t stick to your daily schedule, especially if you’re trying new things with your axolotls like different types of food or toys!
Stress is also connected with a lack of socialization when you’re feeling stressed out about something, it’s hard for people (or axolotls) to interact comfortably with each other when they’re feeling nervous all day long!
Considering keeping an axolotl as a pet? Explore the pros and cons of keeping axolotls alone in our owner’s experience guide on can axolotls be kept alone. Make informed decisions about the best care and companionship for your aquatic friend.
They Feel Threatened
In nature, axolotls are herbivores. They eat plants and algae, which means that their diet is not really a threat to them.
Axolotls can also be kept in aquariums with other animals or plants; however, if you have an axolotl as a pet and you want to get another one, you need to make sure there is enough space for both of them. These creatures are very territorial and will fight if they feel threatened by other axolotls or their owner.
The water conditions also play a role in this behavior: if the water isn’t clean enough then it can cause stress when trying to feed your pet with food pellets (which are made out of small fish). The best way around this problem is too make sure that your tank has enough space so that they won’t feel crowded while eating their pellets!
They Have No Way To Draw The Line Between Food And Other Axolotls
So, why do axolotls eat each other? The answer is simple. They have no way to draw the line between food and other axolotls. Axolotls don’t know what else to do. They don’t know how to differentiate between food and other axolotls, so when they see something moving in their tank (like another fish or an injured amphibian), they just assume it’s food.
So when an axolotl reaches out with its long tongue to grab its prey, there’s no way for it to tell if it’s actually grabbing a morsel of food or another animal from within their species that needs help!
And even if an injured-looking creature doesn’t grab onto your finger when you reach into your tank—or bite your face as soon as you put one up close enough that doesn’t mean they aren’t hungry; they may also mistake any approaching object as edible prey just like everyone else does!
Sometimes It’s Accidental
Sometimes it’s accidental. Axolotls are territorial, and they will defend their territory from intruders. Even if you don’t see a fish in your axolotl tank, that doesn’t mean one isn’t in there.
It could be hiding in the bottom of the tank or under rocks or other decor items. Sometimes axolotls even bite each other as a defensive mechanism! If you have more than one axolotl in your tank, it’s possible for them to mistake another for food and try to eat it.
The best thing you can do is make sure all of your pets are healthy before adding them to an existing community aquarium (or giving them away), so that no one gets accidentally eaten by another pet fish!
It’s also important never to keep different species together unless they specifically share similar dietary needs (i.e., both being omnivores).
Conclusion
So, now you know why axolotls eat each other. But there’s something important to remember: not all axolotls are going to go for every single one of these reasons.
At the end of the day, there just isn’t a single answer that explains this behavior. So what do we do now? Well, if you’re lucky enough to own an axolotl (or any other pet) and notice cannibalism happening in your tank then try out some of these tips! For example:
Further Reading
Axolotl Cannibalism – Causes and Prevention: Learn about the causes of cannibalistic behavior in axolotls and discover effective prevention strategies to ensure the well-being of your aquatic pets.
What Do Axolotls Eat? A Comprehensive Guide: Explore a comprehensive guide on the dietary preferences of axolotls, including their preferred food sources, feeding schedules, and nutritional requirements.
Caring for Axolotls: Tips and Guidelines: Gain valuable insights into the proper care and welfare of axolotls with this informative resource. Discover essential tips and guidelines for creating a suitable habitat and maintaining the health of your axolotl pets.
Now, here’s the FAQs section:
FAQs
Can axolotls live together in the same tank?
Axolotls can live together in the same tank, but it’s crucial to ensure adequate space, compatible tank mates, and proper feeding to prevent aggression and cannibalistic behavior.
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Axolotls should be fed two to three times a week, with a diet consisting of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or axolotl pellets.
Do axolotls need a heater for their tank?
Axolotls are cold-water creatures and prefer temperatures between 60°F and 68°F (15°C and 20°C). While a heater is not always necessary, it can help maintain a consistent temperature in colder environments.
Can axolotls regenerate their limbs?
Yes, axolotls have a remarkable ability to regenerate lost limbs, including limbs, tails, and even parts of their organs. This regenerative capability makes them unique among amphibians.
How long do axolotls typically live?
With proper care, axolotls can live up to 10-15 years or even longer. Providing a suitable environment, a balanced diet, and regular maintenance can contribute to their longevity.
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.