Axolotls are a type of large lizard that is native to Mexico. They are unusual because they don’t live in water like other amphibians; instead, they breathe air and live on land. They can survive being out of water for quite some time but they need to stay moist at all times so they can continue to breathe properly.
The most common causes of axolotl deaths are not providing the required temperatures or having unsuitable tank mates.
These animals also require clean water at all times so it’s important to know what temperature range your axolotl will thrive in as well as feeding them appropriate foods and cleaning their tank properly.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Understanding the reasons behind axolotls’ mortality is crucial for their care and well-being. |
| Maintaining proper water quality and temperature is essential to prevent axolotl deaths. |
| Providing a suitable diet and monitoring feeding practices can contribute to axolotls’ longevity. |
| Social and environmental factors, such as tank mates and habitat setup, can impact axolotls’ health and survival. |
| Seeking veterinary advice and guidance is important when dealing with axolotls’ health issues and mortality. |
Not providing the required temperatures
If you’re finding that your axolotls are dying, you may be able to save them by ensuring that their temperatures are at the correct level. The ideal temperature for axolotls is 15-28 degrees Celsius.
If the temperatures are too low, they will not get enough oxygen and die. On the other hand, if they are too high, it can cause their skin to rot off and they’ll eventually die from disease or stress.
Temperature stability is also important: if your axolotl tanks are exposed to fluctuations in temperature then this could cause problems with their health so make sure that any heating equipment you use maintains a stable temperature at all times (although it’s best not to use heat pumps).
Another thing worth bearing in mind is how often you check on them; while many people tend only check their fish once every couple of weeks or so (or even less often), this isn’t enough for an animal like an axolotl which needs constant monitoring of its environment..
Proper care is essential for the well-being of your axolotls. Learn valuable insights on how to care for your axolotl and ensure their health and longevity.
Not having the recommended water quality
Your axolotls’ habitat is the most important part of their care, so it’s vital to ensure that you have the right environment set up. It’s easy to forget about water quality because we’re so used to seeing it in our everyday lives and not thinking about how much of an impact it has on us.
You may be wondering: “Why does water quality matter?” Well, there are many factors that affect the health of your axolotl’s habitat, but we’ll focus on two main ones: temperature and ammonia levels.
Having unsuitable tank mates
Axolotls are carnivores and should not be kept with other animals, even fish. They are also territorial, so you should not keep more than one axolotl in the same tank. If you want to keep them with fish, make sure that your tank is at least 29 gallons (110 liters).
| Tank Mates |
|---|
| Unsuitable |
| Incompatible |
| Aggressive |
| Stressful |
| Risk of Harm |
Overfeeding
It’s important to understand that axolotls aren’t like fish, which need to be fed every day or they’ll starve. Axolotls only eat once a week, so overfeeding them can cause them to get flabby and unhealthy. Your axolotl may have died because you were feeding him too much food.
Feeding poor quality foods
The first thing you should do is to ensure that the food you are feeding your axolotls is of good quality. The best food for your axolotls is live bloodworms, earthworms, and crickets.
Feeding them small aquatic invertebrates such as shrimp or crustaceans can cause them to become sick due to a lack of calcium in their diet. Axolotls can also be fed small fish such as mosquito fish or guppies if they are hungry but it’s best not to feed these types of foods more than once per week at most.
If you are having trouble getting your axolotl to eat or if they refuse all food then try soaking some earthworm pieces in tank water and place them on top of the substrate where they will swim up into it easily!
Feeding your axolotls a balanced diet is crucial for their overall health. Discover the right food choices by exploring our guide on what you should feed axolotls and ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Feeding non-nutritious foods as treats
If you’re feeding your axolotls non-nutritious foods as treats, they will die. This is because most of the food we eat contain a lot of fat and sugar and preservatives. These are things that you should never feed your axolotl because they can cause liver damage, or even death. Just like humans, our pets need to eat healthy food to stay alive!
Not cleaning the tank properly
- Use a gravel vacuum to remove loose debris from the bottom of the tank.
Use a siphon to clean out any gunk that’s hanging out at the bottom of your tank, which is usually located near your filter. You can also use this tool to clean algae off of hard surfaces and decorations in your aquarium, as well as plants if they’re removable.
Clean the filter regularly with water or vinegar (use half-and-half vinegar and water). This helps prevent buildup that could clog up parts of your filtration system and make it difficult for things like oxygen exchange in your tank.
Wipe down all surfaces with vinegar or bleach, just be sure not to get either around electrical items such as lights or heaters as it could cause damage!
| Tank Cleaning |
|---|
| Neglected |
| Poor maintenance |
| Dirty conditions |
| Accumulated waste |
| Algae growth |
Using multivitamins inappropriately
The most important thing to remember when giving your axolotls a multivitamin is that you must use the right kind for them. If you don’t, it could lead to serious problems.
- Do not give them human or plant multivitamins, as these have different nutritional needs than axolotls do.
- Axolotls should also never be given animal-specific multivitamins, as they contain ingredients that are toxic to their systems (and they’re probably not going to be thrilled about being mistaken for an animal).
Providing too little space for the axolotl to grow in
The axolotl is a creature that needs plenty of room to grow. You need to provide an environment that is big enough for your axolotls to swim freely and stretch out. At least two times the length of your axolotl is recommended, and 1.5 times the width would be better.
A longer tank will give the axolotl more space to explore, which will help them develop better habits for when they’re in their adult life. In addition, providing a smaller tank can cause stress on your axolotls, leading them to develop health problems like fin rot or parasitic infections like flukes (which are flatworms).
Considering whether to keep axolotls alone? Gain valuable perspectives from an owner’s experience and explore the topic of keeping axolotls alone to make informed decisions about their social needs.
Letting other aggressive or curious animals into their tank, e.g. cats or dogs.
Cats and dogs can be a problem. There are countless stories of cats and dogs that have been curious enough to jump into axolotl tanks, possibly because some people keep them in the same room as their pets.
Cats and dogs can be aggressive. There are also plenty of stories about aggressive pets that attack axolotls in their tanks, especially if they see an easy target (like a wounded animal).
The danger isn’t limited to the animals themselves—if they accidentally break one of your tank’s walls or knock over something important like water filtration equipment, you could end up with fish all over your floor instead of just a little bit more work cleaning up after it!
Creating an ideal habitat for your axolotls is crucial for their well-being. Discover the essential elements to include in your axolotl tank setup by reading our guide on what to put in your axolotl’s tank and ensure their comfort and safety.
Shaking or dropping the axolotl during handling
Shaking or dropping your axolotl during handling will cause it to become injured. Axolotls are very delicate creatures and can easily die from being dropped or shaken. It is best to always keep your axolotl in one hand while holding the container in the other with both hands, as this will reduce the risk of shaking or dropping your axolotl while carrying it around.
| Handling Axolotls |
|---|
| Rough treatment |
| Accidental drops |
| Improper grip |
| Shaking movements |
| Mishandling |
Letting unsupervised children handle axolotls
One of the most common reasons that axolotls die is because of their delicate nature. Axolotls need to be handled with care, and that can be hard for children who may not understand how to properly handle them. Additionally, children may not be able to tell if an axolotl is sick or injured without proper supervision from an adult.
If your child is handling the axolotl without any supervision, there’s a chance that they could drop it or shake it, which will damage its delicate body and cause it severe pain until it dies. If you do choose to let your child handle this kind of pet alone, make sure you supervise them closely at all times so that they don’t hurt themselves in their excitement over having such a cool new pet!
Understanding the emotional well-being of your axolotls is important. Explore the topic of axolotls getting depressed through an owner’s experience to gain insights into their mental health and overall happiness.
Conclusion
Axolotls are a popular pet for many people, but they’re not always easy to care for. These amphibians can be finicky and prone to illness, which means keeping them alive is no small feat. While some owners may have success with certain methods over others, there’s no single way that’s guaranteed to keep your axolotl happy and healthy.
However, if you’re struggling with this type of pet ownership then here are some tips on how to keep them happy while minimizing stress levels in your home:
Further Reading
Do Axolotls Die Easily?: Explore the factors that may contribute to the lifespan and mortality of axolotls.
Do Axolotls Float When They Die?: Learn about the floating behavior of axolotls and its connection to their health and mortality.
Bloat in Axolotls: Discover the causes, symptoms, and prevention of bloat, a potential health issue in axolotls.
And here is the FAQs section with five questions and answers:
FAQs
Can axolotls survive outside of water?
Axolotls are fully aquatic creatures and depend on water for their survival. They cannot survive for extended periods outside of water as their gills facilitate respiration.
How long do axolotls typically live?
Axolotls have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years if provided with proper care and suitable living conditions.
What are some common causes of axolotl mortality?
Common causes of axolotl mortality include poor water quality, inadequate diet, incorrect temperature, stress, and diseases. Ensuring a healthy environment and proper care can help minimize these risks.
Do axolotls have a higher mortality rate during metamorphosis?
Axolotls have a higher mortality rate during metamorphosis, as it is a critical stage of their development. Providing optimal conditions and closely monitoring them during this period can help increase their chances of survival.
How can I prevent my axolotls from dying due to bloat?
To prevent bloat in axolotls, ensure proper feeding practices, avoid overfeeding, and maintain good water quality. Providing a balanced diet and monitoring their overall health can help prevent this condition.
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.