Axolotls are great pets, but they need a lot of attention. If you’re new to owning axolotls, you might not be aware of all of the dangers that can exist in an aquarium.
It’s easy to let your attention wander when you have an axolotl swimming around in your tank; after all, they don’t require much interaction!
But it’s important to remember that even though axolotls are amphibians, they’re not really good swimmers.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Letting axolotls swim alone may lead to stress and anxiety. |
| Axolotls are social creatures and benefit from companionship. |
| Monitoring axolotls during swimming sessions is essential. |
| Providing a safe and enriched environment is crucial. |
| Interacting with axolotls can help strengthen the bond. |
Because They’re Not Really Good Swimmers
However, it is important to remember that axolotls are not very good swimmers. In fact, they can’t even swim at all! Axolotls have weak limbs and no visible gills, which makes swimming difficult for them. Because of this, it’s crucial that your axolotl stays safe when swimming in water alone.
If you’ve ever watched an axolotl swim, then you probably noticed that it doesn’t really “swim” at all rather than moving through the water like a fish would do or even just paddling along like some other amphibians do (like frogs), an axolotl moves more like a dead leaf floating on top of a body of water: they move slowly with their bodies horizontal to the surface before sinking back down again.
If left unattended in water, your pet could easily drown when only halfway submerged in its habitat tank or aquarium because its tiny legs won’t be strong enough to swim back up again once they’ve sunk too deep into the liquid surrounding them
Loneliness can have a significant impact on the well-being of your axolotls. In my personal experience, I discovered that keeping axolotls together can provide them with a sense of companionship, enhancing their overall happiness and health.
Because They Might Seem Unresponsive
If your axolotl is floating motionless on the surface, it may look dead. However, they are in fact just resting and will revive once you get them back in the water.
It’s important to keep an eye out for this behavior because if your axolotl does sink and stay under for too long, it could die from hypothermia or injury due to lack of oxygen in the water.
Axolotls that have been out of their habitat for more than five minutes should be returned as soon as possible so they don’t become immobilized due to cold temperatures or dehydration.
If your axolotl has been sitting at the bottom of his tank without moving after being submerged in warm water then he most likely isn’t responding correctly and needs help from an expert vet immediately!
| Possible Reasons |
|---|
| Lack of stimulation |
| Comfortable temperature |
| Resting or sleeping |
| Hiding in their habitat |
| Natural behavior |
Because You’ll Have To Respond Quickly If They Inhale Water
Because they can only stay underwater for a few seconds, you’ll have to respond quickly if your axolotls do inhale water. If this happens, you’ll want to scoop them out of the water immediately with a net or other tool.
This is why it’s important for your axolotls to have a companion in their tank. The second one will be able to spot the first one inhaling water and alert you so that you can save him or her before it’s too late.
Because Axolotls Can And Do Drown
If you’re a new pet owner, it’s easy to be mislead by the cute little axolotl swimming around in its tank. But an axolotl isn’t like a water-breathing fish or even a turtle it doesn’t breathe through its gills or lungs. It breathes through its skin!
If your axolotl accidentally inhales water (which can happen when they’re nervous), it will drown and die.
Instead of letting them swim on their own, always keep your pet company in the same container so that if he does accidentally choke on some water or bump into something he won’t have to worry about finding his way out alone.
If you’re considering keeping multiple axolotls, it’s crucial to understand their compatibility. Learn more about the factors to consider and the benefits of keeping axolotls together in our comprehensive veterinary guide.
Because Many Axolotls Get Sick When They Inhale Water
While it’s tempting to let your axolotl swim alone, you shouldn’t. Because many axolotls get sick when they inhale water, it’s important that you keep an eye on them while they swim.
While some of these illnesses come from living in dirty water tanks and aquariums, others can be caused by waterborne parasites and bacterial infections.
The best way to avoid these problems is by keeping your axolotl’s tank clean and changing the water regularly (once a week).
There are also several fungal infections that can occur in your animal’s tank as well. If this happens then it will usually lead to death for your creature so make sure that everything stays clean at all times!
| Water-related Illnesses |
|---|
| Gills infections |
| Fungal diseases |
| Bacterial infections |
| Waterborne parasites |
| Ammonia poisoning |
Because Your Axolotl Could Forget To Come Up For Air
One of the axolotl’s most defining features is its lack of a need for gills. This means that it can stay underwater for long periods of time without coming up for air, which is great for us because it keeps them safe from predators.
Unfortunately, being able to hold your breath doesn’t mean you’re an expert swimmer: they’re still land animals (albeit amphibious ones) and don’t have the best swimming abilities.
Added to this, if you’ve ever seen an axolotl in action while they’re out swimming around their tank, you know they get distracted by anything and everything that crosses their path—it’s part of what makes them so entertaining to watch! And when an animal has such a low level of concentration on something as important as breathing… well.. let’s just say things don’t always go according to plan.
To make matters worse, when axolotls are tired or hungry or stressed out (as we all are sometimes), their attention span decreases even further and if your pet gets stuck somewhere along the way…? That could be very bad news indeed!
While axolotls are aquatic creatures, there may be instances where they need to be on land. Discover the circumstances and precautions associated with allowing axolotls on land to ensure their safety and well-being.
Because Your Axolotl Could Get Stuck Somewhere in the Tank and Maybe Drown
In the event that your axolotl gets stuck somewhere in the tank, you’ll want to act quickly. The longer it remains stuck, the more likely it is that your axolotl will drown.
If your axolotl has become trapped in a filter or other area of your tank that restricts its ability to swim freely, first try moving the filter away from where they’re trapped so they can swim out on their own (or gently move them with a net).
If this doesn’t work and your axolotl won’t leave behind an object like a filter, remove any objects that are blocking them from getting out for example, move filters and decorations out of their way so they can access different areas of water within their tank.
Also try moving rocks or other obstructions into place under where your Axie might be stuck; if there are rocks underneath where it’s wedged itself against something else in its home environment then perhaps those rocks will give it traction when pushing against them with its fins or tail!
| Hazards |
|---|
| Narrow crevices |
| Unsecured decorations |
| Inadequate water depth |
| Uneven substrate |
| Sharp objects |
Because It’s Best to Wait Until You’re Confident You Know How to Rescue an Axolotl from Drowning
If you’re not confident in your ability to rescue an axolotl from drowning, it’s best to avoid letting them swim alone. Axolotls are known to be able to hold their breath for several minutes at a time, so there’s no need to intervene immediately.
However, if you see that one of your axolotls is struggling and unable to breathe on his own, it is important that you get him back into the water as quickly as possible.
Because Your Axolotl Could Hurt Themselves By Bumping Into Things
It can be tempting to let your axolotls have the run of their tank, but it is not a good idea. Axolotls are very curious animals, and they will explore their environment with their front claws and noses.
While this instinctive behavior is normal, it can backfire if your axolotl gets stuck on something.
If you give him or her free rein in the tank, there’s a chance he or she will bump into something that could harm them:
- Your axolotl may bump into the walls of the tank, which could cause injuries like scrapes and bruises.
- He/she may accidentally hurt himself/herself by running into an object such as a filter or heater that might have been placed on one end of the tank instead of in a corner (which won’t happen if you use proper placement).
- Your axolotl may also get caught on decorations such as plants or rocks placed along his side of his habitat. Even though plants and rocks look harmless, they can still pose dangers for curious pets who want to investigate them!
Proper care is essential for maintaining the health and happiness of your axolotls. Explore our detailed guide on how to care for your axolotl, where you’ll find valuable insights and expert advice on creating the ideal environment and providing optimal care for these unique creatures.
Because There Are A Lot of Hazards in Typical Aquariums
Some of the hazards in typical aquariums include:
The tank is too small for your axolotl to comfortably swim around. Axolotls need a lot of space to swim around and explore their surroundings, which can be difficult if the tank is too small.
Also, if your axolotl is stressed out by being cramped up in a smaller area, it may not want to eat or even hide from you as much as usual.
The tank is too deep for your axolotl to comfortably swim around. Most pet stores recommend purchasing fish tanks that are only about an inch taller than your pet’s total length (from nose tip to tail tip).
If you have an axolotl that grows larger than this recommendation, make sure that you get a deep enough aquarium so they don’t hit their heads while swimming around!
The tank is too shallow for your axolotl’s safety. If an animal becomes trapped at the bottom of a pool or pond without any way out, then they could die from exposure due to lack of oxygen in such shallow water!
So make sure that when picking out an aquarium size there’s always plenty of room for them at both ends 🙂
You should also consider having multiple sections within each habitat so there aren’t just one big open area where nothing but plants exist–this would give no sense whatsoever about what kind lifestyle actually exists out there on land versus underwater where all sorts different kinds animals live peacefully together.”
Interacting with your axolotls can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to handle them correctly. Learn more about the proper techniques and considerations for holding axolotls to ensure their safety and minimize stress during these interactions.
Conclusion
So, if you’re thinking about getting an axolotl and putting it in a tank, don’t. Instead, try to find a friend who has one and ask if they’d be willing to let your fish out so that they can swim with them.
If this isn’t possible then maybe consider keeping your axolotl in an aquarium with other fish or even frogs! They may not be able to see each other but at least they’ll be happy together 🙂
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on axolotls:
Do Axolotls Move a Lot?: Discover more about the movement patterns and behavior of axolotls, including their activity levels and habits.
Axolotls as Pets: A Comprehensive Guide: Dive into this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about keeping axolotls as pets, including their care requirements, habitat setup, and feeding habits.
Can Axolotls Live with Fish?: Explore the compatibility of axolotls with fish in a shared tank, understanding the considerations and potential challenges involved in cohabitation.
FAQs
Can axolotls survive without gills?
Axolotls rely on their gills for respiration and are not able to survive without them. Their gills are vital for extracting oxygen from the water.
How long do axolotls live?
Axolotls have a relatively long lifespan compared to other amphibians. They can live up to 10-15 years in captivity with proper care and a suitable environment.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily eat small aquatic animals such as worms, insects, and small fish. They can also be fed specially formulated axolotl pellets.
Can axolotls regenerate their limbs?
Yes, axolotls have incredible regenerative abilities. They can regrow lost limbs, including limbs that have been amputated or injured.
Do axolotls require a heater in their tank?
Axolotls are cold-water amphibians and prefer cooler temperatures. They typically thrive in water temperatures between 60-68°F (15-20°C) and do not require a heater in their tank.
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.