The Axolotl is one of the most alien creatures in the pet world. Specifically, it possesses feathery external gills and a serene smile. It also has the remarkable ability to regenerate lost limbs. Therefore, many people find them incredibly endearing. It is the Peter Pan of the salamander family. In fact, it is a perennial juvenile that never truly grows up. However, this charming exterior hides a delicate animal. They have very specific and non-negotiable needs. Consequently, this guide answers all your questions about their care.
My Experience: The Creature That Refused to Grow Up
My house is a carefully managed menagerie of life cycles. Specifically, I watch my fish grow from tiny fry into confident adults. I have tracked the steady growth of my turtles. They grew from the size of a coin to a dinner plate. Furthermore, I understand the process of aging.
And then there is the Axolotl. This animal looked at the concept of growing up and said no. Specifically, it refused to leave the water or lose its gills. It decided to stay as a weird water baby forever. This stubborn refusal to conform is a level of rebellious confidence. Consequently, it is a hilarious reminder that the weirdest creatures are often the most wonderful. Growing up is clearly a scam for this magnificent oddball.
Is it Legal to Own an Axolotl?
This is your first and most important question. Specifically, they are an endangered species in the wild. They also have the potential to become invasive species. Therefore, it is illegal to own them in several states. These include California, Maine, New Jersey, and Virginia. Furthermore, you must check your local laws before acquiring one. Consequently, you will avoid legal trouble.
The Proper Tank Setup for an Axolotl
What size tank is appropriate for an adult?
Floor space is more important than height. Specifically, a 20-gallon long tank is the minimum for one adult. They are not active swimmers. However, they patrol the bottom of their tank frequently.
What kind of filter is best?
Axolotls come from calm and slow-moving lakes. Therefore, they are stressed by strong water currents. A gentle sponge filter is the ideal choice. Specifically, you must baffle the output of any hang-on-back filter.
Is gravel safe for axolotls?
No, absolutely not. In fact, gravel is the primary cause of death for pet axolotls. They are clumsy eaters. Consequently, they will inevitably swallow substrate. Gravel causes a fatal impaction in their gut. The only safe substrates are a bare-bottom tank or very fine sand. Specifically, only use sand for axolotls over 6 inches long.
What decorations are safe?
Hides are essential for their comfort. Therefore, use smooth-edged decor like PVC pipe or terracotta pots. Avoid any sharp decorations. Specifically, these can injure their delicate skin. Furthermore, live plants like Anubias are great additions.
Ideal Water Parameters and Temperature
This is the most critical aspect of their care. Specifically, axolotls require cold water. Their ideal temperature range is 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 72 degrees cause stress and fungal infections. Eventually, high heat leads to death. Consequently, most climates require an aquarium chiller.
What water conditioner should I use?
Use a high-quality conditioner to remove chlorine. Furthermore, ensure the product does not contain Aloe Vera. Specifically, Aloe is toxic to amphibians. Therefore, read the labels carefully.
A Good Staple Diet for an Axolotl
High-quality earthworms are the perfect staple diet. Specifically, you can use nightcrawlers. Soft sinking carnivore pellets are also an excellent food source. Therefore, use them for protein-rich nutrition. You can offer frozen bloodworms as occasional treats. Furthermore, brine shrimp are a good option.
How often should you feed them?
Juveniles should eat daily. However, adults only need food every 2 or 3 days. Consequently, you will prevent obesity and waste.
Can Axolotls Live With Other Fish?
Keeping them with others is risky. Specifically, juveniles are notoriously cannibalistic. They will bite off the limbs of their tank mates. These grow back, but the stress is high. Adults can live together if they are similar in size. However, injuries can still occur.
Can they live with fish?
No, it is a terrible idea. Specifically, small fish will be eaten. Larger fish will nip at the axolotl’s gills. This causes injury and severe stress. Therefore, you must keep them in a species-only tank.
Identifying Stress and Superpowers
What if the gills curl forward?
This is a clear sign of stress. Specifically, the most common cause is poor water quality. High temperature or strong currents also cause this. Therefore, test your water immediately.
What is the axolotl’s secret superpower?
It is their incredible ability to regenerate. Specifically, they regrow lost limbs and parts of their gills. They even repair portions of their brain and spinal cord. They do this perfectly without any scarring. Consequently, they are a subject of intense scientific study.
Why Don’t Axolotls Metamorphose?
Axolotls exhibit a trait called neoteny. Specifically, they remain in their larval form for their entire lives. They reach maturity without ever becoming land-dwelling adults. In rare circumstances, they can be induced to change. However, this is an unnatural process. Furthermore, it drastically shortens their lifespan. Therefore, you should never attempt this.
What is the lifespan of an axolotl?
They are a long-term commitment. Specifically, they live for 10 to 15 years in captivity. Consequently, you must be prepared for a decade of care.
Sources
- National Geographic
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/facts/axolotl - Axolotl Central
https://www.axolotlcentral.com/axolotl-care-guide - University of Kentucky
https://ambystoma.uky.edu/ - Caudata.org
https://www.caudata.org/axolotl-sanctuary/
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