Axolotls: Owning

What is an axolotl?

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an amphibian that spends its entire life in the water. It is a type of salamander, but it has some fish-like features, including visible external gills and a paddle-like tail that it keeps for its entire life. Unlike other amphibians, they cannot metamorphose to live on the land. 

Axolotls in captivity may live 10 to 15 years. Most adults reach about 23 to 25 cm (9 to 10 in) in length. Adult males have a noticeable bulge around their vent. Axolotls have a unique response to injury. If they lose a leg or part of their tail, they can regrow it. This process may take several months.

Axolotls originally lived in Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in Mexico City. Most axolotls in the pet trade in the United States and Canada are offspring of domestically raised stock. In the wild, they are considered critically endangered due to habitat loss.

What type of housing does an axolotl need?

Axolotls must be kept in an aquarium similar to a freshwater fish aquarium.

• Remove chlorine from tap water.
• Install an aquarium filter. Keep the water flow gentle.
• Use a tank bottom and decorations the axolotl cannot swallow. Avoid small rocks and pebbles. 
• Keep the lighting dim. 
• Provide plants, rocks, or decorations where your axolotl can hide.

What does an axolotl eat?

Axolotls are carnivores that eat a variety of invertebrate prey. Some commonly available food items include:

• Frozen bloodworms
• Fresh or frozen blackworms
• Pieces of earthworms (night crawlers)
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Small feeder fish
• Salmon pellets 

Young axolotls should be offered food daily. Adults do well when fed every 2 to 3 days. Only offer food that your axolotl can consume entirely in 2 to 5 minutes. Remove uneaten food to help maintain water quality. Since axolotls tend to gulp their food, keep small rocks and pebbles out of the aquarium. Swallowing these materials may cause an intestinal blockage.

What health problems can axolotls have?

• Swallowed objects: Axolotls may gulp objects along with their food.  Small rocks and pebbles can be swallowed, especially where food collects on the tank bottom.
• Obesity: Feeding too much or too often can cause obesity, which shortens their lifespan. Obesity is a common problem in axolotls.
• Poor water quality or high temperature: Poor water quality can cause a variety of problems. Excess nitrite in the water may cause axolotls’ eyes to bulge; water temperatures above 24°C (75°F) cause them to become sluggish, float uncontrollably, and become susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
• Strong water flow: Rapid or forceful water flow can cause stress and damage the external gills.
• Loss of appetite: An axolotl may stop eating because of poor water quality, intestinal parasitism, or bacterial or fungal infections.
• Injury: Rough handling may cause the loss of a limb.

Axolotls are fascinating and unique amphibians that require specific care to thrive in captivity. By providing a suitable environment and a balanced diet, you can enjoy their companionship for years to come. Ask a veterinarian experienced with amphibians for advice about your axolotl’s water quality, diet, or any changes in their health.