Good for medium-large aquariums.
Current Size: Approximately 4-8 cm
Adult size = can grow up to 30cm in length.
Origin: Mexico
Diet: Carnivore
pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 14°C – 20°C.
At this size these are baby axolotls. Their gills and feet are still a little underdeveloped, but with good food with soon grow out just like the attached images.
Axolotls are fascinating creatures native to Mexico but are well-suited for life in aquariums as pets. Often called "Mexican Walking Fish" due to their four small legs and fish-like tail, they are actually amphibians, not fish, and are related to salamanders.
Adult axolotls have a unique appearance with a long, sleek body, four short legs, and three pairs of feathered gills on the back of their head. Their smooth, soft skin is sensitive, so handling should be kept to a minimum. They come in various colors in captivity, including cream, grey, brown, white albino, near black, and white with black eyes.
Unlike most amphibians, axolotls remain in their larval form for life, keeping their gills and fins. They possess a remarkable ability to regenerate lost or damaged body parts, such as legs, tails, and even parts of the brain and heart. These hardy creatures can live for 10 to 15 years in good conditions.
Axolotls breathe through their moist skin and can survive briefly out of water as long as their skin stays wet. In water, they use their gills to extract oxygen, but they may occasionally surface to gulp air.
They thrive in filtered aquariums but shouldn't be housed with fish that may nibble on their delicate gills. A single axolotl requires a tank at least 45 cm long, and two similarly sized axolotls can share a tank if there's enough room. They can grow between 18 to 30 cm in length.
Tap water should be treated with a water conditioner to remove chemicals, and the pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5 to protect their sensitive skin. Weekly water changes of 20% are recommended. The water should be at least 15 cm deep and be maintained at a temperature between 14°C and 20°C.In most places in Australia you will need a cooling fan running 24/7 and on hot days add some ice in the morning if your place does not have airconditioning. We have a water bottle we keep frozen in the fridge and add in any hot mornings, which gets frozen again at night.
Axolotls tend to swallow gravel, so if you use a substrate, ensure it's large enough to avoid ingestion. A gravel vacuum is useful for cleaning, as axolotls can be quite messy. They also prefer low light, so standard aquarium lighting is fine, but sudden light changes should be avoided. Adding plants, pipes, pots, and caves provides hiding places and enhances the tank’s appearance.
Being carnivores, axolotls require a meat-based diet. Since they swallow their food whole, everything offered must fit in their mouth. Sinking axolotl pellets are the easiest option, though earthworms, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp make good occasional treats. Avoid mealworms due to their indigestible exoskeletons, and only offer small amounts of food at a time to prevent waste buildup.
We recommend getting Nightcrawlers to feem your Axles. Feed about one medium worm a day, but keep an eye on their tummy. If they are getting too fat then slow down your feeding a bit, and if they are getting quite thin then make sure to feed them more.
Axolotls are a unique and captivating choice for amphibian enthusiasts!
I axolotl questions