Axolotl Care Guide – Everything You Need to Know

🔹 Introduction 

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are fascinating, fully aquatic salamanders native to lakes in Mexico. Known as “Mexican walking fish,” they’re not fish at all but amphibians that retain their larval features throughout life. Axolotls are a favorite among exotic pet lovers for their unique appearance, external gills, and calm demeanor. This guide will help you provide a healthy, safe, and enriching environment for your axolotl.

🔹 Tank Setup & Habitat

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a single adult; add 10 gallons per additional axolotl.
• Water Temperature: 60–68°F (16–20°C) – avoid warm temperatures as it stresses axolotls.
• Filtration: Gentle filtration with low flow is recommended. Use a sponge filter or adjustable canister filter.
• Substrate: Fine sand or bare bottom is safest; avoid gravel to prevent impaction.
• Lighting: Dim or indirect lighting; axolotls prefer low-light environments.
• Decor: Include hides, caves, and live or silk plants for security.

🔹 Water Quality & Maintenance

• pH Level: Keep between 6.5–8.0.
• Ammonia/Nitrites: Always 0 ppm – axolotls are very sensitive.
• Nitrates: Under 20 ppm.
• Water Changes: Perform 20–30% water changes weekly to maintain quality.
• Dechlorinator: Always use a water conditioner to remove chlorine/chloramine.

🔹 Diet & Feeding

• Staple Diet: High-quality sinking axolotl pellets, earthworms, or nightcrawlers.
• Treats: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, or small feeder fish (quarantined first).
• Feeding Frequency:
• Juveniles: Daily
• Adults: Every 2–3 days
• Tip: Remove uneaten food to prevent water fouling.

🔹 Tank Mates & Compatibility

• Axolotls are best kept alone or with other axolotls of similar size.
• Avoid fish and aggressive species; they may nip axolotl gills or be eaten.
• Shrimp and snails can be added cautiously but may become snacks.

🔹 Health & Common Issues

• Signs of Stress: Curling gills, loss of appetite, frantic swimming.
• Impaction: Caused by gravel ingestion; always use sand or bare bottom.
• Heat Stress: Keep water cool; consider a fan or chiller in warmer months.
• Fungal Infections: White cottony patches on gills or body; improve water quality and seek treatment.

🔹 Breeding Information

• Axolotls breed in cooler water temperatures.
• Males deposit spermatophores, and females lay eggs on surfaces.
• Raising axolotl eggs requires separate tanks and close monitoring.

🔹 Fun Facts

• Axolotls can regenerate limbs, tails, and even parts of their spine or brain!
• They are critically endangered in the wild but thrive in captivity.
• Morphs include Wild-Type, Leucistic, Albino, Melanoid, Copper, and Golden.