Complete Axolotl Care Guide: How to Keep Axolotls Healthy

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Axolotls are also known as Mexican walking fish, but they are actually not fish at all. They are amphibians! They are a fully aquatic salamander with an intriguing ability to regenerate limbs and organs. Unlike most salamanders who go through metamorphosis and evolve to live on land, axolotls do not go through metamorphosis. Instead, they keep their gills and continue living in water.

Caring for an axolotl can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Axolotls have specific care requirements that differ significantly from more common pets. Ensuring their well-being involves creating an appropriate aquatic habitat, maintaining proper water conditions, and providing a suitable diet. This blog post will guide you through the essential aspects of axolotl care, helping you to create a thriving environment for your extraordinary new pet.

Scientific Name

Ambystoma mexicanum

The Axolotl’s Natural Habitat

Axolotls are listed as critically endangered in the wild. Currently, the only place they can be found in the wild is in the cool waters of Lake Xochimilco and the canals leading from the lake just outside Mexico City. Due to expansion of the city, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species, there are very few left. People are working to create refuge areas to help save the remaining few.

Axolotl laws

In some places it is illegal to own an axolotl as a pet and some you will need a permit or license. If planning on getting one, you will need to research the laws regarding them where you live.

Axolotl Lifespan

On average, axolotl live 10 to 15 years, and there are some reports they can even reach 20 years.

Adult Size of Axolotl

The average size of an adult axolotl is 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm) in length and around 10 ounces in weight. There are reports they can reach 18 inches (45 cm) in length, but that is extremely rare.

How to tell the gender of an axolotl

It’s difficult to tell their gender until they are more developed and reaching sexual maturity at around 12 to 24 months old. Females tend to have a rounder body and males more slim. Males will have a bulging cloaca area (the region right behind the back legs), and females will have no bulge or only a very slight bulge.

Here’s a video:

The Axolotl’s Senses

Axolotls have a good sense of smell to help them detect prey. They have poor vision, but to make up for it, they have what is called a lateral line system made up of epidermal sensory organs on their head and body which helps them detect movement.

Axolotls do not make any noises to communicate with each other, but they do communicate via body language and chemicals they secrete (especially around mating season).

Are axolotl nocturnal or diurnal?

Axolotls are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. They might seem more lazy during the day and do more hunting and exploring at night. In captivity, they aren’t as strictly nocturnal as they are in the wild.

Can axolotls be kept together?

Axolotls are not really social, and it is best to keep them solo. When kept together, they may nip at each other and damage their gills and feet, so I recommend keeping them by themselves.

If you want more than one, you will need a big enough enclosure that they can get away from each other if needed. If you find them injuring each other, they will need to be separated.

You should also only keep the same gender together unless you want them to breed and you are prepared for it (they can lay over 1000 eggs at a time!).

Can axolotl be kept with fish?

They really do best kept alone. I don’t recommend keeping fish, crustaceans, or anything else with them. The biggest concerns are axolotl will try to eat any tank mates, and fish may try to nip and injure the axolotl’s gills and other body parts. Axolotl can grow them back, but they will be put at risk for infection and stress in the meantime.

Do axolotls shed?

Axolotls have skin with a slime coat on top. If you see an axolotl shedding, it is the slime coat it is shedding, but a healthy axolotl should not shed! If an axolotl is shedding, it means something is wrong. It might be due to stress, poor water quality, or incorrect water parameters.

Here is a great article on reasons why it might be shedding and what to do about it: Why Is My Axolotl Shedding? 7 Reasons Why & What to Do!

Axolotl Aquarium Size

For your axolotl’s home, size matters more than you might think. A single axolotl demands a space that can hold at least 20 gallons of water, offering sufficient room for swimming and exploring. An optimal size would be 40 to 50 gallons. With larger tanks promoting better water quality, it prevents the buildup of harmful substances. A tank of this size also accommodates the necessary equipment, like a filter and plants, without crowding your axolotl. Opting for a spacious habitat right from the start lays the groundwork for a healthy, joyous pet. They do not require a land area as they do not leave the water, so you can fill the aquarium most of the way up. More water available helps with water quality as they can be messy.

If you want two axolotls in the same aquarium, I would recommend at least 50 gallons.

You will also need a secure lid for your enclosure so they cannot accidentally jump out. They have small lungs and can survive a short while out of water, but not very long as they will dry out quickly.

Where in Your Home to Keep the Aquarium

You’ll want to ensure that cold water creatures like axolotls aren’t exposed to extreme temperature changes. Placing the tank away from windows and heating sources helps maintain a steady, cool environment, crucial for healthy axolotls. Moreover, since bright lights and loud noises can stress them out, a serene corner, preferably one with dim lighting, will suit them best. Remember, happy axolotls need a peaceful spot that mimics the tranquility of Lake Xochimilco, their native habitat.

Substrates

Axolotls will eat anything that fits in their mouth. You want to choose a safe substrate that they cannot ingest and become impacted, which can require surgical intervention or even be fatal. You also do not want to use anything that has sharp edges that they can injure themselves on.

Safe Substrate Options

• Bare bottom. Many people use no substrate at all, so there will be no risk of ingesting anything and it is easy to clean. This is especially good for for young axolotls and juvenile axolotls. The main con is it can be slippery for axolotl to walk on with nothing to grip, which could stress them out.
• Tiles made of ceramic, rock, or slate. These can be purchased at any hardware store. They are easy to clean, look nice, and provide a good surface for the axolotl to grip and walk on. Do not use vinyl or linoleum which can leach toxins into the water.
• Fine sand. Only use with an adult axolotl. Sand looks nice. They may ingest some of it but it should pass through. The con is that it is harder to clean.
• Large rocks. Choose rocks that do not have sharp edges and the rocks must be larger than the axolotl’s head for no chance of ingestion. Large rocks look nice and natural and they can grip onto them. The con is they can get heavy if you use a lot, and it is harder to clean between the rocks.

You can get creative and use any combination of the above!

Dangerous Substrates, Never Use

• Aquarium gravel or gravel of any kind as it can be ingested and cause impaction.
• Small rocks or pebbles. If they fit in their mouth, they can eat them. Do not use any rocks smaller than their head.
• Decorative glass stones. They will try to eat these as well. 
• Colored or dyed sand. The dye can leach into the water and be toxic.

Lighting 

Axolotl are nocturnal and do not require added lighting. In the wild, they live in the shadowed waters of Lake Xochimilco, far from the glare of the Mexican sun. To mirror their native habitat, opt for low lighting or shaded areas within their aquatic homes. Plants, both live and plastic, can act as perfect shields from harsh lights, creating a serene haven for your pet. If you want lighting, go with a less bright light or one with a dimmer. Also avoid putting their enclosure anywhere that it gets direct sunlight through a window. Bright light may stress them out. 

Filtration

Axolotls thrive in environments where water cleanliness is paramount. Axolotl can be a bit messy, so a filter is a must have. Filters help reduce waste and debris and reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections. Axolotl do not like strong water currents, so you will need to choose a water filter that lets you control the current or flow rate. The size of your aquarium will also determine what filter you choose.

Sponge filters are favored for their gentle water flow, ensuring the axolotl aren’t stressed by strong currents. You need a pump to run it which is purchased separately, and you will need to replace the sponges occasionally.

Another option is the hang on back (HOB) filter. I have used AquaClear HOB filters for many years. They have mechanical, chemical, and biological filtrations. You will need to plan on replacing the foam, biomax, and charcoal occasionally.

Water Temperature for Axolotl

Axolotls thrive in cold water, so you will not need a water heater. Axolotl do best if the water is a steady 60 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 18 Celsius). Straying far from this bracket poses significant risks. Even a slight increase has been known to provoke stress, leading to a weakened immune system. This, in turn, can make your pet susceptible to a spectrum of bacterial infections and fungal diseases. Moreover, the risk isn’t limited to health issues alone. High water temperatures could even accelerate their metabolism, reducing the expected lifespan of these fascinating creatures. 

Many people keep their houses warmer than 64 degrees Fahrenheit, so you will probably need to take steps to keep it cool, especially in the summertime. The easiest way is to have a fan blowing on the surface of the water.

If you live in a hotter place and have difficulty keeping the temperature down, you will require a chiller as the most reliable and effective way to keep the proper temperature. Unfortunately, quality water chillers can be expensive and will probably be the most expensive part of the setup cost for your axolotl. The exact chiller you need depends on how many gallons your aquarium is and how many degrees you need it cooled.

The minimum water temperature they can survive is 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius), and the maximum temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). These extremes of temperature will stress them out, so aim for 60-64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here is a great video for cooling an axolotl tank in the summer

Water Parameters

Keeping your axolotl’s aquatic home balanced requires close attention to specific water parameters. pH levels and water hardness directly impact their health. Aim for a neutral range that replicates the conditions of their native habitat in Lake Xochimilco. Moreover, cleanliness can’t be understated; toxic ammonia from uneaten food or waste poses a severe risk. Regular water changes become a necessity to combat poor water quality. This simple step will ensure the thriving of your pet axolotl, preventing common fungal and bacterial infections that are pitfalls for unwary owners. Thus, armed with a good test kit, you’re set to monitor these vital stats. You want to aim for 0 ppm ammonia, 0 ppm nitrite, between 5-20 ppm nitrate, and pH around 7.4-7.6.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning your axolotl’s home regularly prevents diseases and keeps these aquatic pets healthy. It starts with partial water changes. Every week, swap out around 20% of the water. This task reduces the risk of poor water quality. Avoid using tap water directly, unless it’s been treated to remove chlorine and chloramines. I use API tap water conditioner which takes care of both. Vacuum the substrate gently to get rid of waste and uneaten food. Monitor the filter closely. Filters need regular cleaning to function effectively. Never overlook the nitrogen cycle; testing the water parameters weekly helps in spotting problems early. Remember, clean water not only means a brighter tank but, more importantly, thriving, healthy axolotls.

Aquarium Decor and Hides for Axolotl

A good reason to have a bigger aquarium for your axolotl is so you can get more creative with the decor! You can’t fit a whole lot in a 20-gallon aquarium, so you will be more limited. With a 40 to 50-gallon aquarium, you can make a really beautiful environment for your axolotl. 

Axolotls thrive in environments that mirror their native habitat. By incorporating decorations, hides/caves, and plants, you establish a realm that feels safe and intriguing for them. These elements not only provide necessary cover but also help in fostering natural behaviors. With a variety of places to explore and conceal themselves, axolotls will exhibit more of their curious and exploratory nature. Hides are especially crucial, as they offer a retreat for moments of rest or stress, ensuring your aquatic friend feels secure at all times. I recommend at least one cave. If you have more than one axolotl, you will need several hiding places.

Decor options include driftwood, large rocks, live or fake plants, and even fish tank ornaments as long as they don’t have sharp edges.

Good options for hiding places include terracotta pots, PVC pipes, or any caves that are suitable for fish tanks as long as they are big enough and don’t have any sharp edges.

Ensuring your axolotl aquarium is decked out with the right type of greenery will go a long way to replicate their natural habitat. Plastic plants are a good option, immune to decay and the potential messiness of uprooted live plants. They offer axolotls and their sensitive feathery gills a hazard-free environment. Axolotls tend to uproot or disturb tank setups, making sturdy plants a necessity. Live plants, on the other hand, enhance your tank’s ecosystem. They suck up nitrates, helping water quality, and add oxygen – crucial for your water-dwelling buddy. 

Suitable live plants for an axolotl tank are ones that can handle cold water and dim lighting. Some good species include Elodea, Anubias, Java Fern, Amazon Sword, Hornwort, and Duckweed.

Axolotl Diet

Axolotl are carnivores. In the wild, they eat worms, insects, snails, and even small fish and amphibians. They will eat whatever fits in their mouth. They eat by sucking their food in and swallowing it whole. Axolotls have small teeth that help with grabbing their food.

Axolotl are nocturnal, so it might be best to feed them later in the evening when they are more active. You can feed live earthworms/nightcrawlers (cut into smaller pieces depending on the size of your axolotl); live, frozen, canned, or dried bloodworms; live, frozen, or dried brine shrimp; carnivore pellets; live ghost shrimp; and pellets made specifically for axolotl. It is best to feed a variety and not just one type of food to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.

Young axolotl will eat every day or even twice a day while they are growing, but adult axolotl will eat every 2 to 3 days. You can look at their stomach and see how full they are. Make sure you clean out any uneaten food to keep the aquarium cleaner.

Handling Axolotl

You might feel tempted to cradle your pet axolotl in your hands, believing that gentle handling fosters a bond. It’s crucial, however, to recognize that these aquatic creatures thrive with minimal human contact. Their delicate skin, covered in a protective slime coat, can easily become damaged. This makes them highly susceptible to stress and infections. Axolotls are not like traditional pets that require or enjoy physical interaction.

Handling should be limited to absolutely necessary situations such as to move to another aquarium. When moving or examining them, if possible use a soft, aquarium-safe net rather than your bare hands. This reduces stress and preserves their skin’s integrity. If you must handle them with your hands, make sure you wash your hands very well and keep it very brief.

Axolotl Regeneration

Axolotls are very interesting in that they can regenerate. They can regrow many parts of the body if damaged including limbs, tail, gills, organs, spine, and even parts of their brain! It is said they can grow a perfect, brand new limb in just a few weeks without any scarring.

From research so far, it looks like they can only regrow a body part up to 5 times before it won’t regrow any more, and the loss/damage will be permanent. Their regeneration ability also makes them less likely to get cancer.

Common illnesses and diseases

Although axolotl have amazing regenerative abilities, they can still get sick. Illness is most commonly caused by poor water quality, poor water parameters, stress, parasites, intestinal blockages, bacterial or fungal infections. They rarely get cancer, but can develop benign tumors.

Fungal infections often strike when a tank’s cleanliness is not up to par. These can manifest as fuzzy, white patches on the axolotl’s body, signaling urgent attention is needed. Bacterial infections, too, find their way into poorly maintained habitats, potentially leading to more serious health concerns. 

Meticulous care and attention to habitat conditions largely deflect these common health pitfalls, ensuring your axolotl leads a long and happy life beneath the water’s surface.

Here is an excellent article that lists common illnesses, symptoms, and their treatment: Axolotl Diseases, Parasites & Treatments

I hope this axolotl care guide helps you decide if a pet axolotl is right for you and how to best take care of it if you decide to get one (or already have one)!

You might also be interested in: What pets can be kept in a 10 to 20 gallon aquarium?