How to keep axolotls - environment, food and requirements

Why are axolotls so special?

Before we dive into the details of axolotl care, it’s worth remembering what makes these creatures so unique. The axolotl, with its feathery gills and large, captivating eyes, is not just an aquatic pet. It is a living relic from ancient Mexican waters and possesses remarkable regenerative abilities. Axolotls can not only regrow their limbs but also recover from severe injuries, such as a crushed spine or damaged heart, without scarring.

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) retain larval traits throughout their entire lives. This includes gills, which allow them to breathe underwater, and a preference for an aquatic lifestyle. They originate from the lake complex of Xochimilco near Mexico City. In the wild, axolotls are critically endangered; more on this can be found in our previous article Axolotl – the aquarium lizard with the smile of the Mona Lisa. Therefore, it is crucial to approach axolotl care responsibly.

Creating the perfect environment for axolotls

1. The first step in axolotl care is to set up a suitable aquarium. A spacious tank is very important; a minimum size of 40 liters is recommended, but ideally, 80 liters for one axolotl. Since axolotls are bottom dwellers, the length and width of the tank are more important than its height. The substrate should consist of fine sand or the bottom should be bare to prevent axolotls from ingesting gravel.
2. Water quality is of the utmost importance. Axolotls are sensitive to poor water conditions, so regular water changes and a well-maintained filtration system are essential. Use a filter that does not create strong currents, as axolotls prefer calmer waters.
3. The temperature should be kept cool, between 16 and 18 °C, to mimic their natural environment and prevent fungal infections. Higher temperatures can lead to stress and health problems.

Feeding and diet for axolotls

Proper feeding is essential for the health of axolotls. They are carnivorous and require a diet rich in protein. Suitable food includes, for example, earthworms and soft pellets designed for carnivorous aquatic species. Avoid feeding axolotls anything too large or hard, like bigger fish or pieces of meat, as this can cause digestive issues. Axolotls tend to savor their food rather than quickly gulping it down.

Appropriate food for axolotls

Earthworms and worms: These are ideal for most axolotls, as they are protein-rich and easy to digest.

The most popular include:

• Dendrobaena (compost worms): Soft and easily digestible.
• Tubifex or Californian worms: Suitable but should be bought from trusted sources to ensure they are clean and parasite-free.
• Bloodworms: A popular treat, but they should be given as a supplement, not as the main diet.

Soft pellets: Specially formulated pellets for carnivorous amphibians are a good option if they contain low fat and are high in protein.

Frozen foods: Frozen fish meat or shrimp can also be a suitable food source but should be given in moderation and always fully thawed.

Feeding recommendations

• Frequency and quantity: Adult axolotls should ideally be fed 2-3 times a week, while juveniles should be fed daily to support their growth. The amount of food should be such that the axolotl can consume everything within a few minutes.
• Variety: It’s important to rotate different types of food to ensure a balanced and complete diet. This helps prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Supplementary foods to enrich the axolotl's diet

• Meat pieces: Occasionally, small pieces of cooked chicken or lean beef can be a good addition, but they should not be the primary food.
• Live food: Some keepers offer live food, such as small fish or mollusks, which can stimulate the natural hunting behavior of axolotls. Always ensure that they are parasite-free and suitable for axolotls.

Warnings

• Unsuitable foods: Avoid feeding axolotls fatty fish like sardines or salmon, as this can lead to vitamin E deficiency and other health problems.
• Size of food: Always ensure that food pieces are not too large to avoid choking or digestive issues.

Health and environmental stability

Axolotls may look like small fairy-tale dragons, but they require careful care. Health issues such as fungal or bacterial infections can be fatal if not treated promptly. Fungal infections often appear as white, fluffy growths on the skin. Bacterial infections can cause lethargy and loss of appetite.

Here are steps to effectively treat and prevent these infections:

• Immediate isolation: Place the affected axolotl in a quarantine tank to prevent the spread of infection to other tank inhabitants.
• Check water parameters that also affect digestion in axolotls: Make sure the water in the aquarium is clean and in optimal condition. Regularly test the water quality, especially for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
• Keep the water temperature cool, ideally between 16 and 18 °C. This also helps prevent the growth of fungi.

If a fungal infection is confirmed, follow these steps:

• As a first step, you can try a bath in a mild salt solution. Use about 2-3 grams of sea salt per liter of water. Keep the axolotl in the solution for 10-15 minutes. Observe its reaction during the bath and immediately return it to clean water if there are signs of stress or discomfort.
• More severe cases should be consulted with a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals. The vet may recommend antifungal treatments, such as malachite green or other antifungal agents safe for use with axolotls.

Supportive care:

• Ensure that the axolotl has enough peace during treatment.
• Offer high-quality food to support its immune system.
• Adjust the amount and type of food according to its appetite, which may decrease during illness.

Prevention:

• Keep the aquarium clean and regularly change part of the water to prevent the buildup of waste that can lead to further infections.
• Avoid overcrowding the aquarium, as stress and poor water quality can make axolotls more susceptible to infections.
• Regularly monitor your axolotl's health and respond quickly to any signs of illness.

Fungal infections in axolotls are treatable if caught and addressed in time. It is important to maintain a stable and clean environment in the aquarium and regularly monitor the health of your pets.

Axolotl breeding

Selection and preparation of breeding individuals

• Health and age: Breeding individuals should be healthy and well-developed, ideally over 18 months old, which is the age of full maturity.
• Sexual dimorphism: Males have a slimmer body and a more prominent cloaca, while females are fuller, especially around the abdomen.

Encouraging breeding

• Breeding triggers: Some keepers use a temporary drop in water temperature by a few degrees as a trigger for breeding. This “cold shock” can mimic natural conditions signaling the breeding season.
• Care for the male and female: Ensure both axolotls are well-fed and healthy before starting the breeding process.

Egg laying and incubation

• Place for egg laying: Provide plants or artificial substrates, such as plastic mats, where the female can lay her eggs.
• Incubation conditions: After the eggs are laid, they can either be left in the main tank or moved to a separate incubation tank with clean, still water and a temperature of around 20 °C for optimal development.

Caring for the young

• Food for young axolotls: Immediately after hatching, young axolotls can feed on tiny foods like micro-organisms or special food for juveniles. After a few weeks, you can switch to larger food like small shrimp or worms.
• Separating the young: Due to cannibalism, it is recommended to separate young axolotls by size to prevent larger ones from eating their smaller siblings.

Regular care and monitoring

• Water cleanliness and temperature: Maintain water cleanliness and monitor the temperature to ensure the healthy growth of young axolotls.
• Health: Regularly check the health of the young, paying attention to signs of illness or unusual behavior.

Ethics in axolotl breeding

An ethical approach includes sourcing axolotls from reputable sources, avoiding wild-caught individuals, and understanding the commitment of keeping a creature that can live up to 15 years or more. Breeding axolotls should be well thought out, with clear plans for housing all the offspring. Overpopulation and unplanned breeding should always be actively prevented.

Following these guidelines ensures that axolotl breeding is done with respect and care for their well-being and species preservation, which is especially important given their endangered status in the wild.

Zdroj: Feron, George. The Only Axolotl Care Guide You'll Ever Need: Avoid Deadly Mistakes & Learn from a Pro - Everything You Need to Know to Raise Healthy and Happy Axolotls in Your Own Home. Ask the Sages LLC, 2024