Exotic Pets: A Guide to Keeping an Axolotl as a Pet
Once you’ve seen an axolotl, you’ll remember its fascinating little face forever. After all, how often can one say that they have a walking fish?
The axolotl, a salamander that lives in water, is a one-of-a-kind pet. There is no shift in respiration from gills to lungs as occurs in most salamanders throughout the metamorphosis from larval to adult form. Instead, they spend their whole lives in the water, and they’re still fun to watch. If you’ve been thinking about keeping an axolotl as a pet, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep on reading for our full breakdown of everything you need to know about keeping an axolotl.
What Is an Axolotl?
Axolotls are a kind of salamander originating in Mexico that is both unique and charming.
Even though they aren’t as popular as other exotic pets like snakes or lizards and chameleons, they are gaining popularity among those who keep them as pets. Though they have both gills and lungs, axolotls live in water, thus they need a tank filled with deep water for confinement.
Axolotls are excellent pets for folks who are new to exotic pets since they are hardy and simple to take care of. It’s possible to raise an axolotl without much difficulty. When considering an axolotl, the following information will help you make an informed decision.
The Legality of Owning an Axolotl
There are some states, such as California, Maine, New Jersey, and Virginia, that prohibit the possession of axolotls. Other than those states, you should be good to go.
You’re allowed to possess one in the state of New Mexico, but importing one from another state is not. To ensure that you can have an exotic pet in your area, check your local regulations.
There are axolotls in Mexico that are highly endangered because of habitat loss, water pollution, and urbanization. The pet trade shouldn’t ever include capturing them from the wild. Captive-bred animals employed in scientific research are a key source for pet axolotls.
Simply make sure that you buy an axolotl from a reputable seller.
Axolotl Temperament and Behavior
Even with their fragile, soft bodies and transparent skin, axolotls are able to withstand minor environmental changes. A large portion of their body is really composed of cartilage, not bone.
To put it another way, you should only handle them in an emergency situation. If you must remove them from their tank, use a tiny mesh net to prevent any sections of their bodies from becoming entangled.
Once you have their habitat set up correctly, you can take care of the feeding and cleaning in a few hours a week. Axolotls are known for their boldness, and they’re happy to roam about their tank when their owners are around. When a human is around, certain axolotls will approach the tank’s edge.
As for tank buddies, they are not extremely sociable and do not need them. Axolotls may attempt to consume pet fish, thus keeping them together is not recommended. The fish may also nibble at the axolotls.
Keeping an Axolotl 101: Environment and Habitat
We recommend that you house axolotls in a tank of at least 15 to 20 gallons. It is fairly unusual for these creatures to attempt to escape from their cage if the lid is not tightly fastened.
A terrestrial space is unnecessary in the aquarium for these entirely aquatic creatures. If you have an axolotl, the water depth should be at least the length of your reptile. But adding more depth can improve water quality and allow your animal more area to move.
Make sure the tank is kept at a temperature of between 14°F and 20°F (16°C and 57°F) away from direct sunshine, and don’t let it become hotter than 75°F (24°C). Axolotls don’t need any special illumination (unlike many reptiles). As a matter of fact, many axolotls choose to hide out in a flower pot on its side or an aquarium castle.
Using an aquarium water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water is OK for axolotls, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always use water with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5, and never use distilled water. A water test kit may be purchased at most pet shops.
Unfiltered water must be changed often to eliminate waste, therefore most aquarium owners prefer the ease of maintenance that comes with a filtered aquarium. When using an external filter, make sure the flow rate is slow. If an axolotl is subjected to powerful currents, it may get stressed.
Water changes of 20% and waste removal from the bottom of a filtered tank are normal cleaning procedures. In the absence of a filter, daily or every other day water changes of 20% or more are expected.
The Rules of Feeding an Axolotl
Small fish, crabs, worms, and amphibians are all common food sources for axolotls in the wild. There are several items that may be given to them in captivity such as brine shrimp and tiny slices of meat or liver as well as earthworms and tubifex worms.
As parasites may be carried by worms and fish that you catch yourself, do not feed them to your axolotl. There is no need to take vitamin or mineral supplements in the majority of cases.
The quantity of food and frequency of feeding an axolotl should be determined by your veterinarian based on the axolotl’s age and size. Many folks eat two to three times a week on average. One of the finest ways to feed is to hold the food with round-nosed forceps near the animal in the tank.
You may also just put the food into the water as near to the axolotl as you can get away with. It’s best to feed your axolotl at night if it doesn’t seem interested in eating during the day. Every day, empty the tank of any uneaten food to keep it clean.
The Foundations of Keeping an Axolotl as a Pet
Axolotls can make for such wonderful pets. When you’re at home, you may sit back and enjoy the company of this endearing creature, as long as you know the basics of their care and feeding.
We hope that our guide has shed some light on keeping an axolotl healthy and happy. And, if you’re interested in learning more about caring for pets, you should check out our animals and pets sections for additional tips and explainers.
