care information
Juvenile Axolotls
When axolotls begin developing their front and hind legs, they are in their juvenile stage. During this period of limb development, they may exhibit cannibalistic behavior, biting off their own gills and developing limbs or those of their siblings. Axolotls can grow a new limb or gill but this will take up energy that impact it's ability to grow larger and stronger. To avoid any causalities or problems related to cannibalism it is best to move each axolotl into its own container as soon as they grow their front feet. At this stage, you can begin feeding thawed frozen bloodworm to your axolotls. However, switching to a diet of bloodworms from live baby brine shrimp is one of the most difficult stages of raising juveniles. (more on food below)
Tank behavoir and Tank mates
Fish should not be kept with axolotls due to their tendency to nip, which can harm the axolotls. Ideally, an axolotl aquarium should contain only axolotls. Younger axolotls (approximately 8–16 cm in size) should also be housed separately, as they may nip at each other's gills and limbs, potentially causing serious injuries. However, fully grown adult axolotls can usually live together safely and rarely attack one another. Providing an ideal habitat with carefully monitored environmental conditions is essential for the health and well-being of axolotls. Creating and maintaining these conditions requires proper aquatic tools, consistent monitoring, dedication, and an understanding of their needs.
habitiat
Baby axolotls should be kept in small containers (such as Tupperware) until they grow to about 4-5 inches long. Smaller containers make it easier for them to locate their food. Once the axolotls reach 2-3 inches in length, their front and hind legs should be fully developed, and they will have outgrown their cannibalistic phase, allowing them to be reintroduced to the same tank. Axolotls can grow up to 18 inches long and require plenty of space to live happily and healthily. Each axolotl needs at least 10 gallons of water in its habitat, but bigger is always better! For multiple axolotls, proved a minimum of 10 gallons per individual - 20 for two, 30 gallons for three, and so on. Providing ample space helps reduce the risk of them nipping at each other. Substrate can be risky for axolotls because they feed by sucking water into their mouths, which might cause them to ingest substrate particles like gravel. This can lead to serious health issues such as impaction. Substrate is not necessary for axolotls, and a bare-bottom tank is a safe option that completely avoids this risk. However, some axolotls may find it difficult to grip a bare surface, which can cause them mild distress when walking. If you prefer to use substrate, sand is the safest choice. Its small particles won't cause harm if ingested, and axolotls enjoy digging and playing in it. Keep in mind, though, that sand can make cleaning the tank more challenging. Personally, we keep our tanks bare-bottom for ease of maintenance and safety. Like most amphibians, axolotls don't require special lighting. In fact, bright lights can be distressing for them since they lack eyelids. That said, many aquarium enthusiasts opt to install decorative lighting for their own viewing enjoyment. If you choose to add lighting, it may cause initial discomfort for your axolotl. They can adapt to artificial lighting over time, to make this transition easier, consider adding hiding spots in the tank where your axolotl can retreat from the light.
what kind of substrate should i use?
WHAT KIND OF LIGHTING IS BEST?
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
WHAT KIND OF FILTRATION WILL I NEED?
Axolotls are extremely sensitive to poor water conditions, so maintaining water quality is crucial. Experts recommend performing a weekly water change of at least 20% and using a high-quality filtration system. Since axolotls are adapted to live in still waters, it’s essential to use a filter that doesn’t create strong currents. If your filter is too powerful, you can reduce water movement and soften currents by adding plants to the habitat. Axolotls thrive in stable water conditions and, unlike most fish, do not tolerate significant water flow. Exposure to strong currents can cause them to lose their appetite and develop stress-related illnesses. Filtration systems can sometimes create excessive flow, but flow-spreading outlets like spray bars can help minimize this. Signs of stress in axolotls, such as lack of appetite or forward-turning gills, often indicate that the water flow is too strong and needs to be adjusted.
How do I get my water flow right?
More on water conditions
how to provide the correct temperature and cooling
Maintaining a stable temperature is crucial for your axolotl's health. The ideal range is 60–64°F, and the water temperature should never exceed 75°F. Higher temperatures can severely distress axolotls, leading to issues such as fungal infections, loss of appetite, or even death. Additionally, elevated water temperatures increase ammonia toxicity, which is extremely harmful to axolotls. If the water becomes too cold, your axolotl's metabolism will slow down, making it sluggish and unwell. To ensure the correct temperature, invest in a reliable aquarium thermometer and consider using a cooling system, such as a fan or chiller, if your environment tends to get warm. Keeping the temperature stable will help your axolotl thrive.
getting your pH: Acidity & Basicity/alkanlinity levels Correct
Though a pH of 6.5-8.0 is acceptable for axolotls, you should aim for a pH of 7.40-7.60 to keep them healthy. A stable pH is vital. It can affect the toxicity of ammonia in your water, which can potentially give rise to ammonia poisoning. If your water is particularly acidic or basic you can adjust its pH using salts an pH-changing kits that can be purchased at most aquatic retailers.
a word on chlorine and chloramines
Chlorine is a highly toxic green gas that poses serious risks to amphibians, fish, and humans. It is commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies by killing bacteria before the water is distributed for public use. When combined with ammonia, chlorine can form chloramines, which are also harmful to aquatic life. To protect your aquarium's inhabitants, it is essential to use a dechlorinator whenever you add water. Dechlorinators neutralize chlorine, chloramines, and other harmful substances, such as trace metals like mercury and lead, making the water safe for creatures like axolotls. Always use a dechlorinator during water changes. If you're unsure whether these harmful substances have been fully removed, use a chlorine testing kit to measure their levels.
understanding ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate
Ammonia is a waste product produced by axolotls and many other aquatic animals. In its unionized form, ammonia is highly toxic. High pH levels (8 or above) keep ammonia in this harmful state, and at such levels, it can quickly become fatal to axolotls. Water temperature also plays a role, as higher temperatures increase ammonia's toxicity. To ensure water safety, regularly test for ammonia using kits readily available from most aquatic retailers. Additionally, monitor nitrite levels, as nitrite is a byproduct of ammonia. While less toxic than ammonia, nitrite still poses a risk and should be checked with an appropriate test kit. Nitrate, formed from nitrite, is less toxic but can become hazardous if it accumulates, potentially leading to algae blooms. Regular water changes will help keep nitrate levels in check, but it’s still a good practice to periodically test your water for nitrate levels to maintain a healthy environment.
food for your axolotl
what do juvenile axolotls eat?
Feeding your juvenile axolotls require patience and persistence. At the beginning, you will need to chop the bloodworm cube into pieces small enough for the juvenile axolotl to swallow whole. Use a pipette to feed each juvenile individually, gently wiggling a worm piece at the pipette's tip to entice the axolotl to bite. It may take several tries for them to recognize the bloodworm as food. Again, be patient and persistent. Promptly remove any uneaten bloodworm for the tank. Feed juveniles twice daily, and perform a full water change on each container every day to manage waste.
what do adult axolotls eat?
Organic nightcrawlers (large earthworms) are the most nutritious food source for axolotls. Blackworms and bloodworms are also healthy options. Occasionally, axolotls can be given treats such as frozen shrimp, prawns, mealworms, tuna, or lean chicken or beef. Unlike many other animals, axolotls do not require any vitamin or mineral supplementation.
Axolotls will eat until they are full. Adult axolotls typically consume about two earthworms every 2–3 days. It’s normal for them to skip a meal if they are still full from a previous feeding. Growing axolotls, on the other hand, require daily feeding to support their development.