Are Axolotls Good Pets? A Comprehensive Guide for Potential Pet Owners

Are you looking for a unique and fascinating pet that will captivate your attention and curiosity? If so, you might want to consider getting an axolotl as a pet.

Axolotls are aquatic salamanders that have a cute and quirky appearance, a friendly and docile personality, and an amazing ability to regenerate their limbs and organs.

They are also relatively easy to care for, as long as you provide them with a suitable aquarium environment, a balanced diet, and regular health checks.

However, before you decide to adopt an axolotl, you should also be aware of some of the challenges and responsibilities that come with owning this exotic pet.

In this article, we will answer the question: are axolotls good pets? We'll start by saying that the answer is yes, Axolotls are good pets, but they are not for everyone.

We will also provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to care for, interact with, and enjoy your axolotl pet.

Table of Contents

What Are Axolotls?

Axolotls are a type of salamander that belong to the family Ambystomatidae. They are native to Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in Mexico, where they live in freshwater canals and wetlands.

Axolotls have a distinctive appearance, with a wide head, a flat body, external gills, and four limbs with digits. They also come in various colors, such as black, white, pink, yellow, and green.

Axolotls are neotenic, which means they retain their larval features throughout their lives and never undergo metamorphosis into terrestrial adults.

This makes them different from most other salamanders, which lose their gills and develop lungs when they mature.

Axolotls have become popular as pets in recent years, due to their cute and charismatic appearance, their low-maintenance nature, and their educational value.

However, axolotls are also endangered in the wild, due to habitat loss, pollution, and predation. Therefore, it is important to obtain your axolotl from a reputable breeder or rescue organization and to never release your axolotl into the wild.

Axolotl Care: A Comprehensive Guide

If you want to keep an axolotl as a pet, you need to provide it with a proper aquarium setup, a nutritious diet, and regular health care. Here are some of the essential aspects of axolotl care that you need to know.

Aquarium Setup

The first thing you need to do is to prepare a suitable aquarium for your axolotl. Here are some of the factors you need to consider:

• Tank size and water parameters: Axolotls need a spacious tank that can accommodate their size and activity level. A single axolotl requires a minimum of 10 gallons of water, but a larger tank of 20 gallons or more is recommended. The water should be dechlorinated and have a pH of 6.5 to 8, a hardness of 100 to 200 ppm, and a nitrate level of less than 40 ppm. You should also perform regular water changes of 10 to 20% every week to keep the water quality high.
• Filtration and aeration: Axolotls produce a lot of waste, so you need a good filtration system to remove the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate from the water. However, you should avoid filters that create a strong water current, as axolotls prefer still water. You can use a sponge filter, a canister filter, or a hang-on-back filter with a low flow rate. You also need an air pump and an air stone to provide oxygenation and circulation for your axolotl.
• Substrate and hiding places: Axolotls like to dig and explore the bottom of the tank, so you need to choose a substrate that is safe and comfortable for them. You can use sand, gravel, or bare bottom, but make sure the substrate is not too small or sharp, as axolotls might accidentally ingest it and cause impaction. You also need to provide your axolotl with some hiding places, such as caves, plants, driftwood, or PVC pipes, where they can rest and feel secure.
• Lighting and temperature requirements: Axolotls do not need any special lighting, as they are nocturnal and sensitive to bright light. You can use a standard aquarium light or a natural light source, but make sure to turn it off at night and to keep the tank away from direct sunlight. Axolotls also need a cool water temperature, between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, as they are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body temperature. You should avoid using a heater, as it might overheat the water and stress your axolotl. You can use a thermometer and a fan to monitor and lower the water temperature if needed.

Axolotl Diet

The second thing you need to do is to feed your axolotl a balanced and varied diet. Here are some of the types of food you can offer your axolotl:

Types of food axolotls eat

Axolotls are carnivorous and will eat anything that fits in their mouth. In the wild, they feed on worms, insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

In captivity, you can feed your axolotl live, frozen, or pelleted food, such as earthworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex worms, blackworms, ghost shrimp, guppies, salmon pellets, or axolotl pellets. You should avoid feeding your axolotl meat, cheese, or vegetables, as they are not natural or nutritious for them.

Feeding frequency and portion sizes

Axolotls need to be fed once or twice a day, depending on their age and appetite. Juvenile axolotls need more food and more frequent feedings than adult axolotls, as they are growing and developing.

You should feed your axolotl as much as they can eat in 15 minutes, and remove any uneaten food from the tank to prevent water pollution.

You can use a pair of tweezers or a feeding dish to offer the food to your axolotl, or let them hunt for the food in the tank.

Live, frozen, and pelleted food options

Live food is the best option for your axolotl, as it provides them with natural stimulation, enrichment, and nutrition.

However, live food can also carry parasites, bacteria, or diseases, so you need to source it from a reliable supplier and quarantine it before feeding it to your axolotl. Frozen food is a convenient and safe alternative, as it is free of pathogens and easy to store.

However, frozen food can lose some of its nutritional value and flavor, so you need to thaw it and rinse it before feeding it to your axolotl. Pelleted food is another option, as it is specially formulated for axolotls and contains all the essential vitamins and minerals they need.

However, pelleted food can also be boring and unnatural for your axolotl, so you need to supplement it with some live or frozen food occasionally.

Axolotl Health

The third thing you need to do is to monitor your axolotl's health and prevent any potential health problems. Here are some of the common axolotl health issues and how to deal with them:

• Common axolotl health problems: Axolotls are prone to some health problems, such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, skin lesions, parasites, impaction, stress, and limb loss. These problems can be caused by poor water quality, inadequate diet, improper handling, overcrowding, aggression, or injuries. Some of the symptoms of these problems include loss of appetite, lethargy, bloating, swelling, redness, white spots, ulcers, wounds, missing limbs, or abnormal behavior.
• Signs of a sick axolotl: If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should act quickly and isolate your axolotl in a quarantine tank. You should also test the water parameters and adjust them if needed, and consult a veterinarian or an experienced axolotl keeper for diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem, you may need to administer medication, salt baths, tea baths, or other remedies to your axolotl. You should also monitor your axolotl's condition and recovery, and provide them with clean water, fresh food, and a stress-free environment.
• Preventive measures to maintain axolotl health: The best way to keep your axolotl healthy is to prevent any health problems from occurring in the first place. You can do this by following the basic axolotl care guidelines, such as keeping the water quality high, feeding your axolotl a balanced and varied diet, handling your axolotl gently and minimally, providing your axolotl with enough space and hiding places, and avoiding any potential stressors or hazards. You should also check your axolotl regularly for any signs of illness or injury, and seek professional help if needed.

Axolotl Behavior and Interaction

One of the most enjoyable aspects of owning an axolotl is observing and interacting with it. Axolotls have a friendly and curious personality, and they can form bonds with their owners and tank mates.

However, they also have some specific behavioral and social needs that you need to respect and accommodate. Here are some of the things you need to know about axolotl behavior and interaction.

Axolotl Socialization

Axolotls are social creatures that can live with other axolotls, as long as they have enough space and compatible personalities.

However, axolotls are also opportunistic predators that can bite or eat each other, especially if they are hungry, stressed, or bored.

Therefore, you need to be careful and attentive when keeping axolotls together, and follow some basic guidelines:

Are axolotls social creatures?

Axolotls are not solitary animals, and they can benefit from the company of other axolotls. Axolotls can recognize and interact with each other, and they can even form hierarchies and territories in the tank.

Axolotls can also learn from each other, and exhibit social behaviors such as following, mimicking, or playing. However, axolotls are not very intelligent or emotional, and they do not form strong bonds or attachments with their tank mates.

Axolotls are mostly motivated by food and survival, and they can act aggressively or cannibalistically toward each other if they feel threatened or hungry.

Keeping axolotls together

If you want to keep more than one axolotl in the same tank, you need to make sure they have enough space, food, and hiding places.

You should provide at least 10 gallons of water per axolotl, and feed them separately or in different areas of the tank. You should also provide them with multiple hiding places, such as caves, plants, or pipes, where they can retreat and feel secure.

You should avoid keeping axolotls of different sizes, sexes, or species together, as they might compete, fight, or breed with each other. You should also monitor your axolotls for any signs of aggression or injury, and separate them if needed.

Interactions with humans

Axolotls can also interact with humans, and they can recognize and respond to their owners. Axolotls can associate their owners with food, and they can come to the surface, beg, or follow their owner's movements.

Axolotls can also tolerate some gentle handling, and they can be picked up or petted with wet hands. However, you should limit your interactions with your axolotl, as they are sensitive and delicate creatures that can get stressed or injured by excessive or improper handling.

You should also wash your hands before and after touching your axolotl, and avoid using any chemicals or lotions that might harm your axolotl.

Axolotl Body Language

Axolotls have a limited range of facial expressions and vocalizations, but they can still communicate their mood and intentions through their body language.

By observing and understanding your axolotl's postures and movements, you can learn more about their personality and behavior. Here are some of the common axolotl body language cues and what they mean:

Understanding axolotl postures and movements

Axolotls can express their mood and intentions through their posture and movement. For example, an axolotl that is relaxed and happy will have a normal body shape, a straight tail, and a calm swimming pattern.

An axolotl that is curious and interested will have a slightly arched body, a raised head, and a fast swimming pattern. An axolotl that is hungry and excited will have a flattened body, a wide mouth, and a darting swimming pattern.

An axolotl who is stressed and scared will have a curled body, a lowered head, and a slow or erratic swimming pattern. An axolotl that is aggressive and dominant will have a puffed body, flared gills, and a lunging or biting swimming pattern.

Interpreting axolotl facial expressions

Axolotls have a limited range of facial expressions, but they can still convey some emotions and signals through their eyes, mouth, and gills.

For example, an axolotl that is content and comfortable will have normal eyes, a closed mouth, and relaxed gills. An axolotl that is alert and attentive will have wide eyes, a slightly open mouth, and extended gills.

An axolotl that is angry and defensive will have narrowed eyes, a fully open mouth, and flared gills. An axolotl who is sick and unwell will have cloudy eyes, a droopy mouth, and collapsed gills.

Benefits of Owning an Axolotl

Owning an axolotl can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, as they offer many benefits for their owners. Here are some of the reasons why axolotls are good pets:

Low-Maintenance Pets

Axolotls are easy-to-care-for pets, as they do not require much attention, grooming, or training. Axolotls are mostly self-sufficient, and they can live happily in their aquarium with minimal intervention.

As long as you provide them with a proper aquarium setup, a balanced diet, and regular health checks, axolotls will thrive and flourish.

Axolotls are also quiet and odorless pets, as they do not make any noise or produce any smell. Axolotls are ideal pets for busy or novice pet owners, as they do not demand much time or effort.

Educational Companions

Axolotls are educational companions, as they can teach you a lot about amphibian biology, ecology, and evolution. Axolotls are fascinating creatures, with a unique life cycle, a remarkable regenerative ability, and a diverse genetic variation.

Axolotls can also help you learn about the importance of conservation, as they are endangered in the wild and need protection. Axolotls are perfect pets for curious and inquisitive pet owners, as they can stimulate your interest and knowledge.

Unique Pets with Personality

Axolotls are unique pets with personality, as they have a distinctive appearance and captivating behavior. Axolotls are unlike any other pet, with their cute and quirky features, such as their wide smile, their external gills, and their colorful skin.

Axolotls are also fun and entertaining pets, with their lively and curious actions, such as their begging, their following, and their playing.

Axolotls can also form bonds with their owners, and they can recognize and respond to their owners' presence and voice. Axolotls are wonderful pets for adventurous and creative pet owners, as they can provide you with joy and amusement.

Considerations Before Owning an Axolotl

While axolotls are good pets, they are not suitable for everyone. Axolotls have some specific needs and challenges that you need to consider before owning them. Here are some of the factors you need to think about before adopting an axolotl:

Commitment and Responsibility

Axolotls are long-lived pets, as they can live up to 15 years or more in captivity. This means that you need to be committed and responsible for your axolotl's well-being for a long time.

You need to provide your axolotl with daily care, such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring. You also need to plan for your axolotl's future, such as finding a suitable caretaker or a new home for your axolotl if you cannot keep them anymore. You should not adopt an axolotl if you are not ready or willing to take care of them for their entire life.

Suitable Living Environment

Axolotls need a suitable living environment, as they are sensitive and delicate creatures that can easily get stressed or sick. You need to provide your axolotl with a proper aquarium setup, as described in the previous section.

You also need to understand the specific water parameters, such as the pH, the hardness, and the nitrate level, that your axolotl needs. You should not adopt an axolotl if you do not have the space, the equipment, or the knowledge to create and maintain a suitable living environment for them.

Axolotl Legality

Axolotls are illegal or restricted in some areas, as they are considered invasive or endangered species. You need to check the local regulations and restrictions before owning an axolotl, as you might need a permit, a license, or a registration to keep them.

You should also respect the laws and the ethics of owning an axolotl, and never release your axolotl into the wild, as they might harm the native ecosystem or spread diseases. You should not adopt an axolotl if you live in an area where they are prohibited or controlled.

Conclusion: Are Axolotls Good Pets?

In conclusion, axolotls are good pets for some people, but not for everyone. Axolotls are easy-to-care-for, educational, and unique pets, but they also require commitment, responsibility, and suitability.

If you are interested in owning an axolotl, you should do your research, prepare your aquarium, and consult a professional before adopting one. You should also respect and appreciate your axolotl, and provide them with the best care and love possible.

FAQS

What are axolotls?

Axolotls are a type of salamander that can retain their juvenile features throughout their lives. They are native to Mexico and have the ability to regenerate their limbs and organs.

Are axolotls good pets for beginners?

Axolotls are not very difficult to care for, but they are not the best pets for beginners either. Axolotls have some specific needs and challenges that require some knowledge and experience. For example, axolotls are sensitive to water quality and temperature, and they can get sick or injured easily. Axolotls are also not very interactive or playful, and they may not suit everyone's preferences or expectations.

How do you care for an axolotl as a pet?

Axolotls need a large tank with clean water, a filter, a heater, and hiding places. They also need a varied diet of live or frozen foods, such as worms, shrimp, and pellets. 

Are axolotls friendly and interactive?

Axolotls are not very social and do not like to be handled or touched. They may recognize their owners and respond to food, but they are mostly passive and observant pets. 

Are axolotls legal to own as pets?

Axolotls are endangered in the wild and are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Therefore, they are illegal to own as pets in some countries, such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. You should check your local laws before buying an axolotl.

Are axolotls messy?

Axolotls are messy pets, as they produce a lot of waste and debris. Axolotls have a high metabolism and a large appetite, and they can eat anything that fits in their mouth. Axolotls also have poor digestion and fast excretion, and they can release ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate into the water. Axolotls also shed their skin and gills regularly, and they can create dirt and slime in the tank. Therefore, you need to clean your axolotl tank frequently and thoroughly and use a good filtration and aeration system.

Can you put 2 axolotls together?

You can put 2 axolotls together, as long as they have enough space and compatible personalities. Axolotls are social creatures that can benefit from the company of other axolotls. However, axolotls are also cannibalistic and territorial, and they can fight or injure each other. You should provide at least 10 gallons of water per axolotl, and avoid keeping axolotls of different sizes, sexes, or species together. You should also monitor your axolotls for any signs of aggression or injury, and separate them if needed.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of having an axolotl as a pet?

Some benefits of having an axolotl as a pet are: they are cute and unique, they have a long lifespan of up to 15 years, they are easy to feed, and they are entertaining to watch. Some drawbacks are: that they require a lot of space and maintenance, they are sensitive to water quality and temperature, they are not cuddly or playful, and they may be illegal or unethical to keep.