Axolotls are fascinating creatures that have captured the attention of many people around the world. They are amphibians that belong to the salamander family, but unlike most salamanders, they do not undergo metamorphosis and remain in their larval form throughout their lives.
This is a phenomenon known as neoteny, which means the retention of juvenile characteristics in adulthood.
But how long do axolotls live? What factors affect their lifespan? How can you tell how old an axolotl is? And how can you optimize their care to ensure they live a long and healthy life?
In this comprehensive guide, we will answer all these questions and more. We will explore the biology, development, and longevity of axolotls, as well as provide practical tips on how to care for them properly.
By the end of this, you will have a better understanding of axolotl lifespan and how to make the most of it.
Table of Contents
Axolotl Life Expectancy
One of the most common questions that axolotl owners and enthusiasts ask is: how long do axolotls live?
The answer is not straightforward, as there are many factors that influence axolotl lifespan, such as genetics, environment, diet, health, and stress.
However, based on scientific studies and anecdotal reports, we can estimate the average and maximum lifespan of axolotls in captivity and in the wild.
Factors affecting axolotl lifespan
Axolotl lifespan is largely determined by the quality of their living conditions. Some of the factors that can affect axolotl lifespan are:
- Water quality: Axolotls are very sensitive to water parameters, such as temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and dissolved oxygen. Poor water quality can cause stress, disease, and even death in axolotls. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a clean and stable water environment for axolotls, by using a suitable filter, performing regular water changes, and testing the water parameters frequently.
- Diet: Axolotls need a balanced and varied diet to meet their nutritional needs and support their growth and development. A good diet for axolotls should include high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and avoid excess fat, sugar, and salt.
- Stress: Stress is a major factor that can shorten axolotl lifespan, as it can weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to infections and diseases. Stress can be caused by various factors, such as poor water quality, inadequate tank size, overcrowding, aggressive tank mates, loud noises, bright lights, and improper handling.Â
- Genetics: Genetics play a role in axolotl lifespan, as some axolotls may inherit genes that make them more or less prone to certain health issues, such as tumors, infections, or deformities. Genetics also influence the color and pattern of axolotls, which can affect their lifespan in different ways. For example, albino axolotls may have a shorter lifespan than normal axolotls, as they lack melanin, which protects them from harmful UV rays and predators.
Average axolotl lifespan in captivity
Axolotls are relatively easy to keep in captivity, as long as they are provided with the proper care and conditions.
The average lifespan of axolotls in captivity is about 10 to 15 years, but some individuals may live longer or shorter depending on the factors mentioned above.
The longest-lived axolotl in captivity was a female named Wooper Looper, who lived for 20 years and 11 months at the University of Kentucky.
Oldest axolotl on record
The oldest axolotl on record was a male named Ajolote, who lived for 25 years at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
He was one of the original specimens collected from Lake Xochimilco in 1974, and was part of a research project on axolotl regeneration and development.
He died in 1999, and his preserved body is now displayed at the university's Museum of Zoology.
Axolotl Age Determination
However, there are some methods that can help estimate the approximate age of an axolotl, based on their physical characteristics and growth patterns.
Challenges in determining axolotl age
Axolotl age determination is challenging for several reasons, such as:
- Lack of external indicators: Unlike some animals, such as fish, reptiles, or mammals, axolotls do not have external indicators that can reveal their age, such as scales, rings, teeth, or fur. Axolotls have smooth skin, gills, and limbs, which do not change much throughout their lives, except for their size and color.
- Variability in growth rate: Axolotls have a variable growth rate, which depends on many factors, such as genetics, diet, temperature, and health. Therefore, size is not a reliable indicator of age in axolotls, as two axolotls of the same age may have different sizes, and two axolotls of the same size may have different ages.
- Neoteny and metamorphosis: Axolotls are neotenic, which means they retain their larval features throughout their lives. However, some axolotls may undergo metamorphosis, which is the process of transforming from a larval to an adult form, under certain conditions, such as exposure to iodine, thyroid hormones, or stress. Metamorphosis can affect the lifespan and appearance of axolotls, as metamorphosed axolotls tend to have a shorter lifespan and a different color and shape than neotenic axolotls.
Methods for estimating axolotl age
Despite the challenges, there are some methods that can help estimate the approximate age of an axolotl, such as:
- Hatching date: The most accurate way to determine the age of an axolotl is to know its hatching date, which is the day it emerged from its egg. This can be done by either breeding the axolotl yourself, or buying it from a reputable breeder who can provide you with the hatching date.Â
- Growth chart: Another way to estimate the age of an axolotl is to use a growth chart, which is a table or graph that shows the average length and weight of axolotls at different ages. However, this method is not very precise, as it assumes that all axolotls grow at the same rate, which is not true, as mentioned before.
- Maturity signs: A third way to estimate the age of an axolotl is to look for signs of maturity, which are physical changes that indicate that the axolotl has reached sexual maturity and is capable of reproducing. These signs include Sexual dimorphism, Cloaca, Body shape, and Gills.
Metamorphosis: The transformation from larval to adult form
Metamorphosis is a phenomenon that occurs in some axolotls, which involves the transformation from their larval to their adult form.
It's rare and unnatural for axolotls, as they are neotenic, which means they retain their larval features throughout their lives.
However, metamorphosis can be triggered by various factors, such as exposure to iodine, thyroid hormones, or stress.
Metamorphosis is a complex and drastic process, that involves many changes and adaptations, such as:
- Loss of gills: The most noticeable change that occurs during metamorphosis is the loss of gills, which are the organs that allow axolotls to breathe underwater. The gills gradually shrink and disappear, and are replaced by lungs, which are the organs that allow axolotls to breathe air.
- Change of color and shape: Another change that occurs during metamorphosis is the change of color and shape, which affects the appearance and camouflage of axolotls. The color of axolotls becomes darker and duller, and the shape of axolotls also becomes more streamlined and elongated, and the tail becomes more flattened and pointed.Â
- Change of diet and behavior: A third change that occurs during metamorphosis is the change of diet and behavior, which affect the nutrition and lifestyle of axolotls. The diet of axolotls becomes more carnivorous and less aquatic, and the behavior of axolotls becomes more active and less social.
Optimizing axolotl care for maximum lifespan
Axolotl care is the practice of providing the best possible conditions and treatment for axolotls, which can optimize their longevity and quality of life. Axolotl care involves the following aspects:
- Axolotl habitat: Axolotl habitat is the place where axolotls live and spend most of their time, which should be suitable and comfortable for them. Axolotl habitat involves the Tank, Water, Substrate, and Decorations.
- Axolotl diet: Axolotl diet is the type and amount of food that is consumed by axolotls, which should be balanced and varied. Axolotl diet involves the Nutritional requirements, Types of food, and Feeding frequency, and portion sizes.
- Proper axolotl handling: Proper axolotl handling is the way of touching and moving axolotls, which should be gentle and careful. Proper axolotl handling involves Washing hands, Scooping axolotls, Holding axolotls.
Importance of regular veterinary checkups for axolotls
Regular veterinary checkups are important for axolotls, as they can help prevent, diagnose, and treat health issues, as well as monitor and improve their longevity and quality of life. Regular veterinary checkups involve the following steps:
- Examination: Examination is the inspection and evaluation of the body and behavior of axolotls, which can help detect any signs or symptoms of health issues, such as fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infections, impaction, or injury.
- Testing: Testing is the analysis and assessment of the samples and data of axolotls, which can help identify and confirm the causes or types of health issues, such as fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infections, impaction, or injury.Â
- Treatment: Treatment is the application and administration of the remedies and solutions for the health issues of axolotls, which can help cure and heal infections, diseases, or injuries, as well as relieve and reduce pain, discomfort, or stress.Â
Regular veterinary checkups should be done at least once a year, or more often if the axolotls show any signs or symptoms of health issues, or if the owner has any concerns or questions about their health and well-being.
Conclusion
Axolotls are amazing and adorable animals that have a lot to offer and teach us. They have a unique and fascinating life cycle, which involves several stages and changes, such as egg, larva, juvenile, and adult.
They also have a remarkable and rare phenomenon, which involves the ability to retain their larval characteristics throughout their lives, known as neoteny.
However, axolotls are not invincible or immortal, and they can still face many challenges and risks, such as fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infections, impaction, injury, or death.Â
Axolotls are more than just pets or experiments, they are living and feeling beings, that deserve our respect and admiration.Â
By learning more about axolotl lifespan and how to make the most of it, we can also learn more about ourselves and how to make the most of our own lives.
Additional Resources
FAQs about axolotls lifespan
How long do axolotls live?
Axolotls can live for 10 to 15 years in captivity, or even longer if they are well cared for. The oldest axolotl on record lived for 25 years in a research facility.
What is the difference between neotenic and metamorphosed axolotls?
Neotenic axolotls are the ones that retain their larval features, such as gills and tail, throughout their lives. Metamorphosed axolotls are the ones that transform into their adult form, losing their gills and developing lungs.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods, such as worms, insects, crustaceans, fish, and plants. They can also eat axolotl pellets, which are specially formulated for their nutritional needs.
How can I tell the age and sex of my axolotl?
The age of an axolotl can be estimated by its size, color, and maturity signs, such as a swollen cloaca in males and a rounder body in females. The sex of an axolotl can be determined by its cloaca, body shape, and gills, which differ between males and females.
How can I prevent and treat common health issues in axolotls?
The best way to prevent and treat common health issues in axolotls is to provide them with optimal conditions and care, such as clean water, adequate temperature, balanced diet, and gentle handling. If the axolotls show any signs or symptoms of health issues, such as fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infections, impaction, or injury, they should be treated with medication, surgery, or veterinary consultation.
How many axolotls are left in the world 2023?
The exact number of axolotls left in the world is unknown, but it is estimated that there are fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Axolotls are listed as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List, and their numbers are declining due to habitat loss, pollution, and overhunting.