Axolotl Care Ambystoma mexicanum
Axolotl
Ambystoma mexicanum
By Lindsay Mayer, Veterinary Assistant
NATURAL HISTORY
The axolotl, whose name means “water monster”, has captivated the interest of humans for thousands of years. The ancient Aztec civilization both worshipped and feared the axolotl as a deity, as well as consuming it for food. Axolotls can regenerate almost every part of their bodies with perfect accuracy, even parts of their brain. Their genome is ten times as vast as the human genome. Unfortunately, these magical little creatures are nearly extinct in the wild as a result of human activity and constant expansion of Mexico City. Native to just two lakes in Mexico, Lake Chaco and Lake Xocomilico, only the latter still exists. What remains of Lake Xocomilico is barely a trickle, existing on the fringes of human civilization. If not for their near-magical ability to regenerate themselves, the axolotl would likely already be extinct. Interestingly, they thrive in captivity, as scientists have been keeping and studying them with great success for decades. Efforts have been made to reintroduce the axolotl back into its native habitat, but the effects of habitat destruction leave them with simply no place to go. If not for research on these creatures, they would be totally extinct, and are close to becoming extinct in the wild.
Axolotls are close relatives of the tiger salamander and can grow up to 12” in length, with the average length being about half that size. The wild type coloration is a muddled brown or green, and albino variants are quite common in the pet trade. With proper care, the axolotl can live up to 15 years in captivity, making them a fascinating and long-lived little companion. One of the characteristics that make axolotls so special is that they exhibit neoteny -- axolotls are technically the larval form of the tiger salamander, but the difference is that they do not metamorphose into amphibious adults. They remain aquatic and retain their gills their entire lives. In essence, they remain “babies” forever! There have been some instances where axolotls have been seen to metamorphose, but this is an anomaly and should never be encouraged, as it is an extreme stressor for the animal.
Axolotls also lack a “true” skeleton -- their skeleton is composed entirely of cartilage. Their skin is incredibly porous and their bodies will absorb any substance in the environment around them, so excellent husbandry is vital for the keeping of these animals. Axolotls, despite being relatives of the salamander, should NEVER be handled unless absolutely necessary (i.e. for medical treatment). If you must handle your axolotl, always use clean, disposable nitrile gloves, as the oils and substances on human hands can be detrimental to your pet.
DIET AND FEEDING
Axolotls are carnivores and will require high-quality protein as their sole diet. In the wild, prey items might be worms, tadpoles, insects, and small fish. In captivity, so-called “feeder fish” are not recommended, as they can harbor parasites that will be passed on to your axolotl. Good choices are earthworms or red wigglers (not taken from your backyard!), blackworms, and sinking salmon pellets can all be used. Never feed your axolotl anything taken from your backyard, as these feeders can harbor unwanted parasites or chemicals from nearby yards and groundwater, which can quickly kill your axolotl. Juvenile axolotls can also be offered bloodworms or whiteworms, but these should not be the sole source of nutrition as they are high in fat and oil. These can also be offered as a treat, but only sparingly. Freeze dried foods should be avoided as they lack the majority of their original nutritional content. Bugs like mealworms, which have a hard exoskeleton, are inappropriate for axolotls, as they do not have true teeth and cannot digest the exoskeleton -- their teeth are like little rubbery knobs that are used primarily for gripping, not chewing. Feed your pet as much as it can consume in 5 to 10 minutes. Remove uneaten prey items from the enclosure to minimize waste buildup.
A note on feeding habits -- axolotls consume food by suction, so anything that is the same size or smaller than their heads can and WILL be consumed (The name “ambystoma” means “cup-mouth”!). Food items are swallowed whole, so anything that is too large for the axolotl to swallow will usually be spit out. Take care to ensure any decorations or substrate are larger than the axolotl’s head!
HOUSING
Axolotls are relatively unfussy with their needs. A 10 gallon aquarium is suitable for one axolotl. Add 10 gallons for each additional axolotl. These animals are not social creatures and therefore do not require companionship from others of their species, but they can generally be kept together without any problems. Axolotls create a LOT of waste relative to the amount of food they consume, so it’s vital that your filtration is excellent. There is a caveat, however -- axolotls are lake-dwelling creatures and do not do well in high-current environments. Canister filtration systems are best, but it is vital to make sure your filtration system has some type of flow-spreading system. These animals are extremely sensitive to water current and can become extremely stressed, stop eating, and eventually die from currents that are too strong. Gills that are curled forward can also be a sign of stress from water current.
Axolotls live in turbid, muddy waters in the wild and consume their prey whole, and do not need any type of UVB/UVA to thrive. Axolotls are very stressed by intense light; however, it may be beneficial to provide a low-intensity UVB (such as a Reptisun 5) to simulate a 12 hour daylight cycle and promote some natural behaviors. Do not place your aquarium near windows or in direct sunlight, as this can promote algae growth and greatly stress your axolotl. Temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees are appropriate, with cooler temperatures being more tolerated than warmer. Any warmer than 75 degrees and these animals can become extremely sick and die. If you live in a warm area or your home is kept very warm, and you cannot maintain this temperature, an axolotl may not be the right pet for you. Aquarium chillers can be purchased online, but they do tend to be very expensive.
For substrate, fine grain sand is acceptable, or large gravel/rocks (larger than the axolotl’s head). Some axolotls seem to enjoy rooting around in the sand. However, this is not essential, and many keepers choose not to use any substrate at all, which is also appropriate. A bare bottom tank is easier to clean, but substrate also provides more surface area for beneficial bacteria to adhere to -- either way, it is the keeper’s preference. Axolotls can and will eat anything the same size or smaller than their heads, which can lead to obstruction and death. If sand is used, some will be consumed due to the suction action of their feeding habits. This sand acts as “grit” to help grind their food, similar to birds. This generally does not pose a risk of obstruction for axolotls, but you should always monitor your pet closely to ensure they are eating and defecating normally. If your pet stops eating or defecating normally, please call us!
Water quality is absolutely the most important aspect of keeping these animals. Being relatives of the tiger salamander, they are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment. Excellent husbandry is critical to this species’ wellbeing. Frequent testing of water parameters with a commercially available test kit (such as this one from API) is an essential part of good aquarium maintenance, and will ultimately ensure the health of your pet. Basic setup of a freshwater aquarium is detailed on our Beginning a Freshwater Aquarium page. However, axolotls are NOT FISH. Many products intended for fish will kill your axolotl! NEVER add any medication, aquarium product, or plant fertilizer to your tank without first confirming that it is safe with your veterinarian.
Axolotls appreciate having many places to hide, such as caves and plants. Planted tanks, while appreciated by axolotls, can be challenging, as previously discussed axolotls do not like bright light. Axolotls will also dig up any plants that require anchoring in substrate. You can remedy this by either anchoring plants in small plastic pots to the side or bottom of the tank, or using floating plants, which will provide the dual benefit of offering enrichment while also blocking out some of the visible light for your axolotl.
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Axolotls are marvels of biology -- their genome is about 10 times larger than the human genome, they are 1,000 times more resistant to cancer than humans, and they possess the miraculous ability to regenerate any body part with perfect precision, with no scarring! That being said, axolotls are generally very healthy animals. As with any aquatic animal, most health issues we see arise from improper husbandry. Some common health issues we see in axolotls are:
To reiterate the above, It is worth noting that while excellent husbandry and water quality are essential no matter the species, axolotls are especially sensitive to differences in water quality. As relatives of the salamander, they are amphibians, and their skin is very permeable -- Amphibians are often called “environmental biodindicators” because of their sensitivity to changes in their environment. This being said, excellent upkeep of water quality and regular water testing are essential for the keeping of these animals. NEVER USE ANY OVER THE COUNTER PRODUCTS, FERTILIZERS, OR SALTS INTENDED FOR FISH WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING YOUR EXOTICS VETERINARIAN. Products intended for fish can be deadly to axolotls!
If you notice any abnormal behavior or appearance with your pet, please call Chicago Exotics.
CITATIONS
Clare, J. (2011, November 30). Axolotl Care Sheet. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/axolotl-care-sheet/
Clare, J. P. (1998). Axolotls: Health & Diseases. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from http://www.axolotl.org/health.htm
National Geographic Partners, LLC. (2018, September 21). Axolotl: National Geographic. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/a/axolotl/#:~:text=Axolotls%20are%20long%2Dlived%2C%20surviving,%2C%20crustaceans%2C%20and%20some%20fish.
Rehm, J. (2019, September 19). Axolotls: The Adorable, Giant Salamanders of Mexico. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.livescience.com/axolotl-facts.html
San Diego Zoo. (2020). Axolotl. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/axolotl
Ambystoma mexicanum
By Lindsay Mayer, Veterinary Assistant
NATURAL HISTORY
The axolotl, whose name means “water monster”, has captivated the interest of humans for thousands of years. The ancient Aztec civilization both worshipped and feared the axolotl as a deity, as well as consuming it for food. Axolotls can regenerate almost every part of their bodies with perfect accuracy, even parts of their brain. Their genome is ten times as vast as the human genome. Unfortunately, these magical little creatures are nearly extinct in the wild as a result of human activity and constant expansion of Mexico City. Native to just two lakes in Mexico, Lake Chaco and Lake Xocomilico, only the latter still exists. What remains of Lake Xocomilico is barely a trickle, existing on the fringes of human civilization. If not for their near-magical ability to regenerate themselves, the axolotl would likely already be extinct. Interestingly, they thrive in captivity, as scientists have been keeping and studying them with great success for decades. Efforts have been made to reintroduce the axolotl back into its native habitat, but the effects of habitat destruction leave them with simply no place to go. If not for research on these creatures, they would be totally extinct, and are close to becoming extinct in the wild.
Axolotls are close relatives of the tiger salamander and can grow up to 12” in length, with the average length being about half that size. The wild type coloration is a muddled brown or green, and albino variants are quite common in the pet trade. With proper care, the axolotl can live up to 15 years in captivity, making them a fascinating and long-lived little companion. One of the characteristics that make axolotls so special is that they exhibit neoteny -- axolotls are technically the larval form of the tiger salamander, but the difference is that they do not metamorphose into amphibious adults. They remain aquatic and retain their gills their entire lives. In essence, they remain “babies” forever! There have been some instances where axolotls have been seen to metamorphose, but this is an anomaly and should never be encouraged, as it is an extreme stressor for the animal.
Axolotls also lack a “true” skeleton -- their skeleton is composed entirely of cartilage. Their skin is incredibly porous and their bodies will absorb any substance in the environment around them, so excellent husbandry is vital for the keeping of these animals. Axolotls, despite being relatives of the salamander, should NEVER be handled unless absolutely necessary (i.e. for medical treatment). If you must handle your axolotl, always use clean, disposable nitrile gloves, as the oils and substances on human hands can be detrimental to your pet.
DIET AND FEEDING
Axolotls are carnivores and will require high-quality protein as their sole diet. In the wild, prey items might be worms, tadpoles, insects, and small fish. In captivity, so-called “feeder fish” are not recommended, as they can harbor parasites that will be passed on to your axolotl. Good choices are earthworms or red wigglers (not taken from your backyard!), blackworms, and sinking salmon pellets can all be used. Never feed your axolotl anything taken from your backyard, as these feeders can harbor unwanted parasites or chemicals from nearby yards and groundwater, which can quickly kill your axolotl. Juvenile axolotls can also be offered bloodworms or whiteworms, but these should not be the sole source of nutrition as they are high in fat and oil. These can also be offered as a treat, but only sparingly. Freeze dried foods should be avoided as they lack the majority of their original nutritional content. Bugs like mealworms, which have a hard exoskeleton, are inappropriate for axolotls, as they do not have true teeth and cannot digest the exoskeleton -- their teeth are like little rubbery knobs that are used primarily for gripping, not chewing. Feed your pet as much as it can consume in 5 to 10 minutes. Remove uneaten prey items from the enclosure to minimize waste buildup.
A note on feeding habits -- axolotls consume food by suction, so anything that is the same size or smaller than their heads can and WILL be consumed (The name “ambystoma” means “cup-mouth”!). Food items are swallowed whole, so anything that is too large for the axolotl to swallow will usually be spit out. Take care to ensure any decorations or substrate are larger than the axolotl’s head!
HOUSING
Axolotls are relatively unfussy with their needs. A 10 gallon aquarium is suitable for one axolotl. Add 10 gallons for each additional axolotl. These animals are not social creatures and therefore do not require companionship from others of their species, but they can generally be kept together without any problems. Axolotls create a LOT of waste relative to the amount of food they consume, so it’s vital that your filtration is excellent. There is a caveat, however -- axolotls are lake-dwelling creatures and do not do well in high-current environments. Canister filtration systems are best, but it is vital to make sure your filtration system has some type of flow-spreading system. These animals are extremely sensitive to water current and can become extremely stressed, stop eating, and eventually die from currents that are too strong. Gills that are curled forward can also be a sign of stress from water current.
Axolotls live in turbid, muddy waters in the wild and consume their prey whole, and do not need any type of UVB/UVA to thrive. Axolotls are very stressed by intense light; however, it may be beneficial to provide a low-intensity UVB (such as a Reptisun 5) to simulate a 12 hour daylight cycle and promote some natural behaviors. Do not place your aquarium near windows or in direct sunlight, as this can promote algae growth and greatly stress your axolotl. Temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees are appropriate, with cooler temperatures being more tolerated than warmer. Any warmer than 75 degrees and these animals can become extremely sick and die. If you live in a warm area or your home is kept very warm, and you cannot maintain this temperature, an axolotl may not be the right pet for you. Aquarium chillers can be purchased online, but they do tend to be very expensive.
For substrate, fine grain sand is acceptable, or large gravel/rocks (larger than the axolotl’s head). Some axolotls seem to enjoy rooting around in the sand. However, this is not essential, and many keepers choose not to use any substrate at all, which is also appropriate. A bare bottom tank is easier to clean, but substrate also provides more surface area for beneficial bacteria to adhere to -- either way, it is the keeper’s preference. Axolotls can and will eat anything the same size or smaller than their heads, which can lead to obstruction and death. If sand is used, some will be consumed due to the suction action of their feeding habits. This sand acts as “grit” to help grind their food, similar to birds. This generally does not pose a risk of obstruction for axolotls, but you should always monitor your pet closely to ensure they are eating and defecating normally. If your pet stops eating or defecating normally, please call us!
Water quality is absolutely the most important aspect of keeping these animals. Being relatives of the tiger salamander, they are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment. Excellent husbandry is critical to this species’ wellbeing. Frequent testing of water parameters with a commercially available test kit (such as this one from API) is an essential part of good aquarium maintenance, and will ultimately ensure the health of your pet. Basic setup of a freshwater aquarium is detailed on our Beginning a Freshwater Aquarium page. However, axolotls are NOT FISH. Many products intended for fish will kill your axolotl! NEVER add any medication, aquarium product, or plant fertilizer to your tank without first confirming that it is safe with your veterinarian.
Axolotls appreciate having many places to hide, such as caves and plants. Planted tanks, while appreciated by axolotls, can be challenging, as previously discussed axolotls do not like bright light. Axolotls will also dig up any plants that require anchoring in substrate. You can remedy this by either anchoring plants in small plastic pots to the side or bottom of the tank, or using floating plants, which will provide the dual benefit of offering enrichment while also blocking out some of the visible light for your axolotl.
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Axolotls are marvels of biology -- their genome is about 10 times larger than the human genome, they are 1,000 times more resistant to cancer than humans, and they possess the miraculous ability to regenerate any body part with perfect precision, with no scarring! That being said, axolotls are generally very healthy animals. As with any aquatic animal, most health issues we see arise from improper husbandry. Some common health issues we see in axolotls are:
- Bacterial or fungal disease
- Neoplasia (cancer)
- Parasites
- Physical injury (although axolotls can regenerate their bodies, if your axolotl is injured, please contact Chicago Exotics immediately!)
To reiterate the above, It is worth noting that while excellent husbandry and water quality are essential no matter the species, axolotls are especially sensitive to differences in water quality. As relatives of the salamander, they are amphibians, and their skin is very permeable -- Amphibians are often called “environmental biodindicators” because of their sensitivity to changes in their environment. This being said, excellent upkeep of water quality and regular water testing are essential for the keeping of these animals. NEVER USE ANY OVER THE COUNTER PRODUCTS, FERTILIZERS, OR SALTS INTENDED FOR FISH WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING YOUR EXOTICS VETERINARIAN. Products intended for fish can be deadly to axolotls!
If you notice any abnormal behavior or appearance with your pet, please call Chicago Exotics.
CITATIONS
Clare, J. (2011, November 30). Axolotl Care Sheet. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/axolotl-care-sheet/
Clare, J. P. (1998). Axolotls: Health & Diseases. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from http://www.axolotl.org/health.htm
National Geographic Partners, LLC. (2018, September 21). Axolotl: National Geographic. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/a/axolotl/#:~:text=Axolotls%20are%20long%2Dlived%2C%20surviving,%2C%20crustaceans%2C%20and%20some%20fish.
Rehm, J. (2019, September 19). Axolotls: The Adorable, Giant Salamanders of Mexico. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.livescience.com/axolotl-facts.html
San Diego Zoo. (2020). Axolotl. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/axolotl
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 847-329-8709.