Petpedia: Axolotls
Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum
Temperature: 57 – 68°F
pH: 6.5-8
Diet: Carnivore
Temperment: Young Axolotls can be cannibalistic toward each other and therefore best raised in separate enclosures. Adults may potentially be housed together in larger tanks.
The Axolotl is the best-known of the Mexican neotenic mole salamanders belonging to the Tiger Salamander complex. This species fail to undergo metamorphosis, so the adults remain aquatic and gilled, although on rare occasions an Axolotl may metamorphosis into its terrestrial form- becoming a Salamander. They are fairly hardy and can be expected to live up to 10-15 years with attention to proper care.
Best kept as a species tank. Fish can nibble an axolotl’s gill stalks and appendages while it is asleep, leading to infection. Axolotls can grow quite large, so a 10 gallon or larger tank is recommended. The aquarium itself does not need to be full, about the length of the Axolotls is said to be enough. Filtration is not essential provided water changes and maintenance is kept regularly. If filtration is used maintenance can be kept to a 10 to 20% change per week.
Any gravel used should be pebble-sized, about 2 cm or greater in diameter. Alternatively, fine sand is also a good substrate, as it will not clog the digestive tract if ingested. Regular aquarium gravel can be swallowing and although rare, may be fatal as the gravel can cause blockages in the gut. The addition of plastic plants, caves, half pots, etc., is recommended and will add a sense of security for the Axolotls as well as being more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Lighting is not necessary. Although lighting is essential for a display aquarium and a must for an aquarium that contains live plants.
The axolotl can be fed a variety of readily available foods, including trout and salmon pellets, small strips of beef or liver, frozen or live earthworms, tubifex worms, and bloodworms. Small juveniles can be fed brine shrimp until old enough for the larger food. Axolotls locate food by smell and will snap at their meal, sucking the food into their stomach.
Very unique/exotic pet for those wanting something different.
A must note: The Axolotl is listed on the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (C.I.T.E.S.) endangered species list.
