Axolotls are aquatic amphibians native to Mexico. Learn all the facts about this salamander with regeneration abilities and what you'll need if you want one as a pet.
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are aquatic amphibians meaning they live in water but they can also breathe air (though they can't survive outside water for too long).
Today, their natural habitat consists of only one area, in the remnants of Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City. In captivity, axolotls can be found in many aquariums, pet stores and private breeders.
Axolotls belong to the group of Salamanders and except their smiling faces, the most interesting thing about them is that unlike most amphibians, they almost never go through metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is a process in which an amphibian loses its gills and starts living on land.
Because they don't go through metamorphosis, they keep their gills and continue to live in water even as adults. This phenomenon is called Neoteny or paedomorphosis but it is also commonly referred to as everlasting youth!
Another fascinating thing about them is their abillity to regenarate many parts of their body and nervous system such as their tales, limps and parts of their brain. But more about this later.
Axolotls can come in many different colors such as Black Melanoid, Leucistic, Golden and more. You can see more axololt images in this article from everything reptiles: 15 types of axolotls.
Size and lifespan of an Axolotl
The average lifespan of an axolotl is 5-10 years in the wild and 10-15 years in captivity. This difference is because the life of this salamander is more stressful in the wild and has many threats and dangers.
In captivity, as long as they're well cared for and live a stress-free life they can reach the age of 17, according to the University of Liverpool's The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database.
As far as their size, they can grow an average of 9 inches (20 centimeters) in length, but don't be surprised if you see one more than 12 inches (30 cm) long.
Is an axolotl poisonous?
No, axolotls are not poisonous and they are totally harmless to humans. Because they're used to bite everything that moves around them, there is the chance that they'll bite you but their teeth are very very small so their bite doesn't hurt. They're just looking for food!
Axolotls as pets – Axolotl care
Axolotls are friendly with a calm temperament. They are easy to care for, something that makes them great pets. Their most important disadvantage is that compared to fish, their aquarium will need to be cleaned more frequently. Once you create a clean, safe and cozy environment for them, all they need is food.
The best way to buy one is from an exotic pet store or a reputable private breeder. A quick search online will help you find one in your area.
If you choose a breeder make sure to visit them first and learn a few things about the conditions and care they provide to these adorable creatures.
Buying an axolotl online is generally a bad idea because there are a lot of things that can go wrong.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls in the wild suck in their prey, which can be small fish, shrimp, insect eggs and mollusks. Sometimes, especially when they're young they have been observed to eat their siblings' arms if food is scarce.
As pets they can be fed:
- brine shrimp
- baitworms
- salmon pellets
- bloodworm cubes
They can also have a small ball of raw hamburger meat or a small piece of beef liver as a snack.
Try to provide your axolotl pet a variety of foods so that they can get many different nutrients. However, you should definitely avoid live fish because there's a risk of contaminating the fish tank with bacteria.
What is the cost of an axolotl pet?
Τhe cost of getting an axolotl doesn't consist of the axolotl's price only. You'll also need some necessary accessories such as a tank, filter equipment, gravel and plants. A rough estimate is $250 - $400 and includes:
1. The Axolotl : $20 - $70
Depending mostly on their color, these amphibians can have different price. Usually white colored varieties cost more than the darker ones. In most stores an axolotl costs
2. The axolotl tank (aquarium): $120 or more
These "smiling" salamanders need to have a 10-20 gallon tank or larger if they're more than one. The tank should have a cover or a mesh filter for protection and for stopping them from jumping out.
The tank doesn't have to be deep, it's better to have more surface than height. Also, don't forget to make sure that the tank fits in the room you're planning to place it.
3. Substrate, plants and hiding places : $15 - $45
Axolotls suck their food which means that they can also suck small gravels from the bottom of the aquarium. These small gravels can cause intestinal blockages and harm your pet. That's why the bottom surface should ideally be coated with regular aquarium sand (which will pass through their digestive system without causing any risk) and natural rocks.
The rocks should be large enough that the axolotl can't swallow them. Don't leave the bottom of the tank naked because they need some grip to move around.
Axolotls don't like too much light. Plants and hiding spaces will make the environment of the aquarium more natural and interesting. These will also provide a few dark spots where your pet will be able to sleep, rest, hide and feel more secure whenever it feels threatened.
Any hideout should have an entrance and an exit because they can't swim backwards. Also, things with sharp edges should be avoided as they can injure their skin.
One more tip: Prefer toys and plants suitable for freshwater and not saltwater.
4. Filter equipment : $40 - $200
A clean water filter will keep the environment of the aquarium clear. Generally, axolotls produce more waste than fish, so you'll probably need to change the filter frequently.
5. Tank chiller : $50-$250
Axolotls live in lakes with fairly cold water and they're not used to dramatic changes in temperature. Because they are very sensitive to heat, if you live in a place with warm climate you will probably need a tank chiller.
The ideal temperature range for the axolotl is 60 – 64°F (16 – 18°C). Temperatures above 74°F/23°C can cause extreme stress and even death.
To sum up, the cost can be broken down to the following:
- One axolotl: $20 - $70
- One tank: $120 - max
- Gravel, plants and hiding places: $20 - $50
- Filter equipment: $40 - $200
- Tank chiller (for places with hot climate): $50 - $250
- The food will cost about $40 - $50 annually and you will also need $10 - $20 per year for water dechlorinator.
A few more information about Axolotls.
Regeneration abillities
Axolotls react to injuries in a different way than other animals. When an animal is wounded, the wound, through the healing process, is covered with skin tissue. According to businessinsider.com axolotls transform nearby cells to stem cells forming bones, skins, and veins in their exact original state. Scientists are still unable to explain why we react to injuries so differently.
What can they regenarate?
- the front portion of their brain
- a third of the heart ventricle
- their limbs
- their tail
- their eyes (only during a limited time after hatching )
Because of their unique physiology they also don’t bleed very much, so blood loss caused by injuries is rarely a problem. However, if they get infected while a wound is still open, there's a chance that the infection will be sealed withing their body, making it more difficult to fight it.
Is it illegal to own an axolotl?
In most states owning an axolotl is legal. However, ithere are some states where owning them is illegal and others that require a permit. Because laws change through time it is best to check your local exotic pet laws before making your decision.
The reason for this ban is that these salamanders are not part of the natural fauna and if they escape to the environment they can cause harm and imbalance because they can outcompete native salamander species.
Are axolotls going extinct?
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources axolotls are considerd critically endangered and their population is declining
The main reason for this is the pollution of their natural habitat. A large amount of trash, plastic and many harmfull substances is wasted every year to the water canals where they live.
Another reason is the decrease in their habitat because of human development and droughts caused by climate change. These droughts will likely continue to further decrease their habitat in the upcoming years. According to earthday.org lake Xochimilco is one of their last suitable habitats, but with changing climate there is no guarantee how long it will last.
Do axolotls morph?
Most axolotls remain aquatic for their entire lives, but there are a few rare exceptions when they will morph. If they start to morph, you should definitely lower the water level in your aquarium because once the metamorphosis is complete the salamander will not be able to swim and may drown. You can read more from axolotlnerd.com: What to do if your axolotl morphs
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