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Axolotl Care and Information
Ambystoma mexicanum

What is an Axolotl?

Axolotls are aquatic salamanders which live their entire lives in the water! Unlike other salamanders which lose their gills when entering adulthood, axolotls keep them forever. They are critically endangered due to habitat loss and are native to Mexico. They are known for their cute appearance and amazing regenerative abilities.

Ideal Parameters

Temp: 60-68ËšF

pH: 7.4-7.6 (6.5-8.0 ok)

Nitrate: <40 ppm

KH: 53-143 ppm

GH: 125-250 ppm

Salinity: 0% (<15%)

Supplies Needed

  • Aquarium with Lid

  • Slow Flow Filter

  • Hiding Places

  • Water Conditioner

  • Safe Substrate

  • Axolotl Food

  • Live plants (optional)

Adult Size: 9 - 12 inches

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Diet: Earthworms, Pellets, Soft Invertebrates, Small Fish

Life Span: 10 - 15 years

 

Behavior: Lazy and loveable, food motivated

Housing

Axolotls require a minimum of a 20 gallon aquarium when full grown. Don't forget the lid, as they can jump out of the aquarium! Axolotls enjoy longer aquariums as they require more ground space than vertical space.

For adults, it is recommended to use sand for substrate or have a bare bottom tank, as they will eat rocks big enough to fit in their mouths. Juveniles may have a harder time passing sand than adult, so we recommend keeping them on a bare bottom tank until they are over 7 inches.

Hiding places are important for a happy lotl! Provide several options per axolotl so they can pick their favorite hides to stay in. Avoid sharp hides that can damage their delicate skin.

Axolotls are nocturnal and have no eyelids, so they shy away from bright lights. Aquarium lighting can be used, but make sure there are lots of shady areas in the tank that your Axolotl can go to.

For filtration, axolotls prefer a slow flow. Axolotls are not great swimmers and can become stressed if the water is moving too fast. We recommend using sponge filters as they provide filtration with almost no water flow. Axolotls can also be kept with no filter, but may require daily water changes.

While solitary, lotls can be kept in groups of two or more. Two to three axolotls will need a minimum of a 40 gallon tank, with an additional 10 gallons per extra axolotl. We recommend waiting until axolotls are 7-8 inches or more and housing them together. Make sure to house only same sex pairings to avoid unwanted eggs.

Cycling your Aquarium

When setting up your aquarium, it is important to cycle it before adding your axolotl. Aquatic animals produce ammonia which can burn your pet if it builds up in your aquarium. Beneficial bacteria will consume the ammonia and convert it into nitrate in a process known as the Nitrogen Cycle. This can take up to a month to complete and is important to ensure your axolotl is safe in their new home.

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1. Set up your aquarium with dechlorinated water, your filter, hide, and any plants or decorations. The bacteria will naturally be present in the aquarium water, but you can kick start the process by adding API Quick Start to your aquarium.

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2. After running your aquarium for 48 hours, add a source of ammonia. This will provide a food source for the bacteria. Record ammonia levels daily.

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3. When ammonia levels start to drop and nitrite levels raise, add another dosage ammonia to feed bacteria. This is a sign that your bacteria are starting to do their jobs! Continue daily testing.

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4. When nitrite levels begin to drop and nitrate levels begin to raise, add dosage of ammonia. We are almost there! Continue testing daily.

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5. When ammonia and nitrite levels reach 0 and nitrate levels are in a safe zone, do a 20% water change. Your tank is now cycled and it is safe to add your axolotl!

Acclimating your Axolotl

Finally found your perfect axolotl and have your tank all ready? Now it's time to add them to the aquarium. Being aquatic, Axolotls are sensitive to extreme changes in water parameters. If you received your axolotl by mail, the water within its bag is likely lower in pH due to accumulation of waste than your aquarium water. It's important to slowly acclimate your new friend to their new home. Here's how.

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1. Turn off Aquarium Lights. Like stated above, axolotls are sensitive to bright lights. Turn off the lights will keep your axolotl calmer in this stressful new environment.

 

2. Float the axolotl in a closed container or bag in your aquarium water. This will help adjust the water temperature of the container to your tank temperature slowly.

 

3. Add a small scoop of your aquarium water to the axolotl’s container/bag. This is to slowly introduce your aquarium water to your axolotl. Repeat this step every 5 minutes for 45 minutes to an hour.

 

4. After the completion of the above step, gently use a net to introduce the axolotl into the aquarium.. Do not add the container/bag water into the aquarium. The water likely contains unwanted wastes.

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