Can Axolotls Come Out of Water? Essential Facts for Owners

You’ve probably looked at your axolotl and wondered, “Can they leave the water for a little while?” They’re fascinating creatures with their unique looks and quirky behaviors, but understanding how they interact with their environment is essential for keeping them healthy.

Axolotls may look a bit like amphibians that can hop out of water, but their needs are surprisingly specific.

If you’re curious about whether these little aquatic pals can survive out of water, let’s clear things up once and for all.

Are Axolotls Designed to Live Outside Water?

Axolotls are aquatic creatures, meaning they’re built for life underwater. Unlike some amphibians, they don’t make the transition to a fully land-based lifestyle as adults. Instead, they stay in their larval form throughout their lives—a condition known as neoteny.

This means their gills, which are the frilly, feathery structures you see on their heads, are essential for their survival. These gills allow them to breathe underwater by absorbing oxygen directly from the water.

Axolotls can live between 10 to 15 years in the wild, showcasing their longevity among amphibians.

But what about coming out of the water temporarily? While it’s possible for axolotls to survive out of water for a very short period, they aren’t made for it. Their bodies lack the adaptations needed to function properly on land.

Axolotls rely on their gills and skin to breathe, and being out of water for too long can cause severe stress, dehydration, and even death.

Why Axolotls Aren’t Built for Land

There are a few key reasons axolotls can’t thrive on land:

• Breathing Dependence: Axolotls use their external gills to extract oxygen from water. While they can absorb some oxygen through their skin and lungs, it’s not enough to sustain them for long outside of water.
• Fragile Skin: Their skin is delicate and permeable, meaning it dries out quickly when exposed to air. Without constant moisture, their skin can crack or lose its ability to absorb oxygen.
• Body Structure: Axolotls’ bodies are designed for swimming, not walking. Their limbs aren’t strong enough to support prolonged movement on land.

While some amphibians, like frogs or newts, adapt to both water and land, axolotls remain fully aquatic their entire lives. This makes them very different from their amphibian relatives.

What Happens If an Axolotl Leaves the Water?

Accidents happen, and your axolotl might occasionally find itself out of water. This can happen if they jump out of their tank or during a water change. If this happens, it’s important to act quickly but calmly.

The density of axolotls decreased from 6000 per square kilometer in 1998 to fewer than 35 today, highlighting their critical endangerment.

Immediate Risks of Being Out of Water

The longer your axolotl is out of water, the greater the risks:

• Dehydration: Without water to keep their skin moist, they start losing moisture rapidly, which can lead to dehydration.
• Stress: Axolotls are not adapted to handle the environmental changes that come with being out of water, causing them severe stress.
• Oxygen Deprivation: Their gills need water to function, and although they have lungs, they can’t rely on them entirely for oxygen.

If you notice your axolotl out of the tank, gently return it to the water as quickly as possible. Avoid handling them with dry hands, as this can damage their skin. Use a moist cloth or wet hands to lift them safely.

Can Axolotls “Walk” on Land?

While axolotls can use their legs to push themselves along, they aren’t designed to walk on land like frogs or salamanders. Their legs are small and relatively weak, making land movement awkward and challenging. If they’re on land, it’s typically due to an accident rather than their choice.

Are There Any Exceptions to This Rule?

Some owners wonder if axolotls can adapt to life on land under specific conditions. While there are rare cases where axolotls undergo metamorphosis—a process where they lose their gills and develop more lung-based breathing—this is extremely rare in captivity and not something you should encourage.

Inducing Metamorphosis in Axolotls

In the wild, certain environmental stressors might trigger an axolotl to undergo metamorphosis, but this is highly uncommon. In captivity, this process is sometimes forced by owners using hormones or environmental changes.

Female axolotls can lay between 300 to 1,000 eggs during mating season, which occurs from March to June.

However, forcing metamorphosis is dangerous and can drastically shorten an axolotl’s lifespan. Most axolotls that undergo metamorphosis experience health complications and often die prematurely.

Instead of trying to change your axolotl’s nature, it’s best to focus on providing a healthy aquatic environment that meets their needs.

How to Prevent Axolotls from Leaving the Water

To keep your axolotl safe and secure, it’s important to ensure their environment is properly set up. Here are some tips to prevent accidents:

• Tank Lids: Axolotls can be surprisingly good at jumping, especially when startled. Use a secure tank lid to prevent them from leaping out.
• Water Parameters: Keep the water clean and properly filtered. Poor water quality can stress your axolotl, making them more likely to try escaping.
• Tank Size: A spacious tank gives your axolotl plenty of room to explore and reduces the likelihood of them trying to climb out.

Creating a Safe Habitat

A proper axolotl tank includes the following:

• Ample water depth: Aim for at least 12 inches to ensure they have enough room to swim.
• Cool water temperatures: Keep the water between 60–64°F (16–18°C), as warmer water can stress them.
• Hiding spots: Include caves, plants, or other decorations to give them places to rest and feel secure.

By maintaining these conditions, you’ll reduce the chances of your axolotl trying to leave the water.

Can Axolotls Live in Shallow Water?

If you’re wondering about shallow water, axolotls can tolerate it for a short time, but it’s not ideal. Shallow water reduces their ability to swim freely, and they may feel more exposed or stressed. Always aim for a deeper tank to mimic their natural habitat.

How Long Can Axolotls Survive Out of Water?

While axolotls can survive out of water for a few minutes in emergencies, their survival depends on several factors, including humidity and temperature. In humid environments, they might last slightly longer, but this isn’t a safe condition for them.

What to Do If Your Axolotl Escapes

If your axolotl manages to escape their tank, follow these steps immediately:

1. Locate Them Quickly: Axolotls can dry out rapidly, so time is critical.
2. Handle Them Carefully: Use wet hands or a damp cloth to pick them up gently.
3. Rehydrate Them: Place them back into their tank and monitor their behavior.

Afterward, check your tank setup to prevent future escapes.

Why Keeping Axolotls Aquatic Is Best

Axolotls are happiest and healthiest in water. Their entire biology is adapted to aquatic life, from their gills to their streamlined bodies. Trying to force them to live on land or spend extended periods out of water goes against their nature and can lead to severe health problems.

Tips for Happy, Healthy Axolotls

• Monitor Water Quality: Test the water regularly to ensure proper pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels.
• Feed Them Well: Offer a varied diet of high-quality pellets, earthworms, and frozen bloodworms.
• Avoid Overhandling: Axolotls don’t enjoy being handled. Keep interactions limited to feeding and tank maintenance.

When their environment is well-maintained, axolotls thrive. Keeping them aquatic ensures they live long, healthy lives.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Axolotl in the Water

Axolotls are unique and fascinating creatures, but they’re not built to live outside of water. Their gills, skin, and body structure are all designed for an aquatic lifestyle, and taking them out of water for too long can be dangerous. Always prioritize their safety by providing a secure, clean, and properly maintained tank.

If your axolotl ever escapes or spends time out of the water, act quickly to return them to their habitat and assess the situation. By understanding their needs and creating the right environment, you’ll ensure your axolotl stays healthy, happy, and safe.

References

How Long Can Axolotls Be Out of the Water For? – Caudata.org

Quick Question: In an Axolotl Tank, Do They Need an Island? – Reddit

Can You Take an Axolotl Out of Water? – Quora

A Guide to Keeping Axolotls – NT Labs

Water for Axolotls – The Spruce Pets

Disclaimer

This content on Bagrica is for informational purposes only. Consult a professional for pet care or farming advice. Bagrica is not liable for any actions taken based on this information.

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