What Animals Eat Axolotls and How to Keep Them Safe

If you’re an axolotl owner, you probably know how fascinating these little creatures are. They’re hardy, curious, and a joy to watch.

But as much as you love them, there’s something important you need to understand—what animals pose a threat to your axolotl? In the wild, axolotls are prey for several animals. As an owner, you need to keep these predators away from your axolotl to ensure its safety.

This article covers what animals might eat axolotls and how to keep your pet protected from them.

Predators in the Wild

Axolotls are native to lakes in Mexico, which means they have natural predators in the wild. These predators know how to sneak up on an axolotl, making it important for owners to create safe environments for them in captivity. Here’s a look at some animals that might eat axolotls in their natural habitat.

In 1998, there were approximately 6,000 axolotls per square kilometer in Xochimilco; by today, this number has plummeted to just 35.

Birds

In their native environment, birds of prey are a big concern for axolotls. Certain birds can swoop down and grab axolotls from the water’s surface or from shallow areas. These birds often see axolotls as a source of food.

• Herons are one of the biggest threats to axolotls. With their long, sharp beaks, herons can quickly grab and swallow a juvenile axolotl.
• Egrets and other wading birds also pose a risk, as they hunt for small amphibians and fish in shallow waters.

Fish

Larger fish species are another potential predator for axolotls. While axolotls can usually outswim smaller fish, bigger ones can still be a threat, especially if your axolotl is a juvenile.

• Bass and other predatory fish love to feast on amphibians like axolotls. If you ever think about setting up a community tank with your axolotl, it’s crucial to avoid species that could see them as dinner.
• Trout can also hunt smaller axolotls. These fish are naturally aggressive and capable of overpowering an axolotl, especially if the axolotl is younger or sick.

Larger Aquatic Animals

Axolotls, being small and slow swimmers, are vulnerable to certain larger aquatic predators in the wild. The waters where they are found can also be home to bigger animals that prey on smaller creatures.

• Turtles, especially large ones, might try to attack an axolotl. Turtles have powerful jaws, which they use to snatch small amphibians, and axolotls could be on their menu.
• Crocodiles and alligators are a more extreme threat. These creatures are more likely to attack an axolotl if it strays into their territory. While rare, they have been known to go after amphibians and small fish in the wild.

Estimates suggest that fewer than 1,200 axolotls remain in the Xochimilco Lake complex as of 2009.

Axolotls as Pets: Risks from Other Tank Mates

When it comes to keeping axolotls in captivity, you need to be careful about the animals they share a tank with. Some species might not eat them, but they could still harm or stress them out. Here’s a breakdown of tankmates you should avoid.

Aggressive Fish

While some fish might not see your axolotl as a meal, they can still pose a threat. Aggressive fish can nip at your axolotl’s gills or try to harass it. Even if these fish aren’t big enough to eat your axolotl, their behavior can still stress it out.

• Cichlids are notorious for being territorial. If placed in the same tank, they might try to attack your axolotl or compete for food.
• Goldfish, while not necessarily aggressive, can cause stress to axolotls, especially if they’re too active. They can also carry diseases that may harm your axolotl.

Snails and Invertebrates

Many aquarium owners like to add snails or other invertebrates to their tanks, but not all of them are axolotl-friendly. While they won’t necessarily eat your axolotl, some of these creatures can harm it in other ways.

• Crayfish are a known threat. These small, aggressive creatures can pinch at axolotls, especially juveniles, and may even try to grab them if they get too close.
• Some types of snails can outcompete axolotls for food and may carry harmful parasites that could affect your pet.

Axolotls in Aquaculture: What to Know

In aquaculture settings, where axolotls are bred for various purposes, it’s crucial to know which animals might eat axolotls.

Aquaculture systems need to be designed with care to ensure axolotls stay safe. For example, having separate tanks for axolotls and other species is important to avoid accidental predation or stress.

Aquatic System Setup

To prevent any threats, aquaculture systems are usually designed to have strong, protective barriers to keep larger predators out. These barriers can be nets or specially designed tanks that prevent birds, turtles, or larger fish from reaching the axolotls.

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

If you’re setting up a similar system at home, consider adding mesh covers or enclosures to keep your axolotl safe from curious pets or wild predators that might try to invade your tank.

Tankmates in Aquaculture

Axolotls are typically bred and raised alone in aquaculture environments to prevent injury or predation. When axolotls are young, their size and slower movements make them more vulnerable to other species.

In aquaculture, they’re kept in water that’s deep enough to avoid shallow water predators, and tanks are carefully monitored to ensure the axolotls aren’t exposed to risk from their environment.

How to Protect Your Axolotl

Now that you know the animals that might eat or harm your axolotl, it’s time to think about how to protect them in captivity. Whether you have a single axolotl or multiple, keeping them safe is key to a happy, healthy life.

Create a Secure Environment

• Tank Cover: A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential. It’ll keep out birds, larger fish, and any other creatures that might try to get to your axolotl.
• No Other Predators: Avoid housing axolotls with species that are known to be aggressive or might mistake them for food. As mentioned earlier, fish like cichlids or bass are off-limits, and you should definitely avoid adding turtles or crayfish.
• Separation of Tank Mates: If you do want to keep more than one species in a tank, always research the compatibility of your axolotl with others. There are some peaceful species that can coexist, but you need to know your axolotl’s personality and the temperament of potential tank mates.

Environmental Enrichment

Axolotls are naturally curious creatures. Keeping them engaged with a healthy, interesting environment can help reduce stress and improve their quality of life. If you provide plenty of hiding spots and plants, they’ll feel safer and less vulnerable to predators.

• Substrate: Use a soft substrate that won’t hurt your axolotl’s sensitive skin or gills. Gravel, for example, can cause injury if it’s accidentally ingested.
• Hiding Places: Add plenty of rocks, plants, and decor that will allow your axolotl to retreat when feeling threatened. This gives them control over their environment and helps them feel secure.

Regular Monitoring

Check on your axolotl daily. Look for any signs of stress or injury, and make sure that its living conditions are ideal. A stressed or sick axolotl may become even more vulnerable to predation or injury. Monitoring their behavior can help you catch any issues early.

What to Do If Your Axolotl Is Attacked

Even with all the precautions, accidents can happen. If your axolotl is attacked by another animal, it’s important to act quickly.

Immediate Actions

• Remove the attacker: If possible, separate the animal from the axolotl immediately to prevent further harm.
• Assess for Injuries: Check your axolotl for any visible injuries. If you notice any cuts or abrasions, these can be treated with aquarium-safe antiseptics.
• Monitor Recovery: Keep an eye on your axolotl to make sure it recovers properly. Stress and injury can weaken them, so be patient and give it time to heal.

Protect Your Axolotl and Enjoy Their Company

Now that you know what animals eat axolotls, you can take the right steps to ensure your pet stays safe. Whether you’re keeping them in a home aquarium or setting up a more complex aquaculture system, it’s essential to maintain a secure and calm environment.

Keep their tank safe, monitor their behavior, and always be ready to step in if something goes wrong. Your axolotl will thank you by living a long, healthy life, bringing you joy and fascination.

References

Axolotl – Deep Sea World

Predator Axolotl – Mom.com

Axolotl – San Diego Zoo

What Can Axolotls Theoretically Eat? – Reddit

What Other Animals Can You Put Into an Axolotl Tank? – Caudata.org

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.

We Recommend You Also See