Can You Keep Axolotls Together Safely in the Same Tank?
You’ve probably seen those cute little smiles on axolotls and thought about keeping a few together in one tank. It seems like a fun idea, right? Well, the truth is, axolotls are fascinating creatures, but they’re also unique in how they interact with each other.
If you’re thinking about housing multiple axolotls, there’s a lot to consider to keep them happy and healthy.
Let’s talk about what works, what doesn’t, and how you can make the best decision for your axolotls.
Are Axolotls Social Animals?

Axolotls are not social animals. In the wild, they live alone and don’t rely on a group to survive. They prefer their space and aren’t like fish or other aquatic animals that thrive in schools. This doesn’t mean they can’t live together, but it does mean their natural instincts lean toward solitude.
Axolotls can live up to 15 years on average, with some reaching as long as 21 years under optimal care.
If you plan to keep multiple axolotls in the same tank, you’ll need to create an environment where their personal space is respected. Crowded tanks can lead to stress, aggression, and even injuries, so understanding their behavior is crucial before adding tankmates.
What Happens When You Keep Axolotls Together?
Axolotls can sometimes live peacefully together, but this depends on factors like their size, age, and tank conditions. Incompatible pairings often lead to problems such as nipping, which can cause injuries. Younger axolotls are especially prone to biting each other, as they often mistake tankmates for food.
Aggression isn’t the only issue. Overcrowding can lead to poor water quality, which affects all axolotls in the tank.
Axolotls produce a lot of waste, so maintaining a clean tank becomes harder when there are several of them. Without proper filtration and care, water conditions can quickly deteriorate, making the environment unsafe.
Size and Age Matter
Axolotls of different sizes should never be housed together. Larger axolotls may view smaller ones as prey and could attempt to eat them. This size difference is one of the most common reasons for injuries or fatalities in shared tanks.
When housing axolotls together, try to match their sizes closely. Even then, keep an eye on their interactions to ensure no one is getting bullied or injured.
Male and Female Axolotls
If you mix males and females, be prepared for breeding. Axolotls breed easily, and this can lead to overcrowding quickly if you’re not ready to care for dozens of baby axolotls. Unless you want to breed them intentionally, it’s better to house males and females separately.
Female axolotls can lay up to 1,000 eggs in a single breeding season.
How to Set Up a Tank for Multiple Axolotls
If you decide to keep axolotls together, your tank setup will play a huge role in their comfort and safety. A proper tank setup can reduce stress, prevent aggression, and keep everyone healthy.
Tank Size and Space Requirements
Axolotls need plenty of space to move around. For a single axolotl, a 20-gallon tank is the minimum. For every additional axolotl, add at least 10 gallons.
For example, if you’re keeping three axolotls, a 40-gallon tank would be the minimum size. Larger tanks are always better because they provide more room for each axolotl to claim its territory.
Make sure there are plenty of hiding spots in the tank. Use caves, plants, and decorations to create separate spaces where each axolotl can retreat. This helps reduce territorial disputes and gives them a sense of security.
Water Quality and Filtration
Good water quality is essential in a shared axolotl tank. Axolotls are sensitive to changes in water parameters, and having multiple axolotls means more waste to manage. Invest in a high-quality filtration system that can handle the bioload of multiple axolotls.
You’ll also need to perform regular water changes. Aim for at least a 25% water change weekly, but adjust as needed based on your tank size and the number of axolotls. Test water parameters regularly to ensure ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels stay within safe ranges.
Both male and female axolotls reach sexual maturity at around 548 days (approximately 1.5 years).
Tank Temperature and Lighting
Axolotls thrive in cool water, ideally between 60-64°F (16-18°C). Warmer temperatures can stress them out, which increases the likelihood of aggression. Keep your tank in a cool, shaded area, and use an aquarium chiller if needed.
Lighting should be kept minimal. Axolotls prefer dim conditions, so avoid bright lights in the tank. If you want to add lights for plants, use low-intensity options and provide shaded areas for your axolotls.
Monitoring Behavior in a Shared Tank
Keeping axolotls together requires close observation. Even if you’ve set up the perfect tank, problems can still arise. Watch for signs of stress or aggression, such as missing limbs, bites, or changes in behavior. If one axolotl appears to be dominating the others, consider separating them to prevent further injuries.
Axolotls are resilient, and minor injuries like nipped limbs can heal over time. However, serious injuries or constant stress can affect their health long-term. Always have a backup tank ready in case separation becomes necessary.
Feeding in a Shared Tank
Feeding time can be tricky when keeping axolotls together. Axolotls are not good at sharing food, and competition can lead to aggression. To avoid this, use feeding tongs to ensure each axolotl gets its portion. Feed them in different areas of the tank to reduce the chance of conflict.
Axolotls are opportunistic eaters, so they may grab at anything that moves, including their tankmates. Providing enough food and feeding them individually helps prevent misunderstandings.
Can Baby Axolotls Be Kept Together?
Baby axolotls, or larvae, are especially vulnerable to nipping and cannibalism. When they’re young, axolotls have a strong instinct to snap at anything that moves. This makes keeping baby axolotls together challenging, as they’re more likely to injure each other.
If you’re raising baby axolotls, it’s best to separate them into individual containers until they’re large enough to cohabitate safely. As they grow, monitor their size closely and avoid mixing babies of different sizes.
Benefits and Risks of Keeping Axolotls Together
There are both advantages and challenges to keeping axolotls together. While it’s possible to create a harmonious tank, it requires effort and planning.
Potential Benefits
- Enrichment: Some axolotls seem more active when they have tankmates.
- Space efficiency: A single, well-managed tank may be easier to maintain than multiple tanks.
Risks to Consider
- Aggression: Biting and territorial behavior are common.
- Injuries: Missing limbs or other wounds can result from fights.
- Overcrowding: Poor water quality and stress can develop quickly in a shared tank.
When to Separate Axolotls
Sometimes, keeping axolotls together just doesn’t work out. If you notice consistent aggression, injuries, or stress, it’s better to separate them. A second tank allows you to provide a peaceful environment for each axolotl while minimizing stress and health risks.
Even if your axolotls are getting along, having a spare tank is a smart idea. It can serve as a quarantine tank if one of them gets sick or as a temporary home if conflicts arise.
Tips for Success in a Shared Axolotl Tank
- Match sizes: Always pair axolotls of similar sizes to reduce the risk of cannibalism.
- Provide hiding spots: Create enough spaces for each axolotl to claim its own territory.
- Monitor interactions: Watch for signs of stress, aggression, or injury.
- Keep the water clean: Invest in good filtration and perform regular water changes.
- Feed individually: Use tongs or target feeding to prevent competition.
Final Thoughts on Keeping Axolotls Together
Keeping axolotls together can work, but it’s not always easy. Their solitary nature and specific care requirements mean you’ll need to plan carefully and stay vigilant. With the right tank setup, plenty of space, and close monitoring, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for multiple axolotls.
If you’re unsure or don’t have the space for a larger tank, keeping axolotls in separate tanks is often the best choice. Your goal should always be their health and happiness, so choose the option that works best for you and your axolotls.
References
Can you put 2 axolotls together? – Quora
Can I house two axolotls together? Will they fight? – Water Critters
How many axolotls could I reasonably have in my tank? – Caudata.org
Can I keep 2 axolotls in a 40-gallon tank? – Reddit
A Guide to Keeping Axolotls – NT Labs
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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