Do Eels Eat Axolotls? How to Keep Your Axolotl Safe from Potential Threats

If you’re an axolotl owner, you probably know how careful you need to be with their care and tank environment. You’ve probably heard a lot about their delicate nature, but one question that might be bugging you is whether eels could harm your axolotl.

You’ve got to wonder: do eels eat axolotls? If you’re keeping both creatures in the same tank or considering it, you’ll need to know how they interact.

After all, you want to keep your axolotl safe, healthy, and thriving without the risk of becoming an eel’s next snack. Let’s take a closer look.

Do Eels Pose a Threat to Axolotls?

While it’s not something you’d often see happening in nature, the relationship between eels and axolotls can be tricky to navigate. Eels are predators by nature, and their diet often consists of smaller aquatic creatures. However, axolotls are not the typical prey you’d expect an eel to go after.

A single female axolotl can lay between 200 to over 1,000 eggs in one spawning event.

They have certain qualities that could make them less appealing. Still, caution is important when it comes to the safety of your axolotl.

Are Eels Carnivores?

Most eels, especially those in freshwater, are carnivores. Their diet includes fish, invertebrates, and small aquatic creatures. They have sharp teeth, a strong sense of smell, and an ability to track down prey in the water.

Some species, like the moray eel, are known to hunt other fish or creatures that are slow-moving or smaller. It’s important to note that most eels, like the electric eel or garden eel, would not typically target an axolotl. However, certain species could view smaller or weaker axolotls as potential food if given the chance.

Do Axolotls Attract Eels?

Axolotls are relatively slow swimmers and spend most of their time sitting on the bottom of the tank, waiting for food to come their way. This could make them more vulnerable to creatures that are more agile and predatory.

However, axolotls also have a natural defense mechanism: their regenerative ability. They can regrow lost limbs, and some believe this could be an advantage if they were ever attacked. Still, you don’t want to test this out, especially in an aquarium setup.

The Size Factor

Size plays a significant role in whether an eel will target an axolotl. Eels are more likely to attack creatures that are small enough to overpower or swallow easily. Axolotls, on the other hand, can grow pretty large.

The axolotl population has decreased by 99.5%, dropping from 6,000 per square kilometer in 1998 to just 36 in 2014 due to habitat loss and pollution.

A fully grown axolotl is typically 8 to 12 inches long, and this size can make them less likely to be eaten by most eels. But if you have a young axolotl, the situation might be different. Smaller axolotls could be seen as more vulnerable to eels.

Tank Environment and Species Matters

When setting up a tank with multiple animals, creating the right environment can make a huge difference in their interactions. The species you choose, the size of your tank, and even the water parameters all play a role in determining how safe it is for your axolotl.

Choosing the Right Tank Mates

If you’re considering keeping an eel with your axolotl, the species of both creatures is critical. While some eels are known for their more peaceful nature, others are naturally aggressive. Species like the fire eel or tire track eel can be very territorial and aggressive, making them more likely to pose a risk to your axolotl.

On the other hand, some species of eels, like the snowflake eel, are typically less aggressive and might not harm your axolotl if they are well-fed and not stressed. However, you should still keep an eye on the interactions and make sure your axolotl has plenty of space and hiding spots to stay safe.

Tank Size and Space

If you’re thinking about mixing these two species, the tank size is a huge factor. Eels need ample space to move around, and axolotls require a bottom-heavy environment with plenty of hiding spots.

A cramped tank can increase the chances of aggression. A larger tank will give both animals room to move and reduce the likelihood that one will feel threatened by the other.

Water Parameters and Behavior

Axolotls thrive in cool, clean water with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Eels, especially species like freshwater eels, might have slightly different water requirements. If their water conditions aren’t properly balanced, it could lead to stress or aggression in both animals.

Ensure the water temperature is ideal for your axolotl, as warm temperatures could cause stress, which might make them more vulnerable to predation or aggression.

How to Keep Your Axolotl Safe from Potential Threats

When it comes to the safety of your axolotl, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure they live peacefully in a shared tank.

1. Separate Tanks for Different Species

The safest way to keep your axolotl from harm is by not keeping eels and axolotls in the same tank. By keeping them separate, you remove the risk of one species harming the other.

While it’s possible to keep eels and axolotls together in large, well-planted tanks with enough hiding places, this can be stressful for both creatures. A separate setup is often the best option to keep both safe and healthy.

2. Provide Plenty of Hiding Spaces

If you decide to house eels and axolotls in the same tank, make sure there are plenty of hiding spots for the axolotl.

Plants, rocks, and caves can provide your axolotl with areas to retreat to if they feel threatened. Axolotls are more likely to be stressed by the presence of aggressive tank mates, so giving them a peaceful spot to rest is crucial.

3. Monitor Their Behavior Closely

If you’ve already decided to keep eels and axolotls in the same tank, make sure to closely monitor their behavior. Look for signs of aggression, such as the eel actively pursuing the axolotl or the axolotl becoming stressed.

Estimates suggest there are only between 50 to 1,000 adult axolotls remaining in the wild.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to separate the animals as soon as possible. Regular water testing and maintenance are also important to keep the tank environment stable.

4. Consider a Larger Tank

A larger tank, like a 40-gallon or bigger, offers more space for both species. This will help them coexist without one feeling threatened by the other. A spacious tank with lots of decoration and hiding spots can encourage peaceful living and help your axolotl avoid an eel’s predatory instincts.

5. Feeding Considerations

Be sure you’re feeding both your eel and axolotl the proper amount of food. Overfeeding your eel could cause it to become more aggressive, while underfeeding your axolotl might make it more vulnerable.

Make sure they both get their nutritional needs met. When feeding, be mindful of the type of food each animal prefers to avoid potential competition.

What To Do If You Find an Eel Attacking Your Axolotl

If you notice an eel going after your axolotl, it’s time to intervene quickly.

Separate Them Immediately

Remove your axolotl from the tank and place it in a separate container or quarantine tank. You’ll want to make sure the axolotl is safe and stress-free as much as possible.

Check for injuries like missing limbs or bite marks. Axolotls are remarkable for their regenerative abilities, but the less stress they experience, the better their chances of healing.

Check Tank Conditions

Before reintroducing your axolotl to the tank, check the water parameters to ensure they’re suitable for both animals. You’ll also need to assess the eel’s behavior. If the eel seems overly aggressive, it may be better to relocate it to a different tank.

Offer Adequate Space and Hiding Places

If you decide to keep both animals in the same tank after an incident, make sure there are plenty of hiding spaces for the axolotl. Also, ensure that the eel is well-fed to reduce the chances of it hunting the axolotl. Stress is often a huge factor in tank aggression, so maintaining calm and stable conditions can help.

Can You Keep Eels and Axolotls in the Same Tank?

It’s not recommended to house eels and axolotls together unless you have a large enough tank and a proper setup. Even then, you’ll need to be extra cautious and watch their behavior closely.

Eels are naturally predatory, and axolotls are vulnerable to aggression, especially if they’re smaller or stressed. By giving them ample space, plenty of hiding spots, and keeping a close eye on their interactions, you might be able to keep them together, but there are risks.

Final Thoughts on Eels and Axolotls

At the end of the day, it’s all about knowing your animals and keeping them safe. If you’re considering mixing eels and axolotls in the same tank, make sure to consider the species, the tank size, and the specific needs of each creature.

While eels won’t usually target axolotls in their natural habitats, the tank environment can change everything. The best way to avoid any risk is to keep them in separate tanks and create a peaceful, safe space for your axolotl.

Taking the time to provide the best care for your axolotl means keeping its tank peaceful and stress-free, allowing it to thrive in its unique environment.

References

Axolotls’ Predators: Natural & Unnatural Threats, and How They Defend Themselves

What are an Axolotl’s Predators? Storks, Herons, Large Fish, and Habitat Loss

What Animals Eat Axolotls? 7 Types of Predators (Snakes, Turtles, Birds, and More)

Do Axolotl Have Any Predators?

Axolotl Predators – Identifying and Protecting Your Pet – Axolotlpet

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