How to Adopt an Axolotl: The Complete Guide to Bringing Home Your Aquatic Friend

Have you been thinking about getting an axolotl? These fascinating creatures are fun, quirky, and unique, but bringing one home takes more than just enthusiasm.

You’ll need the right setup, knowledge about their needs, and a solid plan for care. It’s not complicated, but it’s important to do it right.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to adopt an axolotl, from choosing your new aquatic friend to creating a cozy home for them. Let’s make sure you’re ready to give your axolotl the best life possible!

What Makes Axolotls Special?

Axolotls aren’t your average pets. They’re aquatic salamanders, known for their adorable “smile” and ability to regenerate body parts.

Originating from Mexico, these creatures live exclusively underwater, unlike most amphibians. Their low-maintenance nature (when properly cared for) makes them popular among aquarists.

Without an axolotl tank filter, you must do a 20% water change daily. Do not completely change the water; this will drastically alter the water chemistry and cause stress.

They come in various colors like wild type (dark with golden flecks), leucistic (pale pink with red gills), and albino. Their unique appearance and charming behavior are a big part of their appeal, but owning one is a commitment that requires preparation.

Why Are Axolotls Great Pets?

• Interactive Behavior: Axolotls may recognize their owners and show curiosity during feeding.
• Minimal Space Needs: A single axolotl requires only a 20-gallon tank.
• Unique Traits: Their ability to regrow limbs is a marvel of nature.

Preparing to Adopt an Axolotl

Before you bring an axolotl home, there’s groundwork to cover. A little preparation ensures your pet will thrive.

Choosing the Right Axolotl

When adopting, prioritize the health of your axolotl. Look for signs of good health, like clear eyes, smooth skin, and active movement. Avoid axolotls with cloudy eyes, missing limbs (unless regenerating), or lethargy.

Where to Adopt:

• Reputable Breeders: These sellers often provide detailed care information.
• Aquaculture Stores: Many specialized stores sell axolotls and care products.
• Rescue Groups: Consider adopting from a rescue group if possible.

Understanding Axolotl Needs

Axolotls require specific conditions to stay healthy. These include:

• Water Temperature: Keep it between 60-68°F. Higher temperatures stress them.
• pH Levels: Maintain water pH between 6.5 and 8.0.
• Ample Space: Provide at least a 20-gallon tank for one axolotl, with additional space if you plan to keep more.

Female axolotls can produce between 200 and 1,000 eggs in a single spawning event, depending on their health and size.

Setting Up the Perfect Axolotl Tank

Your axolotl’s home is the most important part of their care. Let’s break down how to create a suitable habitat.

Tank Size and Design

Start with a 20-gallon tank for one axolotl. If you want two, go for at least a 40-gallon tank to avoid overcrowding. Axolotls spend their time at the bottom, so focus on length rather than height when choosing a tank.

Add hiding spots using caves, PVC pipes, or aquarium decorations. Axolotls like to retreat during the day, so providing shaded areas helps them feel secure.

Substrate Selection

Use fine sand or leave the tank bare-bottomed. Avoid gravel or small pebbles, as axolotls might swallow these, causing impaction.

Filtration and Water Quality

A gentle filter is essential to keep the water clean without creating strong currents. Axolotls don’t handle fast-moving water well, so choose a filter designed for low-flow systems. Test your water weekly to maintain the right parameters.

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

Adding Plants

Live plants like Java ferns, anubias, or moss balls are great for axolotl tanks. They help oxygenate the water and create a natural look. Make sure any plants are compatible with low-light, cool-water environments.

Axolotls reach sexual maturity at approximately 6 to 12 months of age, allowing them to begin reproducing shortly thereafter.

Feeding Your Axolotl

A balanced diet keeps your axolotl healthy and happy. Understanding their dietary needs is crucial.

What Do Axolotls Eat?

Axolotls are carnivores. Their diet includes:

• Earthworms: A staple, high-protein option.
• Bloodworms: Perfect for younger axolotls or occasional feeding.
• Pellets: Choose pellets formulated for carnivorous aquatic species.
• Frozen Foods: Options like brine shrimp or beef heart are good supplements.

Feed your axolotl 2-3 times a week. Remove uneaten food to keep the water clean.

Feeding Tips

• Use tongs to deliver food directly to your axolotl.
• Feed in the evening, as axolotls are more active at night.
• Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and health issues.

Handling and Interaction

Axolotls are primarily for observation rather than handling. Their delicate bodies make frequent handling risky. If you must move your axolotl, use a soft net or cup.

Watch your axolotl instead of interacting physically. They’ll often respond to movement near the tank, which can be just as rewarding as direct contact.

Common Health Issues and How to Avoid Them

Axolotls are hardy, but they can experience health problems. Prevention is key.

Signs of Illness

• Lethargy: Could indicate poor water quality or stress.
• Fungal Growth: White, cotton-like patches on their skin may mean a fungal infection.
• Floating: Often caused by gas buildup or impaction from swallowing gravel.

Preventive Tips

• Maintain water quality by testing weekly and performing regular water changes.
• Avoid sharp objects in the tank that could damage your axolotl’s skin.
• Quarantine new tank additions like plants or other animals before introducing them.

If your axolotl shows signs of illness, consult a vet experienced with exotic pets.

Lifespan and Long-Term Care

Axolotls live 10-15 years with proper care, so adopting one is a long-term commitment. Plan for their needs as they age. Older axolotls may need slightly less food and more frequent water quality checks.

Regular tank maintenance, consistent feeding schedules, and attention to their behavior will keep your axolotl thriving for years.

Breeding Axolotls (For Advanced Owners)

If you’re an experienced owner, you might consider breeding axolotls. This requires careful planning.

Breeding Basics

Axolotls are sexually mature by 12-18 months. Breeding is triggered by cooler water temperatures.

Key Steps

1. Separate Adults: Introduce the male and female only for breeding purposes.
2. Egg Laying: Females lay hundreds of eggs. Move them to a separate tank to prevent adults from eating them.
3. Hatchlings: Feed young axolotls brine shrimp or microworms.

Breeding isn’t for everyone, but it’s a rewarding experience for enthusiasts ready for the challenge.

Are You Ready to Adopt?

Owning an axolotl is a rewarding experience. These unique pets bring joy and fascination to any aquarist’s life. With the right setup, care, and attention, your axolotl will thrive.

If you’ve decided to adopt, take the time to set up their tank, learn about their needs, and prepare for a long-term commitment.

It’s worth it when you see that adorable smile looking back at you. Start your journey with confidence, and enjoy the special bond that comes with caring for one of nature’s most unique creatures!

References

Adopt an Animal – Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Hello, I want to adopt an axolotl but I have a lot of… – Reddit

How to adopt an axolotl – BBC Newsround

Where can you adopt an axolotl? – Quora

Save Axolotls in Mexico: Endangered Virtual Adoption – NPR

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