What Are the Best Tank Mates for Axolotls?

Owning an axolotl feels like having a little aquatic alien in your home. Their cute smiles and unique personalities make them incredibly fun to care for.

But, when you start thinking about adding other creatures to their tank, it gets tricky. You can’t just toss in any fish or shrimp and call it a day. Axolotls have specific needs, and the wrong tank mate can lead to stress, injuries, or even death.

Let’s talk about how to choose the best companions for your axolotl and keep everyone happy and healthy.

What Makes a Good Tank Mate for Axolotls?

Before you decide on tank mates, it’s important to know what axolotls need to thrive. These amphibians are delicate, and not every fish or critter works well with them. You’ll want to focus on compatibility, water temperature, and safety.

Axolotls can weigh up to 300 grams (about 10.6 ounces).

Axolotls live in cool water, around 60–68°F (15–20°C), and most tropical fish can’t handle that. They’re also carnivores and might mistake small creatures for food. Plus, their delicate gills make them vulnerable to nibbling fish. So, any tank mate needs to fit their unique environment and behavior.

Key Characteristics of a Compatible Tank Mate

• Cool-water tolerance: Stick to species that thrive in the same temperature range as axolotls.
• Peaceful nature: Avoid aggressive or territorial species.
• Non-nipping habits: Protect your axolotl’s sensitive gills from potential harm.
• Size considerations: The tank mate should be too large to be eaten but not large enough to bully your axolotl.

Best Tank Mates for Axolotls

Now that you know the basics, let’s look at some of the best options for tank mates. These companions meet the requirements for safety, compatibility, and a peaceful cohabitation.

Female axolotls can lay between 200 and 1,000 eggs in a single spawning event.

Other Axolotls

The safest and most obvious tank mate for an axolotl is another axolotl. They share the same needs and thrive in identical conditions. But even then, there are a few things to watch out for.

• Size matters: Keep axolotls of similar size together. Larger ones might nip at smaller ones, mistaking them for food.
• Tank space: Make sure there’s enough room for everyone. Axolotls are territorial and need their space.
• Feeding: Provide enough food to avoid competition and prevent aggression.

Keeping axolotls together can work well if you manage their environment carefully.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows

White Cloud Mountain Minnows are a great choice for axolotl tanks. They’re small, peaceful, and can handle cool water. These fish tend to stay out of the way and are fast enough to avoid becoming snacks.

• Tank size: Make sure your tank is large enough to give both species space to coexist.
• Feeding schedule: Minnows and axolotls might compete for food, so monitor feeding to ensure everyone gets enough.
• Risk factor: Occasionally, axolotls might eat smaller minnows, so keep an eye on their behavior.

Apple Snails

Apple snails can make excellent tank mates for axolotls. They’re peaceful, move slowly, and won’t harm your axolotl. Plus, they help clean the tank by eating algae and leftover food.

• Hard shells: The snail’s hard shell protects it from becoming a snack.
• Low activity: Their slow pace ensures they don’t stress your axolotl.
• Cleaning help: They contribute to tank cleanliness, reducing your workload.

Guppies (with Caution)

Guppies can work in axolotl tanks, but they come with some risks. They thrive in cooler water, but their small size makes them potential snacks. If you decide to add guppies, here’s how to do it safely.

Axolotls reach sexual maturity between 6 to 12 months of age.

• Choose larger guppies: Opt for adults that are too big for your axolotl to eat.
• Stocking carefully: Avoid overstocking, as guppies breed quickly and can overwhelm your tank.
• Monitor closely: Watch for any signs of nipping or stress.

Ghost Shrimp

Ghost shrimp are a fun option for axolotl tanks. They’re excellent scavengers, eating leftover food and helping keep the tank clean. However, they’re not always safe from your axolotl’s appetite.

• Affordable option: Ghost shrimp are inexpensive, so replacing them isn’t costly if they’re eaten.
• Tank enrichment: Their movement adds variety to the tank without stressing your axolotl.
• Risk awareness: Treat them more as enrichment than long-term companions, as axolotls might snack on them.

Dwarf Crayfish (with Supervision)

Dwarf crayfish can coexist with axolotls in certain setups. They’re small, peaceful, and stay out of the way. However, they have claws, which can pose a slight risk to your axolotl.

• Tank layout: Provide hiding spots to minimize interactions.
• Supervised introductions: Watch how they interact during the first few days.
• Separate if needed: If you notice any aggression, it’s best to remove the crayfish.

Tank Mates to Avoid

While some creatures can live peacefully with axolotls, others are better left out of their tank. Here are some species to avoid.

Aggressive or Nippy Fish

Fish like cichlids, barbs, or bettas are a no-go. They’re aggressive and might attack your axolotl, causing stress and injuries.

• Why they’re bad: These species are territorial and can damage your axolotl’s delicate gills.
• Alternative options: Stick with peaceful fish like minnows or snails.

Large Predatory Fish

Avoid large fish like goldfish or oscars. They might bully your axolotl or outcompete them for food.

• Big bullies: Large fish can injure your axolotl and create a stressful environment.
• Messy eaters: Some large fish produce a lot of waste, which can harm water quality.

Warm-Water Fish

Tropical fish, like tetras or guppies raised for warm tanks, aren’t suitable. They prefer temperatures that axolotls can’t tolerate.

• Temperature mismatch: Warm-water species will struggle in cool axolotl tanks.
• Stress risks: This can lead to health problems for both the fish and your axolotl.

Small, Fragile Creatures

Tiny creatures like cherry shrimp or small fry are likely to become snacks. While they’re fun to watch, they won’t last long in an axolotl tank.

• Predation risks: Axolotls are natural predators and will eat anything small enough to fit in their mouths.
• Alternative options: Larger, hardier shrimp like ghost shrimp are a better choice.

Tips for Introducing Tank Mates

Introducing new tank mates requires careful planning. Here’s how to do it right and keep everyone safe.

Quarantine First

Always quarantine new tank mates for at least two weeks before adding them to your axolotl tank. This prevents the spread of disease or parasites.

• Why it matters: Healthy companions reduce the risk of infections in your tank.
• How to quarantine: Use a separate tank with similar water conditions for observation.

Create Hiding Spots

Adding plants, rocks, or decorations can help your axolotl and its tank mates feel secure. These hiding spots also reduce stress and prevent conflicts.

• Aquatic plants: Use live or fake plants to create cover.
• Caves and tunnels: Provide areas for your axolotl and other creatures to retreat.

Monitor Behavior

Once you introduce new tank mates, watch how they interact. Look for signs of stress, nipping, or aggression.

• Early action: If you notice problems, separate the creatures immediately.
• Balanced feeding: Ensure everyone gets enough food to avoid competition.

Keep the Tank Clean

Adding more creatures increases the bioload, meaning more waste in the tank. Maintain excellent water quality to keep everyone healthy.

• Regular cleaning: Clean the tank and test the water frequently.
• Filtration upgrades: Use a filter that can handle the increased bioload.

Wrapping Things Up

Choosing the right tank mates for your axolotl can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort. Stick with peaceful, cool-water species like White Cloud Mountain Minnows, apple snails, or ghost shrimp. If you’re unsure, adding another axolotl is always a safe bet.

Avoid aggressive or warm-water species, and always prioritize your axolotl’s safety. By carefully selecting and introducing companions, you’ll create a happy, thriving tank that you and your axolotl can enjoy.

References

Can Axolotls Live with Fish? (Best Axolotl Tankmates Guide) – PetMD

Axolotl Tank Mates – 5 Suitable (and 4 Bad Ones!) – Aquarium Store Depot

Axolotl Tankmates: Fish Edition – Water Critters

15 Ideal Tank Mates to Pair with Axolotls – A-Z Animals

What fish can axolotls be kept with?

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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