Axolotl data sheet
German name:
axolotl
Scientific name:
Ambystoma mexicanum
Origin:
Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco near Mexico City
Size:
23 to 28cm
Aquarium
Dimensions:
Length: from 80cm / width: from 35cm / content: from 100l
water values
Temperature:
18 to 20°C
GH:
6° to 16 dGH
pH:
7 to 8
Behave
Area:
sandy bottom, cave, hiding place
Lining:
Smaller fish, insects, worms, shrimp, maggots, frozen food or pellets
Behave:
Solitary, tolerates other axolotls, crepuscular and nocturnal
Number:
1-3
Difficulty level:
Easy to care for, suitable for beginners
© Andre Schöner
The axolotl is an extraordinary and unique animal. He remains a larva all his life. This condition, called neothenia, means that it retains its burbot-like dorsal fin, which extends almost the entire length of its body, and its feather-like external gills, which protrude from the back of its broad head.
Axolotls are found exclusively in the Xochimilco lake complex near Mexico City before, where they are still eaten as a delicacy. The species is closely related to the tiger salamander.
It differs from most other salamanders in that it constant live in the water. The animals possess the ability almost all fully regenerate body partseven eyes, spinal cord and parts of their brain.
They are typical black or brown mottled, but albino– and white variants are common, particularly in captive specimens.
© -Archiv
gender differences
Distinguishing the sexes can sometimes be difficult, since the differences are not too obvious.
Female Axolotl generally have a rounder, plumper body as they hold eggs. male tend to have a longer body and tail than females. The most reliable way to determine whether an animal is male or female is to look at the cloaca. The male’s cloaca is swollen, while the female’s cloaca has only a tiny bump, if any.
socialization
© uthlas / Pixabay.com
Adult axolotls from about 10 cm in size can easily be kept together if there is not too much difference in size. Otherwise it can happen that a larger animal considers a smaller one as food. Smaller animals tend to nibble on each other.
Care should be taken when keeping them with other species as the axolotl is either a hunter or a victim. Therefore, socialization should be limited to snails and guppies.
Socializing with fish is also problematic as they can have parasites that are fatal to the axolotl. Snails are harmless and the offspring can serve as food for the axolotl. Ramshorn snails, apple snails, pointed mud snails or bladder snails are suitable for socialization if the animals are so large that they do not fit in the axolotl’s mouth.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions About Axolotls:
How old do axolotls get?
Under good conditions, axolotls can live up to 20 years.
In captivity, they can live to be around 12-20 years old. There are also isolated cases of older people, up to 28 years old.
What Do Axolotls Eat?
In the wild, axolotls feed on crustaceans (e.g. shrimp), aquatic invertebrates (e.g. insect larvae or maggots), small fish, spawn and young animals of other amphibian species, as well as their own species.
In an aquarium, the axolotl is fed with live food.
The following are used as live food:
– small fish
– snails
– freshwater shrimp
– house cricket
– Woodlice
– Worms
– mosquito larvae
Alternatively, frozen food and special pellets are given.
Because axolotls are crepuscular and nocturnal, feeding should be done in subdued lighting.
What Species Can You Keep Together With Axolotls?
A socialization of several axolotls is possible from a size of approx. 10 cm. The difference in size must not be too great, as larger animals regard smaller conspecifics as food.
Socialization with other species is rather difficult, since axolotls are either hunters or prey. It should therefore be limited to guppies and snails.
Snails (e.g. ramshorn snails, apple snails, pointed mud snails or bladder snails) are harmless. Their offspring can serve as food for the axolotl.
However, the snails should be so large that they do not fit in the axolotl’s mouth.
A socialization with fish is problematic because they have parasites that are deadly for axolotls.
How much does an axolotl cost?
You can buy an animal for around €15-30 in online aquaristic shops.
The costs vary depending on the color of the animal (natural, gold, white and albino)
Additional costs for basic equipment (aquarium, etc.) and maintenance costs are added.
How big does an aquarium have to be for an axolotl?
For 3 adult animals, the aquarium should have a minimum size of 80 by 35 centimeters. The content of the tank should be at least 100l. Base area is more important than height because axolotls tend to live on the bottom and don’t swim much.
What does it take to own an axolotl?
– Aquarium of a suitable size (dimensions: see data sheet)
– Filter: An air-powered Hamburg mat filter (HMF) has proven itself for axolotl aquariums, as too much current stresses the animals
– Substrate: non-toxic, fine, round, undyed natural gravel (grain size 1-3 mm) or sand. Substrate with a larger grain size can lead to blockages.
– Hiding places: caves made of clay or artificial stone
– Plant decoration: plants with low temperature requirements (e.g. waterweed, tomentosum, java moss and java fern)
– Cooling: since axolotls are cold-water animals, the axolotl aquarium usually needs to be cooled, especially in summer. The optimum temperature here is 17°C, the maximum temperature is 21°C) You can find various options for cooling the aquarium water here.