Are you looking into getting a new aquatic friend?
Axolotls are adorable little amphibians and they make great pets if you know how to take care of them.
It isn’t as simple as getting a tank and putting them in there, though. They’re sensitive creatures and poor care can lead to them getting sick or even dying prematurely. Don’t be careless.
We want to help protect your future amphibious pet with this brief axolotl care guide. Keep reading to learn how to care for an axolotl the right way so you can have a happy life together.
The Perfect Tank
Many people make the mistake of using too-small tanks for their aquatic pets. An individual axolotl, while small, needs at least a ten-gallon tank. While they’re small as babies, they grow large enough to need that space.
You have some options when it comes to how you fill the tank. While water is a necessity, a substrate is not (and the wrong substrate can irritate or even kill your axolotl).
That being said, they do like having something underneath their feet and to dig and play in, so using sand is a great option. It mimics their natural habitat.
Axolotls need a good filtration system that doesn’t disturb the water. The water also needs to be changed by at least 20% every week.
The water should stay between 60 and 75 degrees at all times.
Tank Additions
Like all other animals, axolotls benefit from enriching environments. A plain tank isn’t going to be good enough. They’ll get bored and lethargic.
Instead, add some plants and decorations that can mimic their natural environment.
While some plants are dangerous to axolotls, there’s a full list of approved species that won’t cause any harm and will provide a safe and happy place for your new pet (we love moss balls, or marimo, to amp up the cuteness level). It’s also a good idea to provide some rocks, caves, and other hiding places for the axolotl to explore.
Feeding Habits
Getting the right food for your axolotl is important. Nightcrawlers are the best choice, and they’ll eat two or three per day. They only eat until they’re full, so experiment with quantities until you find what’s right for your pet. If they don’t eat for a day, don’t be alarmed. They may still be full from last night!
They can also eat shrimp, chicken, and tuna from time to time, but make sure that it’s unseasoned.
Aquatic Friends
It’s tempting to want to get some fishy friends for your axolotl, but this isn’t advised. Fish, even ones that are much smaller than your axolotl, will attack it and eat away at its gills and skin.
If you want a companion for your axolotl, it needs to be another axolotl. Don’t house baby axolotls with adult axolotls or with each other, but adults are fine to keep together (as long as you scale your tank size for your quantity of axolotls).
Do You Know How to Care for an Axolotl?
Axolotl care seems complicated, but once you have the basics down you’ll have the perfect home for your new pet. They’re awesome to watch and having two together makes for a lively aquarium.
Make sure you know how to care for an axolotl before making the jump to owning one, and always do your research.
For more answers to all of your pet-related questions, explore the rest of our site.
