Axolotl Care Guide

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are unique, fully aquatic salamanders known for their feathery external gills and ability to regenerate limbs. They are neotenic, meaning they retain larval features throughout adulthood. Their care revolves around maintaining specific cold water parameters and avoiding stress. They are relatively hardy but sensitive to poor water quality and high temperatures.

Aquarium Setup & Water Parameters

A proper aquarium setup with stable, cold water is the most crucial aspect of axolotl care.

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (long style preferred for floor space) for one adult axolotl. Add at least 10 gallons for each additional axolotl.
• Substrate: Bare bottom tank is safest and easiest to clean. Fine sand (like play sand or specific aquarium sand) can be used for adults (over 5-6 inches long), but avoid gravel or pebbles smaller than their head, as ingestion causes impaction.
• Filtration: Essential for maintaining water quality. Use a filter rated for slightly larger than the tank volume. Axolotls prefer low water flow; use a spray bar or place decor to baffle the filter output. Sponge filters are a popular gentle option.
• Cycling: The tank *must* be fully cycled *before* adding the axolotl. This establishes beneficial bacteria to break down toxic ammonia and nitrite. Use a liquid test kit (API Freshwater Master Test Kit is recommended) to monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Ammonia and nitrite must always be 0 ppm. Nitrates should be kept low (<20-40 ppm) through water changes.
• Water Temperature: CRITICAL. Keep water cold: 60-68°F (15-20°C) is ideal. Temperatures above 72°F (22°C) cause stress, loss of appetite, and increase susceptibility to disease. Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can be fatal. Aquarium chillers or fans blowing across the water surface may be necessary in warm climates.
• Water Changes: Perform regular partial water changes (e.g., 20-30% weekly) using dechlorinated water matched to the tank’s temperature. Use a water conditioner like Seachem Prime.
• Hides & Decor: Provide plenty of hiding places like caves, terracotta pots (check for sharp edges), PVC pipes, or dense, low-light plants (e.g., Anubias, Java Fern, moss balls).

Lighting

Axolotls have sensitive eyes and prefer dim conditions.

• Low Light: They do not have eyelids and find bright light stressful. Avoid direct sunlight. Standard aquarium lighting is often too bright and unnecessary.
• Ambient Light: Ambient room light is usually sufficient. If using a light for viewing or plants, keep it dim and ensure the axolotl has plenty of shaded hiding spots. Use timers to ensure a consistent day/night cycle.

Diet & Nutrition

Axolotls are carnivores.

• Food Type: High-quality, protein-rich foods are essential. Staple diets include earthworms (nightcrawlers, red wigglers – ensure sourced safely, not collected from pesticide-treated areas), and high-quality sinking pellets specifically formulated for axolotls or carnivores (like salmon pellets).
• Treats (Occasional): Bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp (live or frozen). These are less nutritionally complete and better as occasional treats. Avoid fatty foods.
• Feeding Schedule: Adults typically eat every 2-3 days. Juveniles require daily feeding. Feed until they lose interest, usually 1-3 worms or equivalent pellets per feeding for an adult.
• Feeding Method: Use tongs to offer worms or drop pellets near them. Remove any uneaten food promptly (within 10-15 minutes) to prevent water quality issues.
• Avoid: Feeder fish (risk of parasites/disease, thiaminase issues), mammalian meat, mealworms (hard exoskeleton).

Handling & Tankmates

Axolotls are delicate and generally should not share their tank.

• Handling: AVOID. Axolotls have sensitive skin (no scales) and a delicate slime coat. Handling damages this coat and causes extreme stress. Their skeletal structure is also fragile. Only net or handle when absolutely necessary (e.g., vet visit, moving tanks), and minimize time out of water. Use wet hands or a soft container.
• Tankmates: Best kept alone or only with other axolotls of similar size and opposite sex (if breeding is desired/prepared for). **DO NOT house with fish.** Fish may nip at the axolotl’s gills, and smaller fish will likely be eaten. Snails can be an impaction risk. Larger axolotls may eat smaller ones.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful but opportunistic feeders. They spend much time resting on the bottom or exploring slowly.

Common Health Issues & Cleaning

Maintaining pristine water quality and cool temperatures prevents most issues.

• Common Issues: Ammonia/Nitrite poisoning (from uncycled tank or poor maintenance), fungal infections (often appear as white cottony patches, especially on gills, linked to stress/injury/poor water), bacterial infections, impaction (swallowing substrate/objects), heat stress, floating/buoyancy issues, injuries from tankmates or decor.
• Veterinary Care: Find an exotic vet experienced with amphibians/aquatics *before* an emergency.
• Gill Health: Healthy gills are long and feathery. Shortened, curled, or pale gills often indicate stress or poor water quality.
• Daily Cleaning: Remove visible waste (poop) and uneaten food using a turkey baster or siphon.
• Weekly Cleaning: Perform partial water changes (20-30%), lightly siphon the substrate surface (if applicable), wipe down inside glass if needed. Test water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temp).
• Filter Maintenance: Clean filter media periodically (rinse sponge filters in removed tank water, not tap water, to preserve beneficial bacteria) according to manufacturer instructions or as needed based on flow.