Axolotls, with their perpetually smiling faces and feathery gills, have captured the hearts of many as unique aquatic pets. Often called “Mexican walking fish,” these fascinating amphibians are entirely aquatic salamanders that retain their larval features throughout their lives. Unlike many salamanders, axolotls don’t undergo metamorphosis to live on land, remaining underwater from hatchling to adult. This unique characteristic shapes how you can interact with them as pets. While they aren’t the type of pet you can cuddle or take for walks, axolotls offer a different kind of rewarding companionship for observant and dedicated pet owners.
To understand if you can “play” with an axolotl, it’s essential to learn about their behavior, temperament, and specific needs. Let’s dive into the world of axolotls and explore the best ways to engage with these captivating creatures while ensuring their well-being.
Axolotl Behavior and How to Engage
Axolotls are known for their docile and somewhat curious nature. While they may not respond to games of fetch, they are far from inactive and can be quite engaging to watch.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/axolotls-as-pets-1236714-07-58de91ca4e2b4b49bbe686f85aafa45c.jpg)
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Observational Engagement: The primary way to “play” with your axolotl is through observation. They are naturally bold and active in their tanks, providing hours of entertainment as they explore their environment. Many axolotls will even approach the glass when they notice people nearby, seemingly observing you as much as you observe them. Setting up a well-decorated tank with plants and hides will enhance their natural behaviors and make them even more interesting to watch.
Interactive Feeding: Feeding time can be an interactive experience. Axolotls can be trained to take food from forceps or droppers, which allows for a more direct interaction than simply dropping food into the tank. This method also helps ensure they are eating properly and allows you to monitor their food intake. Remember to use blunt, rounded forceps to avoid any accidental injury.
Gentle Interaction (When Necessary): Axolotls have very delicate bodies. Their skin is permeable and their skeletons are mostly cartilage, making them vulnerable to injury. Therefore, direct physical interaction should be kept to an absolute minimum and only when necessary, such as for moving them to a different tank during cleaning. If handling is required, use a fine-mesh net to gently scoop them up, ensuring their delicate limbs and gills don’t get tangled. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after any minimal interaction to protect their sensitive skin from oils and contaminants.
Understanding What Not to Do: “Playing” with an axolotl does not involve:
- Handling them for fun: Their delicate bodies are easily stressed and injured by handling.
- Loud noises or sudden movements: These can frighten and stress axolotls.
- Introducing tankmates: Axolotls are solitary creatures and can be stressed or even harmed by tankmates. They might also try to eat smaller fish, and larger fish could nip at their gills. Even housing multiple axolotls together can lead to cannibalism, especially among juveniles.
- Altering their environment drastically: Sudden changes in water parameters or temperature can be harmful.
Creating the Right Environment for a Happy Axolotl
To truly enjoy your axolotl and encourage its natural, engaging behaviors, providing the correct habitat is crucial.
Tank Setup: A 15 to 20-gallon tank is the minimum size for an adult axolotl. A secure lid is important as they are known to occasionally attempt to jump out of their tanks. Axolotls are fully aquatic, so a land area is unnecessary. The water depth should be at least slightly more than the axolotl’s length to allow for comfortable movement and help maintain water quality.
Substrate: The tank bottom can be bare, or you can use a substrate. If using gravel, it must be coarse, larger than the axolotl’s head, to prevent ingestion and potential impaction. Fine gravel should be avoided.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/axolotls-as-pets-1236714-02-e4f903d163bd4deba21202d183aab286.jpg)
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Water Conditions: Maintaining the correct water conditions is paramount for axolotl health.
- Temperature: Keep the water between 57°F and 68°F (14°C and 20°C). Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can be dangerous. Avoid placing the tank in direct sunlight or a warm room.
- Lighting: Axolotls do not require special lighting and prefer dim conditions. Providing a dark hiding spot like a cave or plant cover will make them feel more secure.
- Water Type: Use dechlorinated tap water. Aquarium water conditioner is essential to remove chlorine and chloramines. Never use distilled water.
- pH Levels: Maintain a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Regular water testing kits are readily available at pet stores.
- Filtration: A filter is highly recommended to maintain water quality and reduce the frequency of water changes. However, use a filter with a gentle flow as strong currents can stress axolotls. Sponge filters are often a good choice.
- Water Changes: Regular partial water changes are crucial. For filtered tanks, a 20% water change weekly is usually sufficient. Unfiltered tanks require more frequent changes, possibly every other day. Never perform a full water change as drastic changes in water chemistry are stressful.
Feeding Your Axolotl for Interaction and Health
Proper feeding is essential for your axolotl’s well-being and can be an engaging part of their care.
Diet: In the wild, axolotls eat worms, insects, and small fish. In captivity, a varied diet is key. Suitable foods include:
- Earthworms (a staple food)
- Bloodworms
- Tubifex worms
- Brine shrimp
- Small strips of beef or liver (in moderation)
- Commercial axolotl pellets or sinking fish pellets
Avoid feeding wild-caught worms or fish as they can carry parasites. Vitamin or mineral supplements are generally unnecessary with a balanced diet.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/axolotls-as-pets-1236714-03-ce31bf2eef5b4ff089e15b39f90a2dab.jpg)
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Feeding Frequency and Method: Feeding frequency depends on age and size. Adult axolotls typically eat two to three times per week. Offer food using forceps or a dropper to allow for interaction and ensure they are eating. You can also drop food near them in the tank. Remove any uneaten food daily to prevent water fouling. Axolotls are often more active in the evening, so evening feedings might be more successful if they are initially hesitant to eat during the day.
Health and Longevity: Caring for Your Axolotl
Axolotls are known for their remarkable regenerative abilities, capable of regrowing limbs and even more complex body parts. However, they are still susceptible to health issues, primarily related to water quality.
Common Health Problems:
- Infections: Poor water quality can lead to bacterial and fungal infections. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, and visible skin issues.
- Ammonia Poisoning: Buildup of ammonia from waste is toxic and can damage gills and cause neurological issues. Regular water changes are crucial for prevention.
- Impaction: Ingesting small gravel can cause gastrointestinal blockages. Symptoms include sluggishness and refusal to eat.
- Metamorphosis: While rare, axolotls can sometimes undergo metamorphosis into a terrestrial form, which is extremely stressful and shortens their lifespan. This is often triggered by poor water conditions or hormonal imbalances.
Legal Considerations and Responsible Ownership
Before getting an axolotl, it’s crucial to check local laws. Axolotl ownership is restricted or illegal in some areas, such as California, Maine, New Jersey, and Virginia. In New Mexico, they are legal to own but illegal to import.
Axolotls are critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and pollution in their native Mexico. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure you are purchasing a captive-bred axolotl and never taking one from the wild. Reputable breeders or rescue groups are the best sources. Expect to pay between $30 and $80, with rarer colors costing more. A healthy axolotl should be active, have clear skin, and be a good weight.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/axolotls-as-pets-ce1e84d1bc5e4ba1b7a5ad6d92276d6e.png)
The Spruce / Catherine Song
Conclusion: The Unique Joy of Axolotl Companionship
While you can’t “play” with an axolotl in the traditional sense of petting or active games, they offer a fascinating and rewarding pet ownership experience. The joy of keeping axolotls lies in observing their unique behaviors, creating a thriving aquatic environment for them, and the subtle interactions during feeding. They are quiet, relatively low-maintenance pets once their habitat is established, and their captivating appearance and gentle nature make them wonderful companions for those who appreciate aquatic life. If you are looking for a pet to observe and care for, rather than physically interact with, an axolotl might be the perfect choice.
FAQ
-
Do axolotls make good pets?
Axolotls are excellent pets for individuals who prefer observation-based interaction. They are engaging to watch, easy to care for once their environment is set up, and offer a unique pet ownership experience. They are ideal for those seeking a less hands-on pet.
-
Can you touch an axolotl?
It’s best to avoid touching axolotls unless absolutely necessary due to their delicate bodies and permeable skin. Handle them only when required, using a fine-mesh net, and always with clean, washed hands.
-
How long do axolotls live?
With proper care in captivity, axolotls typically live for 10 to 15 years. Their lifespan in the wild is shorter, around 5 to 10 years.
