Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum): The Fascinating Mexican Walking Fish - Learn the Aquarium (2024)

Let’s Taco ‘Bout Axolotls! 🎉

Hey there, fellow fish enthusiasts! Tim Priest here, and today we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). You know, those adorable little salamander-looking creatures with the permanent smile and feathery gills that make your heart melt? Yeah, those guys. So grab your snorkels and let’s get started on this underwater adventure!

Axolotls: A Quick Look

Axolotls, known for their unique appearance and regenerative abilities, are aquatic salamanders native to Mexico. They’re an ideal pet for those seeking a relatively low-maintenance, yet utterly captivating aquatic creature. But enough with the chitchat, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of axolotl care!

All About That Face: Axolotl Appearance

Axolotls are not your average aquatic critters. With their wide, flat heads, large mouth filled with tiny teeth, and long, slender bodies, they resemble the lovechild of a fish and a salamander. But what really sets them apart are their external gills, which look like feathery plumes adorning the sides of their heads. These gills, which come in various colors, help them breathe underwater.

Their coloration varies, too, ranging from nearly translucent white (leucistic), to golden, gray (wild type), and even black (melanoid). Some axolotls even have a unique green fluorescence, thanks to a genetic mutation. It’s like a living, breathing underwater lava lamp!

Now, when it comes to telling the difference between male and female axolotls, things get a little tricky. Both sexes look quite similar, but males tend to have a longer, more tapered tail, while females have a shorter, rounder tail. Males also develop a swollen cloaca during breeding season, which is another way to tell them apart.

💡 Pro Tip: Axolotls can change their color to match their environment or mood. So, if you notice your axolotl’s color shifting, it’s a normal part of their biology!

A Body Built for the Water: Axolotl Anatomy

Axolotls have some pretty nifty anatomy, starting with their external gills. These feathery appendages are rich in blood vessels, allowing for efficient oxygen exchange in the water. They also have a lateral line system along their bodies, which helps them detect movement and vibrations in the water.

Another remarkable feature of axolotls is their regenerative abilities. They can regrow lost limbs, tails, and even parts of their

hearts and brains! This superpower is due to the axolotl’s ability to regenerate tissue without forming scar tissue, making them an important subject of study for regenerative medicine.

Their limbs have four toes on the front and five on the back, which aid in navigating their aquatic environment. Axolotls also have lidless eyes, giving them a perpetually curious expression that is oh-so-adorable.

A Little Axolotl Goes a Long Way: Average Size and Growth Rate

Axolotls reach an adult size of 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) in length. They grow rapidly during their first year, reaching around 75% of their adult size within that time. Growth then slows down, with axolotls reaching full size at around 18 months.

It’s important to monitor your axolotl’s growth and adjust their tank size as needed to ensure they have enough space to move around comfortably. Always keep an eye on their overall health and well-being, as stunted growth can be a sign of health issues or suboptimal conditions.

A Lifetime of Smiles: Axolotl Lifespan

Axolotls have an average lifespan of 10-15 years in captivity, although some have been known to live up to 20 years with proper care. Providing a well-maintained, stress-free environment and a balanced diet are essential to ensuring your axolotl lives a long, happy life.

Maximizing their lifespan involves regular water changes, stable water parameters, and plenty of hiding spots to help them feel secure. Remember, a healthy axolotl is a happy axolotl!

The Perfect Home: Tank Size and Setup

A 20 gallon (76 L) tank is the minimum size recommended for a single axolotl, but going for a larger tank is always a good idea, as it provides more space for your axolotl to explore and thrive. If you plan on keeping multiple axolotls or adding tank mates, consider upgrading to a 40 gallon (151 L) tank to ensure everyone has ample room to swim.

Water Parameters: Keeping Things Balanced

Axolotls require specific water parameters to thrive. Maintain a temperature of 60-68°F (15-20°C), a pH of 7.0-7.5, general hardness between 7-14 dGH, and carbonate hardness between 3-7 dKH. Regular water testing and maintenance are crucial to keeping these parameters stable and ensuring your axolotl stays healthy.

Creating an Axolotl Paradise: Required Equipment

To create the perfect environment for your axolotl, you’ll need the following equipment:

1. Filtration: A sponge filter or a gentle canister filter with a spray bar is ideal, as they create minimal water flow, which is perfect for axolotls.
2. Lighting: An LED light with a timer is suitable for providing a day/night cycle, but keep in mind that axolotls don’t appreciate bright light. Choose a dimmable LED light or provide plenty of hiding spots for your axolotl to escape the light when needed.
3. Optional filter media: Adding peat or Indian almond leaves to your filter can help maintain water parameters and create a more natural environment for your axolotl.
4. Water conditioner: A high-quality water conditioner is essential for removing chlorine and other harmful chemicals from tap water.

The Chill Factor: Keeping Your Axolotl’s Tank Cool 😎

Axolotls, being cold-blooded critters, prefer cooler temperatures than your typical household ambient temperature. To keep your axolotl happy and healthy, you’ll need to maintain a tank temperature between 60°F (15.5°C) and 68°F (20°C). So, how do you achieve and maintain these cooler temperatures? Let’s dive into some cool strategies!

1. Location, Location, Location: Choose a cool spot in your home, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators and vents. Basem*nts or rooms with air conditioning can be ideal for keeping your axolotl’s tank cool.
2. Cool Down with Fans: A small aquarium fan or clip-on fan can help evaporate water from the tank’s surface, lowering the water temperature. Make sure to regularly top off the tank with cool, dechlorinated water to compensate for evaporation.
3. Ice Packs and Frozen Water Bottles: In a pinch, you can use ice packs or frozen water bottles to cool your axolotl’s tank. Wrap them in a towel to prevent condensation and float them in the tank. Monitor the water temperature closely and replace the ice packs or bottles as needed.
4. Invest in an Aquarium Chiller: For a more consistent and hands-off approach, consider investing in an aquarium chiller. These devices work like mini air-conditioners, cooling the water as it passes through a heat exchanger. They can be pricey but are well worth the investment if you live in a warm climate or want to ensure stable temperatures for your axolotl.

💡 Pro Tip: Regularly monitor your axolotl’s tank temperature using a reliable thermometer. This way, you can make necessary adjustments to maintain the optimal temperature range for your beloved pet.

Aquascaping for Axolotls: Habitat Requirements

When it comes to creating a cozy axolotl home, the right substrate and decor are essential. Choose a fine sand or bare-bottom substrate to prevent your axolotl from accidentally swallowing large particles when feeding. Darker-colored substrates can help your axolotl feel more secure and bring out their vibrant colors.

Incorporate functional decor like caves, PVC pipes, and terracotta pots for hiding spots. If you want to add plants, opt for hardy species that can tolerate lower light and cooler temperatures, such as Anubias, Java Fern, Vallisneria, Amazon Sword, and Marimo Moss Balls. Remember to anchor plants to decor or use plant weights, as axolotls are notorious for uprooting them.

A Feast Fit for an Axolotl: Diet

Your axolotl’s diet should be varied and nutritious. Here are some excellent food options to consider:

• Earthworms
• Bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Blackworms
• Daphnia
• Pellet food formulated for axolotls
• Small pieces of lean meat, like chicken or beef heart
• Occasional treats of feeder fish (avoid goldfish)

💡 Pro Tip: Feed your axolotl every 2-3 days and adjust the amount according to their size and appetite. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health issues, so keep an eye on their overall condition.

The Life of the Party: Behavior and Temperament

Axolotls are generally docile and curious creatures, but they can be territorial and display aggressive behavior when they feel threatened. They’re also known to be “sticky-fingered” and may accidentally ingest tank mates or other objects that fit in their mouths. Providing plenty of hiding spots can help reduce stress and aggression.

Axolotls are mainly nocturnal, so don’t be surprised if you see them hiding during the day and becoming more active at night. Their fascinating behavior and unique appearance make them a joy to observe and care for.

The Perfect Roommates: Tankmates

When choosing tankmates for your axolotl, opt for species that can tolerate cooler water temperatures and are unlikely to become a snack. Here are some suitable tankmates:

• White Cloud Mountain Minnows
• Zebra Danios
• Cherry Shrimp
• Ghost Shrimp
• African Dwarf Frogs
• Kuhli Loaches
• Hillstream Loaches
• Snails (e.g., Nerite, Mystery, or Ramshorn)

Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish, such as tiger barbs or cichlids, as they can stress your axolotl and lead to health problems.

The Miracle of Life: Breeding Axolotls

Breeding axolotls is an exciting process that requires patience and attention to detail. Start by providing a balanced diet, stable water parameters, and a comfortable environment with plenty of hiding spots. To trigger spawning, you can gradually lower the water temperature to around 60°F (15°C) and simulate rainfall using a spray bottle or by adding cooler water to the tank.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of axolotl breeding, buckle up! We’ve got a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process. So, let’s get started!

1. Sexing Your Axolotls: First, make sure you have a male and a female axolotl. Males have a swollen cloaca (the vent area), while females have a rounder, plumper body shape and a smaller, more rounded cloaca.
2. Preparing the Love Nest: Set up a separate breeding tank (20-30 gallons) with a bare bottom or fine sand substrate. Include hiding spots like PVC pipes, caves, or live plants. Maintain a water temperature between 60°F (15.5°C) and 64°F (18°C) and keep the lighting dim.
3. The Courtship Dance: Introduce the male and female axolotls to the breeding tank. They’ll engage in a courtship dance, where the male will nudge the female’s cloaca and dance around her, releasing spermatophores (sperm packets) onto the substrate.
4. Fertilization and Egg Laying: The female will pick up the spermatophores with her cloaca, fertilizing her eggs internally. Within 24-48 hours, she’ll start laying eggs on available surfaces, like plants or decorations, depositing up to 1,000 eggs over several days.
5. Parental Separation: Remove the parents from the breeding tank once egg-laying is complete to prevent them from eating the eggs.
6. Egg Care: Maintain optimal water parameters (pH: 7.0-7.5, hardness: 7-14 dGH) and a temperature between 68°F (20°C) and 72°F (22°C). Keep the lighting dim and perform regular water changes (25% weekly) to maintain water quality.
7. Hatching Time: In about 2-3 weeks, the eggs will hatch into larvae. They’ll have external gills and a yolk sac, which provides nutrients for the first few days.
8. Feeding the Larvae: Once the yolk sac is consumed (around 3-5 days), start feeding the larvae. Offer live infusoria, baby brine shrimp, microworms, or daphnia several times a day in small quantities.
9. Watching Them Grow: Over the next few months, the larvae will grow legs, lose their gills, and develop into juvenile axolotls. Gradually transition their diet to larger live or frozen foods like bloodworms and chopped earthworms.
10. Rehoming or Selling: As the axolotls grow, they’ll need more space. At around 3-4 inches long, they can be rehomed or sold to other hobbyists. Ensure the new owner is well-informed about proper axolotl care.

💡 Important: Axolotl larvae are cannibalistic. Separate them into smaller groups or provide plenty of hiding spots to reduce the risk of them eating each other.

Beware of the Common Cold: Diseases and Illnesses

Axolotls can be susceptible to various diseases and illnesses. Being aware of these common ailments can help you spot the signs early and take appropriate action:

1. Fungal infections: Look for fluffy white growths on the skin or gills. Treat with antifungal medication and ensure optimal water quality.
2. Bacterial infections: Symptoms include reddened skin, ulcers, or swollen body parts. Use antibiotic treatments and maintain a clean tank.
3. Impaction: Caused by ingesting indigestible materials, leading to constipation and bloating. Address the issue by removing the problematic substrate and monitoring your axolotl’s diet.
4. Ammonia poisoning: Usually a result of poor water quality, leading to red, inflamed gills and lethargy. Perform water tests and changes as needed, and review your tank maintenance routine.
5. Stress-related issues: Tail or gill curling and loss of appetite are signs of stress. Identify the cause (e.g., improper water parameters or aggressive tankmates) and take corrective action.

Homeward Bound: Origin and Native Range

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) hail from the ancient lake system of Xochimilco near Mexico City. Sadly, their wild populations are critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. In fact, they’re now considered a neotenic salamander species kept almost exclusively in captivity. By providing optimal care for your axolotl, you contribute to preserving this unique and fascinating creature.

The Axolotl Rainbow: Colors, Morphs, and Patterns 🌈

Did you know that axolotls come in a vibrant array of colors and patterns? These charming amphibians boast unique morphs that can make them a standout addition to your aquarium. Let’s explore the fascinating world of axolotl colors!

1. Wild Type: This is the natural coloration of axolotls found in the wild, sporting a mix of green, brown, and black with speckles or spots. They often have shiny gold flecks in their eyes and on their bodies.
2. Leucistic: Leucistic axolotls are white or pale pink with black eyes. They may have some faint pigmentation on their body, making them look slightly dirty.
3. Albino: True albinos are entirely white or pale yellow with red eyes, lacking any pigmentation. They can be sensitive to light, so ensure their tank has dim lighting and hiding spots.
4. Melanoid: These axolotls are completely black or very dark brown. They lack iridophores (the cells responsible for the shiny gold flecks), giving them a matte appearance.
5. Golden Albino: As the name suggests, these axolotls are a stunning golden-yellow color with red or pink eyes. Their coloration can vary from pale yellow to a deep gold.
6. Copper: The copper axolotl has a unique metallic sheen, ranging from a reddish-brown to an orange or copper hue. Their eyes are typically black.
7. GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein): Some axolotls possess a unique trait that makes them glow green under blue or UV light. This is due to a gene borrowed from a jellyfish! GFP axolotls can come in various colors and morphs.

💡 Fun Fact: Axolotl color variations are a result of genetic mutations. Selective breeding has led to the many beautiful morphs we see today.

The Axolotl Family Tree: Taxonomy

Axolotls are closely related to other species in the Ambystoma genus, such as the Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) and the Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum). Here’s a quick overview of their taxonomy:

Aquatic Salamanders: Axolotls and Their Aquatic Cousins 🌊

Axolotls are far and away the most popular aquatic salamanders in the aquarium hobby, but are they the only true aquatic salamanders? Let’s dive into the world of aquatic salamanders and find out!

The answer is no! Axolotls aren’t the only true aquatic salamanders. There are several other species that live exclusively or primarily in water. Here are some other notable aquatic salamanders:

1. Siren Salamanders: Siren salamanders, like the Greater Siren (Siren lacertina) and Lesser Siren (Siren intermedia), are eel-like amphibians found in the southeastern United States. They have external gills, just like axolotls, and lack hind limbs.
2. Mudpuppies (Necturus spp.): Mudpuppies are aquatic salamanders found in North America. They have external gills and are known for their nocturnal, bottom-dwelling behavior. The Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is the most well-known species.
3. Aquatic Newts: Some newt species, like the Spanish Ribbed Newt (Pleurodeles waltl) and the Emperor Newt (Tylototriton shanjing), spend most of their lives in water. They’re usually found in slow-moving bodies of water like ponds and marshes.
4. Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis): These large, fully aquatic salamanders are native to North America. They have flat bodies and prefer fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and streams. Hellbenders can grow up to 29 inches (74 cm) in length!

💡 Important: While axolotls and other aquatic salamanders may share similarities, research the specific care requirements for each species. Their tank setup, water parameters, diet, and other factors may differ significantly.

Wrapping Up: Axolotl Care and Beyond

Axolotls are fascinating and unique creatures that can make wonderful pets for dedicated aquarists. By providing proper care, a suitable environment, and a varied diet, you’ll be able to enjoy the company of these extraordinary amphibians for years to come.

TL;DR:

• Axolotls are neotenic salamanders native to Mexico.
• They require cool water temperatures, well-maintained water parameters, and ample hiding spots.
• Offer a varied diet, including earthworms, bloodworms, and shrimp.
• Axolotls can be bred in captivity with proper care and preparation.
• Monitor your axolotl’s health and address potential issues promptly.