Are you worried about caring for your hobby axolotl? No need to worry; you have come to the right place. I have been keeping axolotls in aquariums for a long time and know how to care for them.
Here, I am sharing my real-life experience so that new axolotl keepers can learn how to take care of an axolotl, and experienced axolotl keepers can gain a lot of new information.
Overview of axolotl
- Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum
- Common Names: Axolotl, Mexican Walking Fish (though they are amphibians, not fish)
- Family: Ambystomatidae
- Size: Typically 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) in length
- Behavior: Axolotls are neotenic amphibians, meaning they retain their juvenile aquatic form throughout life. They are solitary and non-aggressive but may show predatory behavior towards smaller creatures.
- Origin: Endemic to lakes near Mexico City, particularly Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco (though much of their natural habitat is now degraded).
- Lifespan: Around 10–15 years in captivity with proper care; shorter in the wild due to habitat issues
Creating a Suitable Habitat
Tank Size for Each Axolotl
A minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters) of tank is required for one axolotl, but larger tanks are always better. If you are keeping more than one axolotl, you should add at least 10 gallons (40 liters) of space for each additional axolotl.
The tank should be long, as axolotls prefer horizontal swimming areas. A relatively shallow depth will do.
The tank should be covered with a secure lid, as axolotls will jump out of the tank if they are scared or uncomfortable for any reason. Without a lid, they can escape the tank and dry out.
Substrate
There is always a slight risk when using loose substrate in the axolotl tank because they will always eat the tank substrate. A sand substrate should not be used until the axolotl is at least 15 cm (6 inches) long. At this time, you should keep it in water only without substrate.
Once the axolotl is at least 15 cm (6 inches) long, very soft, fine sand with a grain size of less than 1 mm can be added to the axolotl’s tank. However, special care should be taken to avoid placing any stones larger than 1.5 mm in diameter, up to the size of the axolotl’s head.
Gravel, small pieces of wood, or large and sharp stones should be used, except for particles larger than 1.5 mm in diameter. This can damage the fish.
Appropriate Decoration
Axolotl usually spends time on the bottom and like to hide in shady places, and an empty or unusual tank can cause stress in the Axolotl. Therefore, the right decoration creates shelter for them to hide and maintain their normal behavior.
There are some things to keep in mind when decorating the Axolotl tank so that it resembles their natural environment and keeps them comfortable and safe so that they can hide easily.
PVC piping, terracotta pots, and even glass jars for Axolotl to hide in make these great places for your Axolotl to explore and hide. Moreover, there are many types of decorations available in the market that are suitable for Axolotl.
Lighting System
Axolotls have poor eyesight and no eyelids, so they dislike bright light. Too much bright light can stress them out and make them hide.
Keep the lights on for 8-10 hours a day to maintain a natural daylight cycle, and turn them off at night. This helps them maintain their natural sleep and feeding patterns. Soft LED or low-brightness lighting is best for axolotls.
Note: UV light can be harmful to their sensitive skin. So avoid UV light.
Selecting suitable plants
Axolotl is a cold water fish and they do not like too much bright light, so plants that can survive in low light and cold water should be selected. Suitable plants for Axolotl tanks can be Amazon Sword, Cryptocoryne, Water Wisteria, Java Moss, Hygrophila siemensis, Java Fern, Ludwigia.
Before adding plants to the tank, you should immerse your plants in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), water, or a germ-free solution for 5 minutes and keep them in the tank so that unwanted germs cannot enter the tank with the plants.
Adding these plants to the Axolotl tank does not require any fertilizer for aquatic plants in the tank because they get their food from the food prepared by the fish food. Moreover, adding chemical fertilizers can have a detrimental effect on the health of the fish.
Choosing the Right Filter
Choosing the right filter for your Axolotl tank is very important because they prefer to live in calm, low-flowing water. A good filter helps keep the tank water clean but does not create excessive flow, which can be stressful for the Axolotl. The filter should be selected according to the size of the aquarium.
A sponge filter is ideal for small tanks of 20 gallons or less. A canister filter is suitable for tanks that hold 30 gallons or more of water. A hang-on-back (HOB) filter is used when multiple Axolotls are kept in a tank and the tank holds more than 20-30 gallons of water.
Water Parameters and Temperature
Using Water Conditioner
As with any aquarium, a water conditioner should be used when adding new water to an Axolotl tank. Tap water usually contains chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals, which are harmful to axolotls. Water conditioners help remove or neutralize these harmful elements.
Choosing a Conditioner: There are many types of conditioners available on the market. Before choosing a conditioner, choose one that can remove chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals such as copper or lead. Some conditioners can also neutralize ammonia, which provides additional protection. Choose a conditioner based on these factors.
Amount: Follow the package directions to apply the correct dosage, as different companies recommend using different amounts of conditioner. Do not use more conditioner than the package directions indicate.
Maintain the right temperature
Axolotls are cold-blooded animals. Cold water is best for them, as hot temperatures can be detrimental to their health. An ideal tank temperature for axolotls should be between 16°C and 18°C (60°F and 64°F). Temperatures above 20°C (68°F) for a long time increase the risk of stress and illness.
Tips for maintaining temperature
If you live in a cool climate, you don’t need to take any steps to keep your tank water at a stable 18°C (60°F and 64°F). But if you live in another climate, you will need to take the necessary measures to cool the water.
Use a cooler: If your room temperature is high, you can use an aquarium cooler. With it, you can easily cool the water.
Fan setup: A small fan can be installed above the tank to keep the water cool.
Avoid direct sunlight: Place the tank in a place where the sunlight does not fall directly.
Cold water changes: You can adjust the temperature by adding a little cold water if necessary, but do not make sudden changes.
Aeration and evaporation: Use air stones to create bubbles in the Axolotl tank, the bubbles will cause evaporation on the surface and cool the water.
Water Quality
pH Level: A proper pH level is very important for keeping Axolotls. The suitable pH range for them is 6.5 to 8.0. However, 7.0 to 7.4 is ideal as it is slightly alkaline and good for their health.
Use a pH test kit to determine the correct pH of the aquarium. There are various types of pH test kits available in the market. Test them 1-2 times a week.
If the pH range is more than 6.5 to 8.0, measures should be taken to reduce it and if the pH range is less than 6.5 to 8.0, measures should be taken to increase it. Because both conditions above and below the appropriate range are harmful to the health of Axolotls.
Ammonia: Maintaining the correct ammonia level in the Axolotl tank is very important for their health and the environment. Ammonia is a toxic chemical produced by the feces and urine of fish or Axolotls and the decomposition of food.
Test the ammonia at least once a week using a liquid ammonia test kit. Liquid tests are more accurate than test strips.
The ideal level for ammonia is 0 ppm (parts per million) and a dangerous level is 0.25 ppm or higher. If ammonia is 0.25 ppm or higher, the health of the axolotl may be affected. If it increases, measures should be taken to reduce it.
Nitrite: The correct nitrite level for an axolotl tank should be 0 ppm. Increased nitrite is toxic to fish and can even cause health problems if present for a long time. If nitrite is found in your tank, take immediate action.
Other elements: Chlorine and chloramines should be kept at 0 ppm, nitrates at 5-20 ppm, general hardness at 7-14 GH, and carbonated hardness at 3-8 KH.
Note: To maintain good water quality, 20-25% of the water should be changed every week.
Tank Care
Cleaning your axolotl tank is an important task, as it helps ensure their health and comfort.
Partial Water Changes:
Change 20-25% of the tank water every week. Water changes remove contaminants from the water, ensuring proper water quality.
Adding Clean Water: Be sure to dechlorinate the new water before adding it to the tank and ensure the water temperature is close to the tank temperature.
Cleaning Debris
Carefully siphon away dead plants, rotting leaves, uneaten fish waste, and leftover fish food. These can cause ammonia and other harmful substances to build up in the water, including pH.
Cleaning the Filter:
Clean the filter every 2-4 weeks, but do not completely wash away all the biofilm (beneficial bacteria).
Clean the filter pad or media with old tank water.
Cleaning the Substrate:
If there is a substrate, siphon it off. Axolotls can damage the substrate while eating, so regular cleaning is necessary.
Cleaning the tank walls:
If algae or dirt accumulates, clean it using a soft sponge.
Do not use any chemicals or soaps.
Cautions:
- Axolotls are prone to stress, so use a soft net or container very carefully if you need to move them.
- Unless it is necessary to move them during cleaning, leave them in the tank.
- Do not do a complete water change suddenly. This can damage the biological filter.
Food and Nutrition
It is very important to take care of the food of axolotls because their health and lifestyle depend on the right food. Axolotls are mainly fed food of animal origin.
Feeding time of adult axolotls
Adult axolotls (over 3 inches) should be fed every two to three days and the amount of food they can eat in 2 to 3 minutes.
Baby axolotl food and rules:
They should be fed every day because they grow quickly.
They need small protein-rich foods.
Live food
Adult axolotls (over 3 inches) can be fed earthworms, bloodworms, and live black worms.
Bloodworms: Ideal food for young axolotls.
Brine shrimp: Suitable food for larval axolotls.
Frozen food
Do not feed food directly in a frozen state. This can be harmful to the axolotl.
Soak frozen food in plain water and feed it later when it has thawed. Do not use hot water.
Frozen Bloodworms: All axolotls, from baby axolotls to adults, can eat it. Bloodworms spread easily in water, which makes it easy to eat.
Frozen Brine Shrimp: Suitable for larvae and young axolotls. Brine shrimp are a good source of protein and omega fatty acids.
Frozen Fish Fillet: Low-fat fish such as tilapia or hake can be used frozen. After defrosting in small pieces, give it to adult axolotls.
Frozen Daphnia: This is ideal for young axolotls, as it is small in size and easily digestible.
Pellets
Use sinking pellets made for adult axolotls. The pellets sink underwater, which is consistent with their natural feeding pattern. This plays a very important role in the growth of axolotls.
Pellets should be protein-rich (about 30-40%) and have a low-fat content of less than 5%.
The size of the pellets should be small and soft so that the axolotl can swallow them easily. If necessary, you can crush large pellets into smaller pieces.
Small fish
Small fish can be good food for adult axolotls, but care should be taken to ensure that the fish are disease-free. Small fish are a good source of protein. You can feed small fish such as guppies, platys, mosquito fish, etc.
Diseases and Treatment of Axolotls
Gill Issues
Symptoms: Small gills.Faded or reddish gills and Presence of fungus on the gills.
Causes: Poor water quality (high ammonia, nitrites). Stress or pathogen infection.
Treatment:
- Check the water quality and improve it.
- If there is a fungus, give a salt bath (salt water bath).
- Method: Mix 2-3 teaspoons of non-iodized salt in 2-3 liters of water and keep the axolotl for 10-15 minutes.
Fungal Infection:
Symptoms: White or gray cotton-like deposits on the skin.
Causes: Poor water quality or injury.
Treatment: Give a salt bath. In more severe cases, antifungal medication can be used.
Bacterial Infection:
Symptoms: Red spots on the skin. Wounds or swelling.
Causes: Bacteria enter the wound due to injury.
Treatment: Keep the axolotl in a separate tank (quarantine). Give antibiotics for bacteria as recommended by the doctor.
Bloat or swelling problem:
Symptoms: Body swelling. Refusal to eat.
Cause: Dietary problems, intestinal blockage, or poor water quality.
Treatment: Reduce food intake and feed a high-fiber diet (e.g., pitch or gravel). Cool water (16-18°C).
Metabolic Bone Disease
Symptoms: Weakened bones. Abnormal movement.
Cause: Calcium deficiency or excess phosphorus.
Treatment: Add calcium to the diet. Balance the lighting and temperature in the tank.
Cannibalism or Injury:
Symptoms: Tearing off body parts.
Cause: Attacks by tankmates.
Treatment: Keep in a separate tank. Keep the water in the tank clean and cool. The axolotl will recover on its own over time.
Note: If problems persist or do not resolve with home treatment, consult an aquatic animal specialist.
Tank Mate
Although axolotls do not need a direct tank mate, they are usually comfortable being alone. However, if you want to keep other animals with you, there are some important things to keep in mind. For example:
Size compatibility:
- Animals or fish smaller than the axolotl may become prey for them.
- Very large animals can injure the axolotl.
Cold water animals:
- Axolotls are comfortable in cold water (16-18 degrees Celsius).
- Warm water animals will not be able to survive in this environment.
Calm temperament:
- Animals kept as tank mates should be calm and slow.
- Choose animals that will not compete for the axolotl’s food.
List of suitable tank mates:
Mosquito Fish: Live in cold water and are small in size.
Amano Shrimp: Help maintain cleanliness. However, the axolotl may eat them.
Snail: Mr. or Apple snails are good for keeping in an axolotl tank. However, the snail should be large enough so that the axolotl cannot swallow it.
Cold-water fish: For example: White Cloud Minnow.
