What is an Axolotl, anyway? By: Ashley Moore

By: Ashley Moore

What is an Axolotl, anyway? The axolotl (Ambystoma Mexicanum) is an amphibian. Unlike most amphibians, the axolotl never goes through metamorphosis. Instead, they stay in their aquatic juvenile form their entire lives.

Common name: Axolotl


Scientific name: Ambystoma Mexicanum


Originated from: Mexico


Lifespan: 10-20 years with proper care.


Size: 10-12 inches. Not sexable until 7+ inches or after 1 year old.

Housing: A 10-gallon aquarium is generally a suitable minimum tank for one adult axolotl. It is acceptable to keep one adult axolotl per every 10 gallons of water, but if you can give them more space, they will appreciate it. Axolotls live on the bottom of the tank, so a tank with more floor space is better than a deep tank. Generally plan for at least one foot of floor space per axolotl to house them comfortably. They can jump out of the tank, so a cover is a good idea. Juveniles can be housed in Tupperware tubs with 100% daily water changes until you move them to their permanent tank.

Temp: 64F-68F is ideal. Try to maintain the tank under 70F; tank temperatures over 75F become dangerous.

Water: Hard water, pH 6.5 to 8 acceptable, pH 7.5 ideal. They do well in dechlorinated tap water. Use a water conditioner that treats for chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals.

Substrate: Axolotls eat by sucking up food off the bottom of the tank. Because of this, keeping them on aquarium gravel is extremely dangerous, as swallowed gravel can block their digestive tract and kill them. Axolotls under 5" long should be on a bare bottom tank. Axolotls over 5" can live on fine sand or a bare bottom. Generally aquarium sand or rinsed play sand are good options and if you choose to use sand, make sure to rinse well.

Light: The axolotl has no eyelids, so they dislike bright light and are very sensitive to it. They do not need lights for their habitat. If you do give them a light, make sure they have hiding places that they can use to stay in the dark if they prefer.

Hides: They will be more comfortable in a tank with hide spots even without a light. Give them something to use as a "cave" for them to be happy. Avoid any decorations with sharp edges, as it is easy to damage their soft body.

Filtration: Axolotls produce large amounts of waste, so good filtration is necessary to keep them healthy. Most people use a sponge filter, a hang on back filter, or a canister filter. They do not like strong currents in the tank, so make sure to adjust the flow of the filter to a low setting, or point it at a decoration to break up the current.

Cycling: Your filter is a home for good bacteria that eat the waste produced by the axolotl. Cycling the tank is the process of growing the good bacteria you need to break down the ammonia your axolotl makes as waste. Usually a new tank takes about 2 months to fully cycle.