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.
