Have you ever seen a creature that looks like it is always smiling? It has a cute face, tiny hands, and funny feathery things on its head. That is an Axolotl!
Many people fell in love with this animal because of the game Minecraft. Now, everyone wants an axolotl pet. They look very cute and easy to keep, but here is a secret: They are not like normal fish.
Keeping an axolotl as a pet is a big responsibility. They need special cold water, special food, and a lot of care. If you are thinking about bringing one home, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
1. What is an Axolotl? (The “Peter Pan” of the Water)
First, let’s clear up a big confusion. Many people search for an axolotl fish on Google. But guess what? They are not fish!
An Axolotl is actually a type of Salamander (an amphibian). Most salamanders start as babies in the water and then grow legs to walk on land. But the axolotl is special. It never grows up to live on land. It stays in the water like a baby its whole life. This is called neoteny. It keeps its gills and tail forever. Think of it like Peter Pan the boy who never grew up!
Quick Facts About Axolotls
| Feature | Details |
| Scientific Name | Ambystoma mexicanum |
| Home (Wild) | Lake Xochimilco (in Mexico) |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years (They live a long time!) |
| Size | 9 to 12 inches long |
| Temperament | Gentle but solitary (Likes to be alone) |
| Superpower | They can regrow their legs, tail, and even heart! |
2. Before You Buy: Is a Pet Axolotl Right for You?
Before you run to the pet store, you need to stop and think. Having an axolotl as a pet is different from having a goldfish or a dog.”There are three major factors you need to keep in mind.”
Is it Legal?
Because axolotls are endangered (very rare) in the wild, some places do not allow you to keep them.
- Illegal States: You cannot own one in California, Maine, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.
- Permit Needed: In Hawaii and New Mexico, you need special papers.
- New Rules: Always check your state laws because rules change (like in Arkansas).
The Cost (Money Matters)
The axolotl itself might not be expensive. You can buy a baby for $30 to $50. But, the house they live in is expensive.
- You need a big glass tank.
- You need a special filter.
- You might need a Chiller (a machine to keep water cold) which can cost $200 or more.
- Total Setup Cost: It can easily cost $400 to $500 to start.
The Commitment
An adult axolotl can live for 15 years. That is as long as a dog! Are you ready to take care of it until you are an adult?
3. Setting Up the Perfect Home (The Habitat)
If you are ready to get a pet axolotl, you need to set up their house before you bring them home. This is the most important part of this article.
The Tank Size: Bigger is Better
In the old days, people said a small 10-gallon tank was okay. This is wrong. Axolotls are messy! They poop a lot. If the water is small, the poop makes the water toxic (poisonous) very fast.
- Minimum Size: 29 Gallons.
- Best Size: 40 Gallon “Breeder” Tank.
- Why? A 40-gallon tank gives them floor space to walk and keeps the water cleaner for longer.
Safety Tip: Always use a lid on your tank. Axolotls can jump out of the water!
The Water Temperature (Keep it Cool!)
This is the hardest part for most owners. Axolotls come from cold lakes in Mexico. They hate hot water.
- Perfect Temperature: 60°F to 64°F (16°C – 18°C).
- Danger Zone: Anything above 74°F (23°C) can make them very sick or kill them.
How to keep water cool:
- Aquarium Fans: Fans that blow air on the water surface. Good for mild weather.
- Aquarium Chiller: A machine like a mini-fridge for the tank. This is the best option if you live in a hot place.
- Frozen Bottles: In an emergency, you can float frozen water bottles in the tank.
Substrate (The Floor of the Tank)
You have to be very careful about what you put on the bottom of the tank.
- BAD: Gravel or small rocks. Axolotls eat by sucking in water like a vacuum. If they suck up gravel, it gets stuck in their tummy (this is called impaction) and they can die.
- GOOD: Fine Sand. The sand is so small that if they eat it, it passes through them easily.
- GOOD: Bare Bottom. No sand or rocks at all. This is the easiest to clean!
Lighting and Hiding Spots
Axolotls do not have eyelids. Bright lights hurt their eyes.
- Use low light or no light.
- Give them caves or PVC pipes to hide in. They love to sleep inside caves during the day.
4. The “Invisible” Step: Cycling the Tank
This sounds boring, but it is the secret to keeping your axolotl as a pet alive. You cannot just fill a tank with tap water and put the animal in. Tap water has chlorine (which kills them), and new water has no “good bacteria.”
What is Cycling?
Animals create waste (poop and pee). This waste turns into Ammonia. Ammonia is like poison to an axolotl.
You need to grow “Good Bacteria” in your filter. These bacteria eat the Ammonia and turn it into something safe.
How to do it?
- Set up the tank with the filter running.
- Add a source of ammonia (like fish food that rots).
- Wait for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Test the water with a testing kit. When Ammonia is 0, Nitrite is 0, and Nitrate is low, your tank is ready!
5. What Do Axolotls Eat? (Diet)
Even though they look cute, axolotls are carnivores. This means they eat meat. They have tiny teeth that are not for chewing, so they swallow their food whole.
Best Food for an Adult Axolotl
Once your pet grows up, its diet changes.
- Earthworms and Nightcrawlers are the absolute best choice. They act as a complete meal, providing every nutrient your pet requires to stay healthy.You can buy these at bait shops or pet stores.
- Axolotl Pellets: High-quality sinking pellets are also great.
- Treats: Frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. (Think of these like candy—tasty, but don’t feed them only this!).
Feeding Schedule
- Babies: Eat 1-2 times every day.
- Adults: Eat every 2 to 3 days.
How to Feed Them:
The best way is to use long tweezers (tongs). Wiggle the worm in front of their face. They will snap at it! This method is known as ‘interactive feeding’ and is an incredibly enjoyable experience.It helps your pet trust you.
6. Keeping Your Axolotl Healthy
Axolotls are generally healthy, but they can get sick if the water is dirty or hot. Here is how to know if your pet axolotl is feeling bad.
Signs of a Healthy Axolotl
- Gills are fluffy and spread out.
- Tail is straight.
- They eat food happily.
- They walk slowly on the bottom.
Signs of a Sick Axolotl
- Curled Gills: If the feathery gills are curled forward like the letter “C”, the axolotl is stressed. Check the temperature immediately!
- Floating: If they cannot swim down and are stuck floating at the top, they might have gas or swallowed air.
- White Fluff: If you see white cotton-like stuff on their gills or skin, it is a fungus. This happens when water is dirty.
- No Appetite: If they refuse food for many days, something is wrong.
Regeneration (The Magic Trick)
Did you know axolotls are famous to scientists? If an axolotl gets a cut or loses a toe, it grows back perfectly! They can regenerate limbs, tails, and even parts of their brain. But this only works if their water is clean.
7. Handling and Behavior
Many kids ask: “Can I touch my axolotl?”
The answer is: No, please don’t.
Axolotls have a special “slime coat” on their skin. This slime protects them from germs.Touching them without wetting your hands first can damage their essential mucous coat.
. This can hurt them. Only touch them if you really, really have to (like moving them to a tub), and always use wet hands or a soft net.
Do They Get Lonely?
No. Axolotls love to be alone. In fact, if you put two together, accidents can happen.
- If one is bigger than the other, the big one might eat the small one!
- Sometimes they bite each other’s legs by mistake during feeding time.
- Ideally, keep only one axolotl per tank.
Can They Live With Fish?
Many people ask if they can put an axolotl fish together with goldfish or tropical fish.
The answer is NO.
- Small fish will be eaten by the axolotl.
- Big fish (like Goldfish) will nip and bite the axolotl’s fluffy gills.
- Fish need warmer water, axolotls need cold water. They cannot live together happily.
8. Axolotl Colors (Morphs)
When you look for axolotl as pets, you will see they come in different colors. These are called “morphs.”
- Wild Type: Dark green/brown with black spots. This is how they look in nature to hide in the mud.
- Leucistic (Lucy): Pinkish-white body with dark black eyes. This is the most famous one!
- White Albino: Completely white with clear/red eyes.
- Golden Albino: Shiny gold color with yellow eyes.
- GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein): These are special axolotls that glow bright green under a blue light!
9. Summary Checklist for New Owners
Here is a quick shopping list to help you get ready.
- Tank: 29 to 40 Gallons (Long shape is best).
- Filter: A sponge filter or a canister filter (gentle flow).
- Water Conditioner: Something to remove chlorine (Must be Aloe-free, because aloe is bad for their slime).
- Test Kit: To check Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate.
- Thermometer: To check the cold temperature.
- Cooling System: Clip-on fan or Chiller.
- Food: Earthworms and pellets.
- Decor: Fine sand, big hides, and silk plants.
- Tools: A turkey baster (to suck up poop) and feeding tongs.
Conclusion: Is an Axolotl the Right Pet for You?
Owning an axolotl as a pet is an amazing experience. They are beautiful, unique, and fascinating to watch. It is very cool to tell your friends that you have a “walking fish” that never grows up!
However, they are not lazy pets. They require work. You have to check the water every week, keep it cold during hot summers, and feed them worms with tongs.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have the budget for the tank and equipment?
- Can I keep the water cold (below 64°F) all year round?
- Am I okay with handling live worms to feed them?
If you answered YES, then congratulations! You are ready to enter the world of axolotls as pets. If you take care of them well, your little water friend will smile at you for many, many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I take my axolotl out of the water to play?
A: Never! They cannot breathe air properly. They need to remain submerged in water at all times.
Q: Why is my axolotl swimming frantically?
A: This usually means something is wrong with the water. Check the temperature and the ammonia levels immediately.
Q: Are axolotls good pets for small children?
A: They are great “watching” pets, but not “touching” pets. Since they are delicate, an adult should always be in charge of the water cleaning and feeding.
Q: Do axolotls sleep?
A: Yes! Since they don’t have eyelids, it’s hard to tell. But if they are sitting very still and their gills are moving slowly, they are probably resting.
Q: Where can I buy an axolotl?
A: Try to buy from a reputable breeder instead of a big chain pet store. Breeders usually have healthier animals and can give you better advice on pet axolotl care.