Caring For Axolotl’s

Diet and Feeding

Axolotls are carnivorous predators that rely on their owners to prepare food in captivity, as they cannot chew. They thrive on a varied diet that mimics their natural prey.

Feeding Guidelines:

• Adults: Feed ‘several mouthfuls’ every second day.
• Juveniles: Feed once or twice daily.

Suitable Foods Include:

• Bloodworms
• Daphnia
• Portions of earthworms
• Brine shrimp
• Bite-sized chunks of fish
• Small feeder fish
• Commercial axolotl pellets (as a small to moderate part of their diet)

Tip:
Axolotls are adapted to eat moving prey and may need training to recognize still food. Wiggling the food can help.

Tank Requirements and Husbandry
Axolotls have specific needs to thrive in captivity.

Tank Setup:

• Water temperature: 17–18°C is ideal; tolerates 14–22°C.
• pH levels: Neutral (7.0–7.5).
• Tank size: Minimum of 38L (10 gallons) for juveniles and 78L (20 gallons) for adults. Larger tanks improve water quality.
• Water depth: Should be at least as deep as the axolotl’s length.

Substrate:

• Avoid gravel small enough to swallow.
• Use large rocks (larger than the axolotl’s head) or bare tank bottoms. A small amount of 1–2 mm fine gravel can serve as gastroliths to aid digestion.

Lighting and Placement:

• Keep lighting minimal unless live plants are in the aquarium. Provide hiding spots if intense lighting is required.
• Place tanks in low-traffic areas to reduce stress.

Filtration and Water Flow:

• Use filters suitable for the tank size but avoid strong currents, as axolotls prefer slow-moving or stagnant water.
• Spray bars or tank decorations can help diffuse water flow.

Important Notes:

• Cycle aquariums for several weeks before introducing axolotls to establish beneficial bacteria.
• Avoid housing axolotls with other aquatic species—they may eat smaller fish, and larger fish can harm their delicate gills.

Life Cycle

Axolotls are oviparous (egg-laying) and reach sexual maturity at 10–18 months, but they won’t reach full adult size until 2–3 years. Breeding is triggered by a temperature drop and ample food supply.

A single female can lay up to 1,500 eggs, which hatch in 2–3 weeks. Be aware that adults may eat the eggs if not separated.

Common Health Issues

Axolotls are hardy but can experience health problems if their environment or diet isn’t ideal. Regular health check-ups (every 6–12 months) can help prevent these issues.

Common Problems Include:

1. Metabolic bone disease
2. Bloating
3. Infections (bacterial, parasitic, or fungal)
4. Foreign body ingestion
5. Hyperthermia
6. Obesity
7. Neoplasia
8. Trauma
9. Water-borne parasites
10. Poor water quality

When to Seek Help

If you notice any unusual behaviour or signs of illness in your axolotl, don’t hesitate to contact us. Regular check-ups are the best way to ensure your axolotl stays healthy and happy.

For more information or advice, feel free to reach out to our clinic.