AxoLotta Love Nursery

04/08/2024

02/26/2024

FYI: Even if two axolotl larvae come from the same clutch and are kept in the same environment, they can still differ in development due to genetic variability. Just like humans or any other organisms, axolotls can inherit different sets of genes from their parents, which can influence their growth rates, metabolism, and other developmental processes. Additionally, there may be subtle differences in the microenvironment within the tank, such as slight variations in temperature, water flow, or nutrient distribution, which can also affect individual development. These factors combined can lead to variations in growth and development even among siblings in the same clutch.

02/19/2024

FYI: Golden albino axolotls are relatively rare compared to standard albino axolotls. While albino axolotls are already less common than their wild-type counterparts due to the absence of melanin pigmentation, those exhibiting a golden hue are even less frequently encountered. This rarity adds to their appeal among axolotl enthusiasts and collectors.

Albino axolotls, lacking melanin pigment, often have a pale or white appearance. However, some albino axolotls can appear golden due to the presence of other pigments, such as xanthophores or iridophores. Xanthophores contain yellow pigments, while iridophores can reflect light, creating a golden sheen. The combination of these pigments can result in the golden coloration seen in some albino axolotls.

Iridophores are a type of pigment-containing cell found in the skin of certain animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and cephalopods. These cells contain reflective platelets or crystals that produce iridescence, giving the animal a shiny, colorful appearance. This iridescence is often used for camouflage, communication, or attracting mates.

02/13/2024

FYI: Before getting an axolotl, it's crucial to understand several key points:

1. **Tank Setup**: Axolotls require a suitable tank with enough space to swim and explore. A minimum tank size for one axolotl is around 20 gallons, with an additional 10 gallons per additional axolotl. They do not need lights and would prefer it darker. A sponge filter sized for your sized tank is perfect. Too powerful of a flow from over the rim and flowing filters may stress out or harm your axolotl. Axolotls prefer cool water temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and require hiding spots and smooth substrate to prevent injury. You can use terracotta pots or PVC pipe as hiding spots. Nothing should have sharp/broken/pointed edges. Absolutely NO gravel!

2. **Water Quality**: Axolotls are sensitive to water quality, so maintaining proper filtration and performing regular water changes is important. (Remove 20% of water and then add fresh water back again) Water should be dechlorinated so you would need to treat tap water. (Message me to find out what products I recommend) Ammonia and nitrite levels should be kept at zero, and nitrate levels should be kept low with regular monitoring. (You can find master freshwater testing kits on Amazon around $30-40.)

3. **Feeding**: Axolotls are carnivores! They primarily eat live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and earthworms and blackworms. It's important to provide a varied diet and avoid overfeeding to prevent health issues and water quality problems. They also eat trout pellets and axolotl pellets for those of us that aren't keen on ripping worms apart. Our babies are weaned off of brine shrimp and daphnia and will be eating pellets and earth worms before coming home with you.

4. **Tank Mates**: Axolotls are best kept in a species-only tank or with other non-aggressive species that won't harm them. You can put small non- aggressive feeder fish with axolotls but just know that if they can fit it into their mouth, they will eat them. Avoid housing them with fish or other tank mates that may nip at their gills or fins. Axolotls are HONESTLY content being alone and do not NEED a friend.

5. **Handling**: Axolotls have delicate skin and should be handled minimally and with care. Avoid touching their gills and only handle them when necessary, using wet hands to prevent damaging their skin. That said, you many many axolotl owners have axolotls that will swim up to you and sit in your hand in the water.

6. **Health Concerns**: Being aware of common health issues such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, and impaction is important. Regular observation and prompt treatment of any health concerns are crucial for their well-being. Keeping water parameters good and keeping substrate out can prevent most issues.

7. **Lifespan**: Axolotls have a relatively long lifespan, typically living for 10-15 years with proper care. Consider the long-term commitment before getting one as a pet.

8. **Legal Considerations**: California, New Jersey and Maine prohibit keeping Axolotls as pets.

Understanding these aspects will help ensure a happy and healthy life for your axolotl as a pet.

It sounds like a lot but in reality it's EZ PZ. Once you've done it once, you're a pro.

02/12/2024

FYI: Axolotl babies, before they develop front and rear legs are called larva (larvae for more than one). Axolotl larvae are mostly all leucistic (see-through)when hatched. The red and orange spots you see in their bodies are their internal organs. (i.e., heart, liver,stomach) The triangle shapes on their heads are actually their mouths and brains being viewed from the outside.

As their pigmentation becomes more prominent as juveniles (young axolotls with front and rear legs), you will no longer see their insides.

Leucistic type Axolotls will become more white or pale pink with black eyes or reflective ringed eyes. Wild-Type Axolotls will have a darker undertone with black or brown spots or stripes and their eyes will have a reflective ring. Melanoid Axolotls will look black or very dark with black eyes. Albino Axolotls become white, pale pink, or golden and have no pigmentation in their eyes. There are also Copper types and these could be varying colors but will have black eyes with red pupils. There are variations not listed here as well.

It's really interesting to watch the larvae development and take guesses at their adult pigmentation by understanding their genetics and seeing them grow.

02/10/2024

Many of our beautiful baby axolotls will potentially be available in late March.

If you are looking for information on purchasing or just need information regarding what you'll need to keep your baby healthy and happy, or simply don't know if this type of pet will be a good match; please reach out with a message. We can help!

If you know anyone that is searching for an axolotl to provide a happy home to, please share our page or our info with them asap. The cycling process does take some time to get ready for these babies!

All of these guys/gals must be eating pellets and worms before they will be allowed to go home with you to make feedings easier for you! They will have both front and back legs so that we can assure there are no issues. Overnight US Shipping or 2 day Regional Shipping is also available for an added charge if you cannot pickup in person. (Shipping includes an "Arrive Alive" guarantee)

02/04/2024

FYI: Axolotls are critically endangered in the wild. There are estimated to be less than 100 total. (We have captive bred axolotls which are doing quite well)

They are only known to exist in the wild in one specific group of lakes and canals in Mexico. There has been an enormous effort to save and regrow the native population, however, habitat loss and severe degradation of the waters due to pollution have thwarted those efforts. There are even some research facilities trying to release axolotls into other, less polluted waters, though the effects of this have been unclear in publications.

Captive axolotls can thrive, contribute to research, and make great pets!

With the right care, pet axolotls can live 10-15 years and see your children through college. They are relatively low maintenance compared to other pets. They stay in an aquarium 24/7 so there is no need to have a terrestrial habitat setup. They come in an array of color combinations and patterns. They have some really fascinating behaviors and are fun to watch.

02/03/2024

FYI: There shouldn't be any aquarium decor smaller than the axolotl's mouth with them.

Axolotls have very poor vision and will try to eat anything they can fit into their mouths. This includes gravel, sand, pebbles, marbles, etc.

Their little tummies can become very easily compacted, which can lead to very sick axolotls, very expensive vet bills, and your axolotl becoming unalive. Axolotls are perfectly content with a bare bottom aquarium as long as they have enough room to swim and play and places to hide. There should be NO SAND & NO GRAVEL in your axolotl tank. If you are headstrong on providing some substrate, look into dwarf hairgrass .

02/02/2024

FYI: In Aztec mythology, the axolotl holds a symbolic connection to the god Xolotl, the twin brother of Quetzalcoatl.
Axolotls are named after this deity and "atl" in the Aztec language, which means water. Axolotl is translated to "water dog"

Xolotl is often depicted with canine features and is associated with transformation, death, and guiding the souls of the deceased to the afterlife.
Legend has it that Xolotl transformed into an axolotl to escape his own death and assist in leading souls through the underworld. The axolotl's unique ability to regenerate body parts was seen as a representation of life's cyclical nature and the transformative journey of the soul.

02/01/2024

FYI: Did you know that Axolotls can regenerate?

They can regenerate lost body parts, including limbs, spinal cord, and even parts of their

02/01/2024

These babies are absolutely gorgeous and what a mixed clutch!

01/29/2024

Check out Violent Femme's video.

01/15/2024

If you're interested in becoming a first time axolotl owner, you will need to cycle your tank 2 weeks prior to putting your axo in it. Aquariums need good bacteria. Not cycling your tank can lead to buildups of nitrites and/or ammonia which can harm or unalive your axolotl.

01/15/2024

Available in March 2024