07/23/2024
Species spotlight!
Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Highlights:
- adult size 14-18 inches
- minimum tank size 40 gallon
- tank parameters: low temp, low flow, low light
- age range 10-15 years
Axolotls are a type of salamander native to only two specific freshwater lakes in Mexico. In the wild, these unique salamanders are critically endangered due to human activity such as water pollution and habitat loss.
In captivity, axolotls are commonly bred and make for very popular pets! These unique salamanders are completely aquatic and exhibit a phenomenon known as paedomorphosis- this means that they retain their juvenile characteristics for their entire lives.
Whereas most salamanders, similar to frogs, will start out life in a tadpole like form, then morph into an adult form over time, axolotls never morph into an "adult" form -except in very rare occasions (due to problems with water quality)
Captive bred axolotls come in a wide variety of colors and can be excellent and easy pets when they are cared for properly.
These salamanders prefer cold, dark, and still water. An ideal set up will include a water chiller, rocky caves to hide in, and a plane bottom with no substrate. Just like setting up a fish tank, the environment should be established and stable before adding your axolotl.
A warning! It is very common for vendors at flea markets and other similar markets to sell salamanders labeled as "baby dinosaurs" or similar. These are almost never axolotls and are usually juvenile tiger salamanders which WILL morph into a terrestrial adult form.
If you're interested in adding an axolotl to your home (or need help setting up a "baby dinosaur" that is now morphing into an adult) come in and talk to us about getting a tank going!
Edit: Fun fact! Axolotls can regrow limbs!
If babies (or adults) are kept together they can sometimes nip toes and limbs off, like one of the babies in these pictures. For this reason, we keep them separated in store and recommend keeping them by themselves.
When we get babies in that are missing toes they regrow complete functional limbs in just a few weeks.