Axolotl Care: How to take care of an axolotl

Axolotls are one of the most fascinating and unique pets in the aquarium hobby. Known for their adorable faces, frilly gills, and ability to regenerate limbs, axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are a type of salamander that remains aquatic throughout their lives.

However, while they may look low-maintenance, axolotls require specific care to thrive in captivity. If you’re planning to bring one home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about axolotl care—from tank setup to feeding, water quality, and handling.

1. What Is an Axolotl?

The axolotl is a neotenic salamander native to the lakes of Xochimilco in Mexico. Unlike most amphibians, axolotls retain their juvenile features into adulthood, including their gills and aquatic nature.

They come in a variety of colors, including:

• Wild type (dark with speckling)

• Leucistic (pale pink with red gills)

• Albino

• Melanoid

• Golden albino

Axolotls can live up to 10–15 years with proper care and grow to around 9–12 inches in length.

2. Tank Setup for Axolotls

Tank Size

• Minimum size: 20 gallons for one adult axolotl.

• Bigger is better, especially if you plan to keep more than one (note: axolotls are best housed alone due to aggression).

Substrate

• Bare-bottom tanks are easiest to clean.

• Sand is safe if you want substrate, but avoid gravel—axolotls may accidentally swallow it, which can cause deadly impaction.

Filtration

• Use a gentle filter. Axolotls don’t like strong currents.

• A sponge filter or a low-flow hang-on-back filter is ideal.

Temperature

• Axolotls are cold-water creatures.

• Ideal temperature: 60–68°F (16–20°C)

• Avoid temperatures above 72°F (22°C), which can stress or kill them.

Lighting

• Axolotls do not need lighting and prefer dim environments.

• If using lights for plants or viewing, provide hiding spots like caves or PVC pipes.

3. Water Parameters

Maintaining clean, cool, and safe water is essential.

• pH: 6.5–8.0

• Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm

• Nitrates: Under 20–40 ppm

Always cycle your aquarium before adding an axolotl. Perform weekly water changes of 20–30% and use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine.

4. Feeding Your Axolotl

Axolotls are carnivores with a simple diet.

Best Foods:

• Earthworms (nightcrawlers are ideal)

• Bloodworms

• Blackworms

• Salmon pellets (specially formulated for axolotls or carnivorous fish)

Feeding Tips:

• Juveniles: Feed daily

• Adults: Feed every 2–3 days

• Use tongs or target feeding to keep the tank clean

Avoid feeder fish and insects from outside—these can carry parasites or diseases.

5. Handling and Behavior

Axolotls are not cuddly pets. Their skin is delicate and covered in a protective slime coat, so handling should be avoided except in emergencies.

They are mostly nocturnal and may be shy during the day. Over time, many will recognize their owners and come to the glass for food.

6. Common Health Problems

Signs of Illness:

• Loss of appetite

• Floating or struggling to stay submerged

• Gills curling forward

• Skin lesions or fungus

Common Issues:

• Ammonia poisoning (due to poor water quality)

• Impaction (from ingesting gravel or other objects)

• Heat stress

If you notice something off, check your water parameters first—most axolotl illnesses are related to poor water quality.

7. Can You Keep Axolotls Together?

Axolotls can bite each other, especially when young. Adults may live together peacefully if they’re of similar size and well-fed, but there is always a risk of injury.

Best practice: House axolotls alone unless you’re experienced and have a backup plan.

8. Axolotl Care Summary

Final Thoughts

Axolotls are captivating, low-maintenance pets when properly cared for. Their needs are different from tropical fish or reptiles, but once you get their tank setup and diet right, they’re hardy and fun to observe.

With the right care, you can enjoy many years of companionship with your smiling aquatic friend.