5 Axolotl Facts to Consider Before Buying One for Your Home Aquarium

Before choosing to purchase an axolotl for the aquarium at home, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Axolotl Facts

Aquatic salamanders known as axolotls are only seen in the wild at Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City.

Due to their rare capacity to regrow body parts, these critically endangered frogs are also grown in captivity and are a favorite among pet owners.

The population of axolotls has drastically decreased as a result of habitat degradation and the introduction of exotic fish species.

#1 Forever Young

Axolotls are "neotenic" animals, which means they retain all of their larval characteristics even after reaching sexual maturity. As a result, axolotls maintain their distinctive feathery external gills and the species remain aquatic, unlike many amphibians, such as the salamander, which eventually grow lungs and dwell on land.

Additionally, because they are unable to acquire teeth, they must eat by sucking on food.

#2 Carnivorous, Sometime Cannibalistic

The carnivorous axolotl eats anything, including fish, worms, insects, and crabs. They aren't particularly choosy and will consume both living and dead meat. They regularly consume brine shrimp, fish pellets, beef liver strips, earthworms, and other foods in captivity.

Young axolotls and those with insufficient food supplies are more likely to engage in cannibalism by chewing off a limb from a family member whenever they are nearby.

Fortunately, an injured axolotl may quickly grow back the body part that was severed because of its capacity for regeneration.

#3 Endangered Species

Axolotls are a critically endangered species because they are found only in two lakes in southern Mexico City and are threatened by various factors, including the pet trade.

Customers were captivated by their large eyes and happy smiles, which caused demand to soar.

They are easily and lawfully breedable in captivity, and there are authorized breeding facilities. If an axolotl is white or pink in hue rather than the dark brown coloration prevalent in the wild, that is a telling sign that it was bred in captivity.

It's crucial to get an exotic pet lawfully and straight from a trustworthy rescue organization, breeder, or supplier. They should be able to provide proof of the origin of their animals and adhere to industry standards for the species they sell, such as selling only live exotic pets to knowledgeable buyers.

Likewise, potential pet owners should first check their state laws if owning an axolotl is legal.

Also Read: South American Frogs Glow to Signal Each Other, Ward Off Predators Using Fluorescent Compound at Twilight

#4 Space Needs

Axolotls begin small; a juvenile fits a 10-gallon tank. But they grow to 12 inches. An adult needs a 20-gallon space due to size. A spacious tank where they can walk around, gentle filtration, and a special filter to prevent currents from suiting them.

Axolotls make much waste, mandating 20% weekly water renewal for cleanliness.

#5 Handle With Care

Even though axolotls are amphibians, pet owners must never take them out of the water. In actuality, pet owners should avoid handling the animal as much as possible.

An axolotl's structure is constructed of cartilage rather than bone, making them not the toughest of animals.

When taking an axolotl out of its tank, pet owners should use a mesh net and put it in another water tank right away.

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