How To Properly Care For An Axolotl: The Smiling Little Water Dragon
If you have ever looked at an axolotl and thought, What in the world is that adorable little water dragon? you are definitely not alone. With their permanent baby faces, funny little legs, feathery gills, and seemingly permanent smiles, axolotls have become incredibly popular pets.
But while axolotls may look like they spend their days floating around without a care in the world, they actually have some very specific care requirements. They are not quite as simple as filling up a fish tank and tossing in a salamander. An axolotl needs clean, cool water, the right environment, proper food, and regular monitoring to stay healthy.
So, if you are thinking about bringing one of these aquatic celebrities home, here is what you need to know.
Start With the Right Tank
Axolotls spend their entire lives in water, so their aquarium is basically their entire world. That means you want to give them plenty of room to comfortably move around.
For one adult axolotl, a tank of at least 20 gallons is commonly recommended, although a larger tank is even better. Axolotls produce a surprising amount of waste for an animal that looks like it should be wearing a tiny backpack and selling magical potions.
A larger aquarium also gives you more water volume, which can make maintaining stable water conditions easier.
A secure lid is a good idea as well. While axolotls are not exactly Olympic swimmers, you still do not want your little aquatic escape artist deciding to go exploring the living room.
Keep the Water Cool
One of the most important parts of axolotl care is temperature.
Axolotls are cold-water amphibians and do best in cool water. Their aquarium should generally be kept around 60–68°F, with temperatures toward the cooler end being preferable. Temperatures that remain too warm can cause significant stress and health problems.
This is one reason axolotl ownership can be a little different from keeping tropical fish. You cannot simply crank up the aquarium heater and call it a day.
Depending on the temperature of your home, you may need a fan, aquarium chiller, or another reliable cooling method. Always monitor the temperature with an aquarium thermometer rather than relying on how the water feels to your hand.
Your axolotl cannot exactly send you a strongly worded email when the thermostat is wrong.
Water Quality Is Extremely Important
Clean, properly conditioned water is one of the biggest keys to keeping an axolotl healthy.
Before adding an axolotl, the aquarium should be fully cycled. A cycled aquarium contains beneficial bacteria that help process toxic ammonia and nitrite produced by waste. Your goal is to maintain stable, safe water parameters rather than constantly battling ammonia spikes.
A liquid test kit can help you monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and other important water parameters.
Regular partial water changes are also part of responsible care. Avoid completely replacing all the water at once unless there is a specific emergency reason to do so, because large sudden changes can stress your axolotl and disrupt the aquarium's biological balance.
And remember: tap water usually needs to be treated with an appropriate water conditioner before it goes into the aquarium.
Choose Substrate Carefully
Axolotls spend a lot of time hanging out on the bottom of their aquarium, so substrate matters.
Fine aquarium sand that is appropriate for axolotls is commonly used once the animal is large enough to safely pass it without problems. Bare-bottom tanks are another option and can make cleaning easier.
Avoid gravel and small rocks that an axolotl could swallow. Axolotls are enthusiastic little vacuum cleaners, and unfortunately, they do not understand the difference between dinner and decorative aquarium gravel.
Swallowing inappropriate substrate can lead to serious intestinal problems.
Give Them Hiding Places
Despite their goofy appearance, axolotls appreciate having places where they can hide and feel secure.
You can provide caves, smooth decorations, aquatic plants, and other aquarium-safe hiding spots. Make sure decorations have no sharp edges that could damage their delicate skin or gills.
Axolotls are generally not looking for a nightclub atmosphere. They tend to appreciate calm surroundings with places to retreat when they want some privacy.
Think cozy apartment rather than underwater amusement park.
Be Careful With Water Flow
Axolotls are not built for strong currents.
Their feathery external gills and delicate bodies can be irritated by excessive water movement. If you use a filter, choose one that provides effective filtration without creating a strong current.
Sponge filters are popular for axolotl aquariums because they can provide biological filtration while producing relatively gentle water movement.
If your axolotl is constantly being pushed around the tank like it accidentally bought a ticket for a water park, your filter may be creating too much current.
Feed a Proper Diet
Axolotls are carnivores, so their diet should consist of appropriate animal-based foods.
Earthworms are commonly considered an excellent staple food for appropriately sized axolotls. Other suitable foods can include specially formulated axolotl or carnivorous aquatic amphibian pellets and certain other appropriately sized foods.
Young axolotls generally need to eat more frequently than adults, while adult feeding schedules can be less frequent depending on the individual and the food being offered.
Remove uneaten food rather than allowing it to sit in the aquarium. Leftover food can quickly contribute to poor water quality.
And yes, your axolotl may look at you like it has never eaten before in its entire life immediately after finishing dinner. This is a classic pet behavior.
Keep Handling to a Minimum
Axolotls are fascinating animals, but they are not really a pet you should regularly pick up and cuddle.
Their skin is delicate and can be easily damaged. Handling can also be stressful for them.
Whenever possible, enjoy your axolotl from outside the aquarium. If you absolutely need to move one for cleaning or medical reasons, use a gentle, appropriate method such as a container rather than grabbing it with your hands.
Your axolotl does not need a hug. It needs clean water.
Watch Those Adorable Gills
One of the most recognizable features of an axolotl is its fluffy external gills.
Healthy-looking gills can vary somewhat in appearance, but sudden changes such as significant deterioration, unusual discoloration, or persistent curling can indicate that something is wrong with the animal or its environment.
Water quality, temperature, stress, and other health issues can all affect an axolotl.
Pay attention to your pet's normal appearance and behavior so you can notice changes early.
Avoid Tank Mates
Axolotls are generally best kept alone.
Fish and other aquatic animals can create several problems. Some may nip at an axolotl's gills, while others may become prey. Even seemingly peaceful tank mates can introduce competition, stress, or disease.
Axolotls also have a tendency to investigate anything that looks remotely edible.
Unfortunately, that can include a roommate.
A species-only aquarium is usually the safest and simplest option.
Keep Their Environment Calm
Axolotls are happiest when their environment is stable and relatively peaceful.
Avoid constantly rearranging the aquarium, making dramatic changes to the water, or exposing the tank to excessive noise and vibration.
Dimmer lighting is generally more appropriate than extremely bright aquarium lighting, especially because axolotls are not animals that need intense lighting.
Think peaceful underwater cave, not Las Vegas.
Know When to Call a Veterinarian
Even with excellent care, axolotls can become sick.
Watch for changes such as loss of appetite, unusual floating, severe lethargy, skin problems, abnormal gills, injuries, bloating, or other behavior that is noticeably different from normal.
Because amphibian medicine is specialized, it is a good idea to identify a veterinarian who has experience treating exotic pets or amphibians before you actually need one.
Having a veterinarian lined up ahead of time is much easier than frantically searching for one while your axolotl is giving you the aquatic equivalent of an emergency situation.
The Secret to Happy Axolotl Ownership
Taking care of an axolotl really comes down to creating a stable, clean, cool, and peaceful environment.
They may look like tiny fantasy creatures who accidentally wandered out of a video game, but they are living animals with specific needs. With proper water quality, appropriate temperatures, a safe aquarium, nutritious food, and regular observation, an axolotl can make a fascinating and entertaining pet.
And perhaps the best part?
They do not demand walks.
They do not bark at the mail carrier.
They will not steal your socks.
They will, however, stare at you from the bottom of their aquarium with the world's most suspiciously adorable little smile.
Honestly, that is a pretty good deal.
