Ambystoma mexicanum
Introduction
The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) originates from Mexico. They are primarily found in Lake Chalco and formerly also in Lake Xochimilco. The axolotl is critically endangered in the wild. The reason for this is water pollution due to urbanization. They grow to about 30 cm and can live for up to 20 years. Axolotls can breathe through their gills, skin, and lungs. They are actually salamanders that remain in their larval stage forever, a phenomenon known as neoteny. Only under extreme circumstances will they metamorphose into their 'terrestrial form'.
The axolotl is nocturnal. They have lungs which allow them to gulp air above water. They have eyes, but due to neoteny, these are less developed along with their limbs. What makes axolotls special is their ability to regenerate limbs when needed. They can regrow legs, toes, parts of their tail, and even organs. This unique trait makes them widely used in cancer research.
Enclosure
Axolotls are solitary animals. It is best to house them alone. However, if you want to keep them together, the aquarium must be large enough for two animals, and they must be of equal size. When housing them together, there is a long-term risk that they may fight, leading to the loss of toes or limbs. They bite at anything that moves, including their own kind. Without breeding intentions, there are no benefits to keeping axolotls together for the animals themselves.
You can add aquatic plants to the aquarium. Plants such as hornwort, duckweed, or anacharis are safe. Additionally, plants like Anubias and Java fern are suitable and can be attached to wood or rocks. Axolotls prefer still or slow-flowing water. Fast-flowing water can make them sick.
Aquarium requirements:
The aquarium should be at least 100x50x50 cm for one animal. For substrate, sand is the best option, as they can safely search for food among it. Gravel or larger stones can pose a choking hazard. Also, ensure that decorations are stable so that they do not get trapped underneath.
Temperature & lighting/filtration
The temperature of the water must be below 20 degrees. Temperatures above 20 degrees can cause stress, and a temperature starting from 24 degrees can be lethal. Ensure that the aquarium is not placed in a warm room or exposed to direct sunlight. Very bright light is not appreciated, so it is best to choose a dimmable lamp. It is advisable to provide the aquarium with a background, as this contributes to stress reduction. They also require a day and night cycle of about 10-12 hours of light per day, which can be created by adding a timer.
They benefit from having plenty of hiding spots such as caves, wood, or stone structures. To keep the water clean, an external aquarium filter should be installed. Axolotls are significant polluters, so an external filter is crucial. They prefer still, slow-moving water, so the external filter should not have too strong of a flow. The aquarium should first cycle with the filter for a minimum of 3 weeks to establish beneficial bacteria. If the filter is not cycled, toxins will not be captured, which can be hazardous for your axolotl.
Always ensure to test the water with a drop test to keep values optimal. A test strip can be useful to know the general values of the water, but test strips are not fully accurate. Water quality is very important to maintain the health of your amphibian at an optimal level.
Food & supplements
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily eat meat. They do not have sharp teeth and cannot bite or tear into flesh. Instead, they swallow their prey whole. For nutrition, you can provide pellets specifically designed for axolotls or salamanders. A varied diet is important as it contributes to the health of your amphibian. Live feed such as mosquito larvae (red, black, and white), shrimp, and earthworms are good options. Tubifex can also be offered, but it contains more fat than other foods, so it is advisable not to use it as a staple. Live fish feed should be thoroughly rinsed before being offered.
Feeding frozen food is also a good option, as it is free from parasites and worms, making it safer to provide. Axolotls often only bite when the food is moving. Young axolotls should be fed once a day, while adult axolotls can be fed every other day. They scavenge the bottom in search of food.
Adding fish to the aquarium is not a good idea as they are on the menu for an axolotl. If the fish is too large, it may get stuck in the axolotl's mouth, potentially leading to death. Furthermore, many fish species contain thiaminase, which is not suitable as food for many reptiles and amphibians.
Care & Handling
Amphibians are primarily visual creatures and not pets for cuddling. When needing to catch an axolotl, it should always be done with a fine-mesh net. Your hands contain salts and acids that can damage their skin. Ensure that the net has soaked in water for at least 10 minutes before use. If you must handle your axolotl, for instance, for a health check, use latex or vinyl gloves.
Once a week, you should change a quarter of the water. Axolotls are significant polluters, and a buildup of toxins can cause many issues. Make sure the temperature remains consistent; a temperature difference of 2 degrees can cause substantial stress. Remove old food leftovers and decaying plant matter. Use materials designed solely for the aquarium that have not been treated with cleaning agents.
Do not work with cleaning agents; they can cause death.
Conclusion & Difficulty
Axolotls are indeed a fascinating and cool pet to have, as they can be quite rewarding due to their inquisitive and curious demeanor. However, since they require very cold water temperatures to thrive, maintaining these specific conditions can be challenging in some areas of the world, especially in warmer climates. Axolotls are among the most commonly kept amphibians globally, but they are often not one of the best-kept species because of these temperature requirements. Consequently, there is much to be desired in terms of proper care and habitat setup to ensure their health and well-being.
Difficulty: 3 out of 5.