Are axolotls good pets?

Are axolotls good pets? #

Axolotls are a large sized fully aquatic salamander species found exclusively in the southern region of Mexico City, specifically the lake and wetlands around Lake Xochimilco. But are axolotls good pets? To answer this frequently asked question we need to delve into the natural history of the amphibious axo and their relationship with us, humans.

Axolotls are a paedomorphic salamander closely related to the tiger salamander. Axolotls are part of a very elite group of amphibians that reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis and they can reproduce in this neotenic state. Their regenerative capabilities are phenomenal and not only can they regrow their tails, limbs and body structure. Amazingly, axo’s can regenerate their central nervous system, tissues of the heart, the eyes and even less vital parts of the brain! The regenerative properties of axolotls have been studied for more than 150 years, with a stable population being bred by laboratories as a “model organism” (A model organism is a non-human species that is extensively studied to understand particular biological phenomena, with the expectation that discoveries made in the model organism will provide insight into the workings of other organisms). Axolotls have historically been used by humans as a food source from the age of the Aztecs to relatively modern-day Mexican markets. Today, Axolotls are only native to the Mexican Central Valley. Although the native axolotl population once extended through most of the lakes and wetlands that make up this region, the native habitat is now limited to Lake Xochimilco as a result of the expansion of Mexico City. The 10-square-mile Lake Xochimilco is a unique body of water, a natural drainage basin with slightly salty water. More than 1,000 years ago, Xochimilca people in the region invented an agricultural system of human-made floating islands called chinampas. The chinampa system, with its drainage canals surrounding the islands, is still used by farmers (called chinamperos) today. The islands provided habitats and hiding places for the axolotls, which thrived among the chinampas for 1,000 years. Their survival in the wild is also hampered by the introduction of Asian carp and African tilapia that compete for food sources and eat the eggs and young of the axo’s. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are fewer than 100 adult axolotls left in the wild. The species is now considered critically endangered. With so many axolotls being bred as model organisms and as exotic pets, it is doubtful that the species will ever be truly extinct, but in the wild, the axolotl has a very slim chance of survival.
The difficulties that axolotls face in the wild are almost the exact opposite to the fame they’ve found in recent years. Axolotls have captured the human imagination for centuries, as evidenced by their roles in Aztec religion and stories, but the early 21st century seems to be a high point for them. An axolotl can be found on the Mexican 50 peso note. There are several Pokémon (Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert and Wooper) that bear a resemblance to axolotls, and Toothless, the adorable star from the “How to train your dragon” franchise displays some axolotl-like traits.

The introduction of axolotls to Minecraft in 2021 rocketed them to the number one Google search for any animal of that year, and social media makes it easy for people to gain access to photos and videos of these salamanders, particularly the photogenic and sought after leucistic axolotls often kept as pets. But, the question remains, are axolotls’ good pets? There are several factors to consider answering this question:
• How big a tank do they need?
• Are they high maintenance?
• How hardy are they?
• Are they handleable?
• What do they eat?
• Would it be a good pet for a child?
The minimum size tank for an axolotl is 100-litres, we recommend that you go as large as you can, but a 100-litre tank is the smallest you can safely go for an adult specimen. That would give you dimensions of 36x15x12” for a single adult specimen. The maintenance, for the first few months, will be a 30% water change twice per week (a total of 60% of the total water volume per week). This will mean a minimum of 60 litres of water (dependent on the size of your tank) will have to be changed per week for the first 4 – 6 months, this allows the system to establish itself without creating a chemically debilitating, toxic environment for the axolotl. In the wild, axolotls live in very large bodies of water that is chemically stable. Their regenerative properties are remarkable, but they do not fair well with poor water quality, and it can affect them very quickly, leading to bacterial and/or fungal infections and potentially even death.
With regular maintenance and the resulting excellent water quality, axolotls are tough and hardy animals with an impressive regenerative ability. Neglect, for this species, is the biggest killer. Due to the amphibious nature of axolotls, they are not handleable animals, they make excellent ornamental pets, but they do not leave the water.
Axolotls are carnivorous and feed in a peculiar manner, they suck. Axolotls feed by using a “vacuum-sucking” method, opening their mouths creating a vacuum and quickly drawing food and water in. They have small, undeveloped teeth and swallow their food whole. In the wild, they eat a variety of small prey like insects, worms, crustaceans, and small fish. This carnivorous diet creates a messy environment through the axolotls’ waste which is high in ammonia and contains traces of urea, both of which (in concentrations of as little as 1 part per million) can be toxic.

Are axolotls good pets? Conclusion…. #

So, would an axolotl be a good pet for a child? We would have to say no. They have high maintenance requirements, a specialized diet and are not handleable or even overly active. As a pet, these large Mexican salamanders are often referred to as “boring” and “ugly”, but they are fascinating ornamental animals that, with the correct care and husbandry can be as enchanting as any fish tank or other aquatic species.

Unsure about keeping axolotls? Contact us and a member of our friendly reptile team will happily answer all of your questions.

Why not check out our YouTube channel for some cool videos on our reptiles and helpful tips on husbandry!