Even with good intentions, it’s likely that you’ll make some mistakes as a new axolotl owner. And that’s okay! These frilled salamanders are hardier than most people give them credit for, and promptly recognizing a mistake can help you correct it. But what are some common errors that newcomers to the world of axolotl-keeping make? They generally relate to overfeeding, testing water parameters, and creating a safe habitat. The good news is that with mindfulness and research, you can give your axolotl the best quality of life.
1. Underestimating the Commitment and Maintenance Required
While axolotls are generally easy to care for (given you understand their needs), they are not low-maintenance pets. You must regularly clean your pet’s enclosure, feed them a balanced diet, and test the quality of their aquarium’s water. You must also recognize the signs of illness (such as shrunken gills) to ensure your axolotl can get proper medical attention. Know that axolotls aren’t the most interactive pets; you might feel like it’s a lot of work for little payoff! These salamanders can also live more than 10 years in captivity! That could mean a decade of axolotl care.
Still, if you’re not dissuaded by these menial tasks, caring for an axolotl is fairly straightforward. Over time, you’ll be able to gauge how often to clean the aquarium, how often your axolotl must eat, and when they need their water tested. You may consider creating a schedule to ensure you stay on top of things. Feeding your axolotl a balanced diet and providing a safe habitat are two excellent ways to keep them healthy.
2. Not Taking into Account Finances
Aquarium-keeping is a rewarding, fulfilling experience. But it can also become very expensive very quickly––and this is especially true for axolotls. While common morphs can cost less than $100 (with rarer colorations costing a few hundred dollars), setting up an axolotl’s enclosure can prove costly. Here’s a fast breakdown of what you would need:
- An aquarium measuring at least 20 gallons per axolotl
- A water chiller (axolotls need temperatures of around 64 degrees Fahrenheit, with more than 68 degrees Fahrenheit proving dangerous)
- A fine substrate, such as sand
- A regular supply of food, such as live worms
- A water filter
- Water testing strips
- Live plants
- Decorations that offer hiding spots
The list could go on, depending on your set-up and the number of axolotls you have. Note that for many owners, the initial cost of installation is the most expensive part. Still, you should budget for the unexpected, such as vet bills or specialized food pellets.
3. Failing to Measure Water Parameters
You cannot fill an aquarium with water, and then minutes later, toss an axolotl in there. For starters, while you can use tap water for many hardier fish species (such as goldfish and pleco), this does not apply to axolotls. They need treated, dechlorinated water to thrive. Axolotls must also have water free of nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia—all of which can prove deadly at certain levels.
Even if you’ve cycled your aquarium and waited for the perfect time to place your axolotl, you must regularly measure their water parameters to ensure they remain stable. For example, axolotls poop. A lot. Without an adequate filter, the waste could accumulate and cause an ammonia spike, which could cause discoloration, frayed gills, and other signs of stress. You must be on top of your tank’s water parameters to prevent it from crashing and threatening your frilled friend.
Many commercial pet stores sell aquarium test strips that offer a fast and easy way to measure your axolotl’s water parameters. If you notice any imbalances, tub your axolotl immediately. This involves placing them in a separate container while you work to stabilize their aquarium’s chemical levels.
4. Incorrectly Sexing and Housing Axolotls
You may want to house multiple axolotls together, so an individual doesn’t get lonely. However, in the wild, axolotls are solitary creatures, and females and males only come together seasonally to mate. A single axolotl will be perfectly content to explore its aquarium, hide under cover, and snack on bloodworm treats.
Yet, if you’re determined to keep multiple axolotls, it’s vital that you keep them in same-sex pairs for multiple reasons. Firstly, a male axolotl will breed as many times as he can—putting immense stress on the female, who can lay up to 1,000 eggs at a time. Also, axolotls in captivity are already severely inbred. So, once the eggs hatch, they could have congenital defects that threaten their longevity. Even if you sourced a male and female axolotl from different breeders, chances are, they’re somehow distantly related.
It generally takes about 18 months to confirm the sex of an axolotl. Males may start showing physical characteristics between six to eight months old, while females cannot be identified until they reach the 18-month mark. A male axolotl will have a swollen bump between his back legs to differentiate him from females. Female axolotls do not have this bump and typically have rounder bodies to hold eggs.
5. Not Recognizing the Signs of Axolotl Illness
Axolotls can become ill for many reasons, from improper diet to unideal water parameters. As an owner, it’s critical to understand the symptoms of illness in your axolotl, so you can intervene and work to correct the issue. For example, if your axolotl refuses to eat, appears bloated, or hardly defecates, they could have a bowel obstruction. This could happen if you use large-grained substrate (like gravel or pebbles), and your axolotl happens to swallow one. You could try tubbing them for a few days in your refrigerator and wait for the obstruction to pass, or you could consult an exotic vet.
Other signs of illness in axolotls include:
- Missing limbs
- Discoloration
- Shrunken or curved gills
- Weight loss
- A refusal to eat
- Little to no defecation
- A curled tail
- Gasping for air at the water’s surface
If you’re committed to taking care of an axolotl’s many needs, you could find years of joy in caring for these critically endangered aquatic animals. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes as long as you take the time to correct them. It’s all part of being a better axolotl owner!
