Ambystoma mexicanum
Axolotls are large salamanders that come from the remnant lakes of Xochimilco and Chalco in Mexico City, Mexico.
Axolotls live their entire lives in water, never coming onto land.
Most axolotls average 10-12 inches but 17inch animals have been documented.
Axolotls can live up to 20 years but on average live to about 10.
A 10 gallon aquarium can hold a solitary adult, however given the amount of waste that they produce they should generally be kept in 20 gallons or larger.
These animals need to have a filter. A canister filter is best, preferably one fitted with a spray bar.
They should have a low flow from a spray bar from the filter. Animals in high flow conditions are known to stress and stop eating.
These animals do not need lighting and may be shy if kept under bright lights at first. Use caves and plants as decorations and they should acclimate to the light fairly quickly.
They should be kept in the low to mid 60 degree range anything above 74 degrees will cause heat stress.
Substrate is not necessary but should you choose to use some aquarium sand is an ideal substrate for these animals and they are know to swallow gravel and mouth sized objects. Anything smaller than the head can be consumed.
A good diet for these animals would consist of Nightcrawlers (large earthworms), frozen bloodworm cubes.
Tap water is ok for these animals as long as it has been dechlorinated.
You can use your fish husbandry routine to care for the water quality of your axolotl.
These animals should not be handled. They are too delicate and damage very easily.
If you must move your axolotl use a very fine mesh net, larger mesh can cause their toes to tangle and be damaged.
