This page was setup to help new axolotl (otherwise known as ambystoma mexicanum) owners learn how to care for their axolotl with information about feeding, sexing, breeding and housing. I have attempted to set this site up in an easy and concise manner. It may seem like there is a lot of information on here but I have tried to keep everything as relevant as possible.
If you are looking to buy an axolotl, please check out out Axolotls For Sale page.
On this website you will find my guides on how to look after your ‘Mexican walking fish’. I recommend you begin with how to setup your axolotl tank as well as learning about what you can feed your axolotl on the axolotl feeding page. Then, if you’re interested you can check out the axolotl sexing, axolotl breeding and axolotl rearing pages. But first, a brief introduction to the axolotl…
Axolotls are extremely fascinating creatures that originated from ancient lakes in Mexico. They are neotenic salamanders which means that they fail to undergo metamorphosis and retain their larvae-like aquatic state while being able to grow to adult sizes. Axolotls are used extensively in scientific research for their ability to regenerate limbs and other parts of their bodies. At present, axolotls are considered an endangered species as many of their original habitats in the lakes of Mexico have been drained and the introduction of new, foreign species to the remaining lakes have wiped out a lot of the axolotl population.
I am relatively new this hobby, but since I began looking after my own axolotls I have become increasingly more fascinated by them. When I first got my axolotls I noticed one was obviously very stressed in her new environment (a tank I soon learned was much too small for her); this is when I went online and did some research and realised that axolotls need completely different care to many other aquatic species. I was left in the dark and the local fish shops I got them from did not give me any specific information about how to look after them.
Luckily, after some time and effort put into researching these wonderful creatures, I have since read more about axolotls than on any other subject I care to remember. I now feel that I have enough knowledge to share with other potential owners to stop them from making some of the mistakes I did! Axolotls are not hard to look after and their initial tank setup is probably the trickiest part, the axolotl housing page will guide you on the right type of equipment you will need to give your pet a loving home.
Now you’ve got your tank setup with everything you need and have it cycled, it’s time to introduce your axolotl to it’s new home! Don’t forget to check out the axolotl feeding guide to learn about the different types of food that you can feed to your axolotl to keep it strong and healthy.
If you’re up for something a little more interesting and challenging, you might consider breeding your axolotls. First, you should consult the sexing page to make sure that you have a male and female – otherwise breeding will be impossible obviously! Afterwards, the breeding page has all the important information you need to know when it comes to considering breeding your axolotls. If you plan to breed your axolotls, you should also consult the rearing guide to make sure you’re fully prepared to raise the many larvae you may end up with.
I hope that you have found this page useful, please feel free to contact me with any information you may have regarding axolotls or if you have any questions or comments.
