Ivy's Live Axolotl Care Guide!

Thank you for choosing Ivy’s Axolotls!


You’re now on your journey as an Axolotl owner. We have put together this easy to follow, comprehensive Axolotl Care Guide so you can have the best care for your new axolotls.


First, it’s important to note that while axolotls look very interesting due to their pokemon-like appearance and playful nature, they are a serious commitment as with any other pet and can live up to 15 years.


Axolotls are only found in certain lakes in Mexico, such as Lake Xochimilco. Due to environmental degradation and urban sprawl happening in Mexico, their population is decreasing rapidly and it’s believed that they’re on the brink of extinction. However, thanks to the aid of axolotl breeders and scientists, these creatures are thriving in captivity. Unlike tiger salamanders, mudpuppies, and other aquatic salamanders, axolotls will stay fully aquatic throughout their whole lives. Very rarely will an axolotl morph and go on land.

How to feed baby Axolotls: You can feed baby Axolotls with axolotl pellets, frozen bloodworms, and frozen brine shrimp. A more nutritious alternative for them would be live blackworms that can be bought online here  

 

BASIC Requirements for a healthy and thriving axolotl tank:


  • Tank size: 20 Gallon Long minimum for one adult axolotl, each additional adult axolotl will require 10 gallons more. For example, a 40 gallon tank can safely house 3 adult axolotls.

  • Water temperature: Axolotls are cold water creatures, so they thrive the most in temperature ranging 60-67°F. An aquarium chiller, fan (blowing across the water surface), or ice water bottles can be used to lower the water temperature.

  • Food: Axolotls are carnivorous creatures. (meat-eaters) The most nutritious and economical diet for axolotls is earthworms. Mealworms, red wigglers, and all other worms are good as occasional snacks. Axolotl pellets can be fed to your Axolotls with earthworms to provide complete nutrition. Additionally, blackworms can also be used as a stable diet for axolotls.

  • Habitat: Axolotls are known to swallow anything and everything that can fit in their mouths, that’s why the number one death in axolotls is impaction. We advise against using pebbles or gravels in their habitats. If you really want to use some, make sure the rocks are at least twice the size of their heads. At the same time, a bare bottom surface might cause them stress because they won’t have anything to grip on as they move. Fine sand and tiles are wonderful and safe choices for them. However, the axolotl baby should only be put on sand at 4 inches or bigger. If they’re smaller than this, we suggest keeping them on bare bottom until they reach 4 inches. They will also need lots of hides in their home. Axolotls have bad eyesight, so they are not too fond of lights. The use of tank lights should be kept to a maximum of 4hrs/day if you plan to have plants in the tank.

  • Feeding: Babies younger than 5 months old should be fed everyday, sub adults older than 5 months old should be fed once every 2 days. The feeding frequency can be more or less depending on the individual axolotl, so pay attention to what your little axolotl likes :)

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you purchase 2 or more axolotls of different sizes, please make sure they’re kept separated with a tank divider or in different enclosures/temporary containers until the small ones have caught up in size and are within half an inch of each other. You can increase feeding for the smaller ones (feed twice a day, feed more nutritious food) to help them grow faster!


Water Changes: It’s important to remember that you should only purchase an axolotl after making sure that your tank is cycled and ready to welcome your little aquatic friend. To know more about the cycling process, read our Freshwater Tank Cycling Guide. After your tank is cycled, you’ll only need to do a 25% water change every week, with daily spot cleaning of waste with a turkey baster to always keep water pristine.

 

More information about Axolotl ownership can be found below! 😊

Top 10 Reasons to Love Axolotls: https://www.ivysaxolotls.com/pages/top-10-reasons-to-love-axolotls-as-pets

Easy Axolotl Tank Cycling Guide: https://www.ivysaxolotls.com/pages/easy-axolotl-tank-cycling-guide

Basic Axolotl Starter Equipment List: https://www.ivysaxolotls.com/pages/basic-axolotl-starter-equipment-guide

Ready to become an Axolotl parent? Click below to see the axolotl babies we have available! https://www.ivysaxolotls.com/collections/buy-live-axolotls

Feel free to message us on facebook.com/ivysaxolotls or Instagram @ivysaxolotls if you have any questions! :)