Axolotl - Ambystoma mexicanum : Complete Amphibian Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are a perfect first amphibian for beginners due to their relatively low maintenance needs and hardy nature. These curious animals can be active at any time of the day, and they love to explore new surroundings. Changing the aquarium layout every so often is an excellent way to keep them entertained and prevent boredom. Once returned to the tank, they will excitedly re-explore their new environment.
Although Axolotls have predatory tendencies, keeping them with smaller tank mates or similar-sized or smaller Axolotls can result in limb loss or ingestion. Keeping them on their own is recommended to avoid any harm or trauma, even though their limbs will eventually grow back. While some may suggest keeping Axolotls with aquarium fish, this is not advised. The Axolotl may eat the fish or cause damage to their gills, leading to potential harm or death.
Axolotls are relatively active, and providing a larger aquarium is ideal. Ensuring that the aquarium has a tight-fitting lid is also crucial, as they may try to escape. These creatures are not accustomed to living on land; if they escape, they can quickly dehydrate and die. A gravel substrate is recommended to cover the bottom of your aquarium, but ensure the stones are larger in size to prevent accidental ingestion. Sand, pebbles, marbles, and large rocks are also suitable options.
Axolotls possess an incredible ability to regenerate almost every part of their body within months, including vital structures such as the limbs, tissues of the eye and heart, and the central nervous system. In some instances, they can even regenerate an extra appendage, resulting in a unique and charming novelty for pet owners. Unfortunately, however, this ability is greatly diminished in metamorphosed individuals. Axolotls are known for preserving their larval features throughout their adult life, a rare trait called neoteny.
They have thick, flat bodies with disproportionately large heads and feathery external gills distending from the back of their head. Their round, dark eyes with yellow, iridescent irises and slightly bent mouths give them a perpetually grinning expression. They have legs similar to a lizard, which they use to prowl around the bottom of the aquarium.
Axolotls' natural colour is usually black or mottled brown with gold speckles and an olive undertone. They can shift their hue a few shades lighter or darker as needed for camouflage. However, breeders have crossed variants, resulting in common colour variations such as pale pink with black eyes, golden with gold eyes, grey with black eyes, pale pink to white with red eyes, and all black or dark blue with no gold speckling or olive tone.
Axolotl Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Accurately distinguishing between the sexes of juvenile Axolotls can be challenging. However, sexing adult Axolotls is a relatively simple task. Males can be identified by their longer but narrower heads and enlarged cloaca, while females possess a smaller cloaca and exhibit rounder, more plump bodies.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Ambystoma mexicanum |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1798 |
| Other Names | Mexican walking fish |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Amphibia |
| Order | Urodela |
| Family | Ambystomatidae |
| Genus | Ambystoma |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 30 cm |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Loners |
| Diet & Feeding | Carnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 8.0 |
| GH | 8 - 14 |
| KH | 3 - 8 |
| TDS | 140 - 250 |
| ℉ | 55 - 75 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 12 - 23 |
Natural Habitat
The Axolotl is an intriguing species native to the Mexican Basin, specifically Lake Chalco and Lake Xochimilco. Unfortunately, Lake Chalco has been drained as a flood control measure, and Lake Xochimilco exists mainly as canals, significantly diminishing the natural habitat of these fascinating creatures. One of the primary issues impacting Axolotl populations is the improper release of organisms such as Mojarra, Asian Carp, and Tilapia into their habitats.
Additionally, chemical contamination in the early part of the past century, when natural freshwater springs were altered to provide potable water to Mexico City, has contributed to their decline. In addition, the original canals were refilled with wastewater from the city, exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, urban sprawl around the lake area has further diminished their habitat.
These factors have led to the Axolotl being classified as an endangered species. Much like most neotenic species, their natural habitat is high-altitude bodies of water surrounded by risky terrestrial environments. Therefore, preserving the habitat of the Axolotl is vital to ensuring their continued existence for future generations to marvel at and appreciate.
Breeding
The courtship behaviour of Axolotls follows the general Ambystoma pattern, commencing with both individuals nudging each other's cloacal regions, gradually leading up to a graceful "waltz" where both animals move in a circular motion. The male then moves away while waving the posterior part of his body and tail, with the female following in tow.
During the courtship, the male will actively shake his tail and deposit a conical-shaped jelly mass containing sperm cells for approximately 30 seconds, moving forward by one body length afterwards. The female then moves over the cone-shaped jelly mass, shakes her tail, and picks it up with her cloaca. Axolotls attain sexual maturity at approximately one year of age, with their wild breeding season typically occurring from March to June.
They typically deposit between 100 to 300 eggs, which are attached to substrates such as floating vegetation or rocks in the water. The eggs will hatch within 10 to 14 days, and the parents will not partake in any parental care. The young Axolotls become independent immediately after hatching.
Diet & Feeding
Axolotls primarily feed on molluscs, worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, and certain fish species in their natural habitat. In captivity, various readily available foods, such as salmon and trout pellets, as well as frozen or live foods like earthworms, crickets, mosquito larvae, waxworms, and bloodworms, are suitable options for their diet. However, caution should be exercised when providing feeder fish as they may contain parasites, which can be detrimental to Axolotl's health. Careful consideration of the species' dietary requirements and ensuring that their nutritional needs are met with appropriate and safe food sources is critical for their well-being and longevity.
