Fishes, fishes, fishes. Amphibians are a part of the family of water creatures (creatures who live and thrive in water). Amphibians are one of the biggest and most popular water creatures on earth with thousands of breeds and species. Under one of these species of Amphibians (salamanders) is a unique type of amphibian known as Axolotl.

Although Axolotl is a rare fish and not much is known about it, we will give you a good description of its characteristics alongside all the necessary stuff you need to know about it.

What Is An Axolotl

Axolotl (Ambystoma Mexicanum) is a type of salamander, however, it does not undergo metamorphosis. The name Axolotl pronounced as Ack-Suh-LAH-thul is said to mean “water monsters’ ‘ when translated from the ancient Aztec Nahuatl language. 

Origin Of The Axolotl 

The origin of the axolotl is not well known, but a legend of the Aztec people is usually used to describe it.

It is believed that this creature was formed when a human “disguised” himself as a salamander. An Aztec legend has it that the Aztec god of lightning and fire who was known as Xolotl disguised himself to turn into a salamander because he wanted to avoid being sacrificed.

Axolotl began to gain popularity and much recognition in 1864 when it was first shipped to Paris from Mexico. With this many breeders became interested in this amphibian, which resulted in high sales of animals that can be bred easily when they are in captivity.

Characteristics Of An Axoloti

Appearance;

Color: Axolotl’s spot a variety of colors (this is normal when it comes to aquarium trade). For example, wild axolotl usually spot shades of brown, green, and gray (these colors are mottled). 

Their color aids them in the fights for survival as they blend Into their surrounding habitat very well. 

Other colors these amphibians can spot include orange hue alongside shining red trolls for the copper axolotl, black skin and dark grills for melanoid exploits, white pinkish skin with shining red grills for heuristic axolotls, etc.

Tail: The tail of this creature is an excellent swimming fin. The tail features large fins on the top and bottom which makes it appear bigger than it is. The tail gives a nice taper beginning from behind the back legs and is also relatively thin.

Eyes: Axolotl eyes do not feature protruding eyes or eyelids as usual with other salamanders. This keeps the eye open 24/7. However, even with its eyes it still makes a very nice look when combined with their smiling faces.

Body Shape: these amphibians have a long slender body frame that is attached to four thin legs. Their body looks like a cross between a tadpole and a fully-formed salamander. 

Head: Axolotl’s heads are wide and come with small black eyes. Their heads are fascinating and really interesting to study.

Gills: The gills of an Axolotl is probably the most unique feature of these amphibians. Unlike other fishes, axolotl’s gills are not located on the sides of their body. Their gills can be found on protruding crown-like appendages that are attached to their heads. These appendages are six in number and are called rami. Each of the rami is enclosed in small gill filaments. The positioning of the ramis at the back of their head gives the axolotls a really interesting appearance 

Temperament: the Axolotls are normally quiet animals but may give a show sometimes by swimming around the tank. They are curious, mild-mannered, and don’t need cuddling (if you want a pet you can cuddle check out our dogs and cats article lol). 

Axolotls would remain quiet for a long time except they have a tank mate. However, keeping a tank mate with this amphibian is not advisable as they have been reported to eat up their tank mates most times. This creature can be a bit aggressive at times especially if they have tank mates.

These amphibians practically live in water throughout their life as they need their skin to be moist for them to be able to breathe. It is not also advisable to handle this species directly as their skin is highly sensitive to fluctuations around their environment. 

One of the things these amphibians can do easily is regenerate or grow damaged or severed body parts. They can regenerate body parts ranging from limbs to the heart and even the brain. 

Herpetologists have revealed that this feature of the Axolotls and salamanders, in general, is due to the ability of the axolotl’s skin to put together severed and damaged body parts and thereby form something called “blastema”. After this, the cells would develop into cells that will in turn regrow the tissues of limbs. Very amazing feature.

Another feature of the axolotl is that it doesn’t undergo metamorphosis. This is generally because of the type of water that these amphibians live in. The water Axolotl lives in does not have sufficient iodine that can facilitate metamorphosis. However, some pet owners and researchers make Axolotls morph into salamanders by injecting these amphibians with doses of thyroxine or iodine. This process is considered a bad one by herpetology enthusiasts. It is reported to cause too much stress and trauma for them.

Reproduction: 

Axolotls reach full sexual maturity when they are a year old. The males attract the females by using pheromones, then they do a ‘hula’ dance – shaking their tail or lower body. The female replies by pushing the male gently with her snout. Their mating season for the wild habitat is February. 

Spermatophores are deposited on the floor of the habitat by the males while the females pick them up with the aid of their cloaca.

An axolotl female can lay up to a thousand eggs! It lays its eggs on rocks or plant materials (this helps to preserve them from potential predators)

They hatch after two weeks and the larvae are ready to fend for themselves immediately.

How Long Do Axolotls Live

Axolotl has a longer span than most sea creatures. An axolotl can leave for about 15 to 20 years if they are properly taken care of.

How Big Is An Axolotl

An Axolotl can grow up to 12 inches tall and weigh about 2.11 to 8 ounces. 

Care For An Axolotl

The Tank: the tank of an axolotl should be able to contain 10-20 gallons of water! If you don’t have room for a 20-gallon tank, then ensure you clean out your 10-gallon tank regularly as axolotl tends to deposit a lot of waste. 

An Axolotl will spend much time at the bottom of the tank so a substrate material is needed. The most suitable material for this purpose is sand. These amphibians can swallow pieces of gravel that can result in blockage in their intestines. Therefore it is advisable not to use small pieces of gravel that can be swallowed by them.

We would recommend a Hang-on-back filter with two-flow heads for your filtration. Because these amphibians dislike too much water movement, it is not advisable to get filters that will cause high movement. 

Also, ensure your tank features a lid because Axolotls can jump out if they get the chance. Also, perform a 20% change of water every 7 days. 

Remember to make the tank look like its natural habitat by adding hiding places that look like caves and rocks. 

It is not advisable to get a tank mate for these amphibians as they are notorious for their cannibalistic traits.

Water Condition

Axolotls are one of the most sensitive creatures in the world and would not tolerate sudden extreme changes. You should ensure you make the water look as close as possible to their habitats. 

This is the standard water parameter for Axolotl;

1. Ph level 6.5 – 7.5
2. Water Temperature 60°f – 64°f
3. Hardness of water 7 – 8 dKH

To know if the water conditions are the right one, carry out regular tests.

Axolotl Diet

Axolotl’s feeding plan does not require a daily commitment. Feeding them three times a week is perfectly fine.

For their food, you can offer them tweezers and long forceps. You just have to place this food close to them and they will find it themselves.

DO NOT feed these pets things like mice or feeder fish, it will increase the risk of them contracting parasites.

In the wild Axolotl feed by just opening their mouth. They feed on brine shrimps, fishes, snails, other amphibians, and earthworms. 

Axoloti Health Conditions

Most of the major health conditions of these amphibians are caused by fungal and bacterial infections. They can also suffer from stress problems. 

Symptoms of these health conditions include sores, lethargy, irritation, and a change in appetite. 

Axolotl Conservation

The axolotl is an endangered species according to the IUCN. A 2019 assessment reported that only 1050 axolotls were found in the wild.

How pet breeders have helped this situation by breeding this amphibian in captivity.

Price Of An Axolotl

Axolotl can cost from $30 up to $50 depending on the breeders. Also, the handling of an axolotl is not too expensive.

Conclusion 

Popularly known as the Mexican walking fish, Axolotl will make great pets. With the rise in popularity of this pet, misinformation has increased. So this article was written to answer all your questions. Did I mention these pets are extremely beautiful lol? Drop your comment below. Cheers! 

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