About the Axolotl
(ak·suh·laa·tl)
The axolotl is a species of salamander native to Mexico, found only in Lake Xochilimilco, a district in Mexico City. The eggs of axolotls, and any salamander are laid in the water. All salamanders start life as aquatic larvae called efts, similar to tadpoles. The majority of salamander species undergo metamorphosis to become terrestrial air breathing animals. Axolotls do not! They are neotenic, meaning they stop part way through that process and stay in the water. Axolotls keep their external gills, which are the feathery things sticking out behind their sweet little faces.
Eggs on Hatch Day!
Efts of a few different color morphs
Axolotls typically live 10-15 years in captivity, but can live up to 20 years! They are carnivores, so they eat worms (blood worms, red worms, earth worms), carnivore pellet foods, and even small fish and shrimp. Axolotls will typically get 9-10 inches long but can reach a foot in length. They prefer cool water and need to be kept at 55-68 degrees Fahrenheit, with 64 degrees being their happiest. Axolotls can be social depending on the personality of each animal, and get along with other axolotls, but are perfectly happy being kept alone. If you have multiples, make sure you don't have a female and male together unless you are prepared to breed, and should avoid breeding axolotls that are related. Breeding is a difficult, time and space consuming process that should not be attempted unless you are well informed and prepared. To identify males and females, look at the base of the tail. Males develop a bulge at the base of their tail, where their cloaca swells. Axolotls reach maturity around 8-12 months, but males can be as old as 18 months before it is apparent. Females can breed once or twice a year, but should be separated from males because they will continue trying to breed and it is a costly process. They can lay hundreds of eggs and will become stressed and malnourished if they keep trying to do that. Axolotls make for fun, interactive and adorable pets, but should only be kept if you are ready for aquarium maintenance and at least a decade of caring for them. A helpful one page care sheet is available for download at the top of this page.
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We have experience keeping and breeding axolotls, acquired through trial and error, practice, research and asking for advice from people much more experienced than us. The internet can be overwhelming if you are seeking information so here are a couple sites we personally recommend for research. Facebook groups and YouTube videos can certainly be helpful, but social media can be misleading and unkind. We love answering questions and educating animal lovers, so please call, text, message and stop by if you want one-on-one support and information.
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https://www.axolotl.org is an outstanding resource for general information, as well as very detailed information on genetics, color morphs, biology, breeding and more.
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https://www.caudata.org has forums for all kinds of newts and salamanders, as well as dedicated Axolotl discussions. There are many experts and experienced keepers there.
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