Axolotls are good pets if you want a pet that doesn’t require much work and lives in a tank. Axolotls are purely aquatic and live in tanks their life. These animals can be excellent pets if you want an exotic animal you don’t handle, just admire from their habitat.
Axolotls are carnivores willing to go after live food and consume it, but not aggressive. In this article, we explain why you should get an Axolotl. People love Axolotls because of their smile. There are lots of colors when it comes to these salamanders.
If below obstacles are going to prevent axolotl ownership, it’s best not to get one yet. Axolotls are sensitive. If certain conditions aren’t met, they can become stressed, ill and/or die. You’ll need to master: water quality, temperature, etc.
Basic requirements are proper housing and feeding. Then enjoy axolotl rearing and share moments with friends. Most resemble axolotls with fish but they’re salamanders. Many are curious if axolotls are good pets. Yes, you’re on the right page.
Observe them through a tank while they swim peacefully. Wondering why axolotls make good pets? Our vet has the fascinating reasons. You need at least a 10 gallon aquarium. Ideally 20-30 gallons. Of course, a 50 gallon tank is ideal.
Understand more before deciding. Here’s an unbiased take on axolotls. Axolotls originate from Mexico with lungs and gills but live in water. Keep in mind when caring for them: They’re not suitable if looking to play with. Opt for a guinea pig instead.
Such rules exist for good reason. Although annoying for those prohibited, they’re essential to mention. Axolotls are good pets, not ideal for beginners. Although tolerant occasionally, they are sensitive. Tap water isn’t recommended for their habitat.
Axolotls reach 12 inches long and weigh 10.5 ounces. Aggressive toward one another, they bite off gills, feet and tails of each other. The axolotl is easy to care for once in its tank and can live quite long and rarely gets sick. It’s budget friendly and really cute and entertaining to watch.
The best place to house an axolotl is a large tank indoors without sun. When choosing a tank, axolotls grow to 25-35 cm needing space to move. The minimum is a 45 cm aquarium for one adult.
Is it OK to touch axolotl?
Axolotls are unique and fascinating creatures that have become popular pets. However, they have delicate skin, so handling should be minimized. Before touching an axolotl, wash your hands. Be very gentle and watch for signs of stress. Their limbs are fragile and can break easily.
It’s vital to wash hands before touching axolotls to prevent transferring harmful chemicals or dirt. There’s no evidence axolotls feel pain, but they dislike frequent handling. Limit touching to 10-15 minutes daily to prevent stress and health impacts.
Axolotl skin doesn’t contain poison. In some countries they’re considered a delicacy. However, always wash hands before and after touching them. Don’t squeeze them or they may become hurt. Also, keep handling brief and gentle. Prolonged handling causes stress.
The limbs aren’t designed to support weight on land. In water, the water itself supports their body, not the limbs. Legs aren’t strong enough to walk far on land. Possible damage to limbs and organs can occur if kept out of water too long.
So in summary, axolotls can be touched gently for brief periods, but their delicate skin means handling should be minimized to prevent injury or stress. Proper hand washing and a gentle touch are musts. Out of water handling is risky and should be avoided. While fascinating creatures, their skin requires a hands-off approach in most cases.
Is it OK to own an axolotl?
While there are places where it is legal to own an axolotl, there are also places where a special permit is required to own one. You should educate yourself about the pet laws where you live so that you feel safe owning an axolotl.
One ethical consideration is understanding their conservation status. Axolotls are “critically endangered”. It is essential to ensure your potential pet does not come from the wild but has been bred in captivity from a reputable breeder.
Another ethical aspect lies in providing the right care. Axolotls can live up to 15 years under optimal conditions, and their needs differ greatly from other aquatic pets.
There are times when it is advisable for an owner to hold their axolotl. To prevent diseases, wash your hands and use a gentle touch.
In the United States, axolotls are illegal in some states, while a permit is required in others. If you live in California and want an axolotl, look for another legal pet.
Although exotic, axolotls are relatively easy to care for once properly housed and fed. Their care requirements are minimal, and they are hardy captives that breed readily. It is difficult to think of a more unusual yet interactive pet than the axolotl.
You need to know if you can legally own one depending on where you live. Check your local exotic pet laws. Once the housing setup is correct, care takes just a few hours per week on feeding and cleaning.
Axolotls tend to be fairly bold and content to move about their tank as they’re watched. They retain their gills and never transition to lungs like other amphibians. Their soft bodies mean they should not be handled unless necessary.
How many years do axolotls live?
Axolotls live 10-15 years in captivity. With proper care, they can survive up to 20 years. Axolotls are nearly extinct in the wild. Providing the right environment, food, tank size, and conditions, axolotls will live around 20 years or longer in captivity. Unfortunately, axolotls are almost extinct in their native habitat. What we get here is the laboratory-bred and tank bred axolotls that live much longer than the native ones.
In captivity, many threats axolotls face in their natural habitat are eliminated. However, axolotls can suffer from diseases caused by poor keeping conditions. These axolotl diseases are preventable with proper care.
There isn’t a set number for axolotl lifespan. With necessary care, your pet could live with you for many years! Axolotls originate from the high-altitude lakes in the Valley of Mexico.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists axolotls as Critically Endangered. Today there are estimated 700-1,200 axolotls left in the wild.
Providing a healthy environment and care, axolotls can live 10-15 years in captivity. With excellent care and conditions, some axolotls live over 20 years. Lifespan is influenced by genetics, diet, environment, and disease. An appropriate habitat with clean, cool, well-aerated water can increase lifespan.