Are Axolotls Good Pets?

Axolotls are cute, large amphibians, and they are ideal pets for exotic animal collectors. These animals are mostly found in Mexico, usually mistaken as large lizards and snakes, but they are actually animals that are related to tiger salamanders.

Are Axolotls good pets? Yes, they are good pets but can be high-maintenance as well. To make them behave, you have to consider the lighting and temperature, their diets, and their habitat.

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If you are interested in learning about axolotls, this comprehensive guide is worth your time. It can help you to decide whether they are the right pet for you or not.

Getting An Axolotl

Axolotl is an unusual pet, and it is rare to find them in pet shops. Colloquially, axolotls are known to be walking fish, because they also look like a fish yet they have four legs. What’s more interesting about axolotls is they are among the few amphibians who don’t undergo metamorphosis upon maturity. You can buy them from private breeders and avid axolotl enthusiasts.

Feeding Habits

They are carnivores and can only eat meat. One of the preferred foods for them would be bait worms and bloodworms, which can be bought from pet stores and fishing supply stores. Take note to avoid feeding them with live foods because the tank would easily become contaminated.

Fishing Tank

Axolotls can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium, but you also have to consider their behavior because they tend to mess around. For this reason, a larger aquarium is best to be considered. Axolotls can live in freshwater, and you have to place a mesh filter, so it prevents them from jumping out of the tank. The bottom part of the tank should be sand, containing natural rocks and plants.

Lighting And Temperature

Axolotls are also like fishes who seemed to be meticulous with both lighting and temperature. Yet axolotls are shy creatures, so you have to keep the lights relatively dim and in a chilly temperature not beyond 75 Fahrenheit.

Other Factors To Consider

Since axolotls are unusual and unfamiliar pets, it is better to know them better through their behavior and some common health problems when being owned.

Temperament

Axolotl are usually tame animals. Also, they are well-behaved, and they don’t interact much with other people, even with their owners. These odd looking animals prefer to hide in the dark and don’t get many benefits, even with a companion.

Common Health Problems Of Axolotl

Axolotl has different care management and requirements because they have a shorter lifespan compared to other kinds of amphibians. They are also fond of eating gravel, which is why they tend to suffer from gastrointestinal obstruction.

Conclusion

As a conclusion, you must take note that if you are dealing with private breeders, they have to be licensed to do so and never dare to purchase one through the black market. When you think your pet is not feeling well, you can speak to an exotic animal veterinarian to better take care of them.