How Much Is An Axolotl?
Axolotls are technically amphibians, but they live all of their lives in water. They are also surprisingly easy to care for, although a tank should have its simple cooling and heating system. They need food and water, as well as occasional veterinary care, which is reasonably affordable.
How much is an axolotl? You will spend between $20 and $35 depending on its age, color, and appearance. Also, you should purchase its home, which is an aquarium, along with the substrate and filter pump that usually costs $85 and above.
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Proceed on the following sections to find out more details about the costs of ownership and maintenance of an axolotl.
Purchase Cost Of An Axolotl
Many first-time owners of axolotls are surprised to find that axolotls are affordable pets. Such a misconception is understandable, considering that these amphibians are exotic animals.
Of course, the type of axolotl that you’re planning on buying will affect its final purchase price. If you’re on a budget, you can buy a juvenile axolotl for about $25 and $25 for an adult axolotl, on average. If you’re flush with cash, you may want to consider the piebald axolotl with prices starting at $100.
Take note that the rarer the color of an axolotl, the higher its price will be! The rarest colors include the chimera (half albino, half melanoid), mosaic, and enigma. These axolotls can cost hundreds of dollars for a single animal, especially when these are specifically bred for their coloration. The best example is the FireFly, an axolotl developed by Lloyd Strohl II through embryonic graphing.
Keep in mind that it’s best to keep a pair of axolotls in a single tank. Your purchase costs will then be double, perhaps even triple, if you decide to keep three axolotls in a tank. You should also consider the shipping costs unless you’re buying from a local pet store.
Maintenance Costs For An Axolotl
Of course, you should have the aquarium for your axolotls ready before they arrive home! The initial costs for the aquarium and its accessories can be expensive. But don’t worry as most of these things are one-time purchases that will last for several years with proper care.
You may want to look into these products.
Tetra 20 Gallon Complete Aquarium Kit
A large tank for a pair of axolotls makes sense because they need plenty of room to swim. It can also hold a few of the necessary accessories, including decorations. It will not require frequent cleaning, too.
AquaClear – Fish Tank Filter
Be sure to keep the water in the tank clean always! Axolotls are prone to health issues caused by dirty water.
Finnex Stingray Aquarium LED Light
But don’t let in excessive light into our axolotls’ tank because it can be a source of stress. Just place LED light bars on top of the tank and place plants to reduce the glare.
ARCTIC Breeze Mobile
Axolotls thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 68°F, which are relatively cool. This mini-fan can keep their water tank cool, especially if you live in a warm area. You may also want to consider installing reflective foil insulation for consistent temperatures.
Other things that your axolotls will need are a substrate for their tank, food for their consumption, and a water de-chlorinator.
Conclusion
Overall, axolotls are relatively low-cost exotic animals to keep as pets. You may have to spend a few hundred dollars for their initial purchase and their initial setup. Afterward, your costs are minimal since they don’t require much care beyond keeping their tank clean and cool and giving them food.
