Pros and Cons of Getting an Axolotl

The Axolotl, a species of salamander native to Mexico’s Lake Xochimilco, has become an increasingly popular pet choice in recent years. With its unusual look, playful personality, and relatively easy care requirements, the axolotl offers a unique pet option for those looking for a new companion.

The axolotl is an aquatic creature, measuring up to a foot in length and with a life expectancy of around 10 years. It has a distinctive appearance, with a large head and feathery external gills, and comes in various colors, most commonly black, grey, or albino.

The axolotl is a nocturnal animal and is not typically seen during the day, instead preferring to rest in the depths of its tank. The axolotl is an excellent choice for those looking for a pet that requires minimal maintenance. Its tank should be well-filtered, with a temperature between 15-20 degrees Celsius and an appropriate substrate such as sand or gravel.

As the axolotl is carnivorous, its diet consists of feeder fish, worms, shrimp, and other small aquatic creatures. Now that we’ve covered the basics of the axolotl, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of owning one.

Pros:

1. The axolotl is an incredibly low-maintenance pet, with minimal requirements for its tank and diet. Due to their aquatic nature, the axolotl requires a large tank with a constant water temperature and a filtration system. A good quality substrate such as sand or gravel should be used to provide the axolotl with a comfortable environment, and the tank should be regularly cleaned to ensure good water quality. The axolotl is a carnivorous species, and their diet consists of feeder fish, worms, shrimp, and other small aquatic creatures.

2. The axolotl is an incredibly long-lived creature, with a lifespan of up to 10 years. This means that potential owners can expect to enjoy a long-term companion, and may even witness their pet grow up and mature over the years.

3. Its playful and inquisitive nature makes it a great companion. Axolotls are known for their playful personality and will often interact with their keeper, swimming around the tank and exploring their environment.

4. Axolotls do not require a large tank, making them suitable for those with limited space. Axolotls should be kept in a tank no smaller than 15 gallons, but can happily live in larger tanks too.

5. They are relatively easy to breed, making them a great option for those looking to expand their axolotl family. Breeding axolotls is relatively straightforward, however it is important to remember that not all axolotls will be successful breeders.

6. They are generally disease resistant, making them a hardy pet choice. As long as the axolotl’s environment is well-maintained and their diet is varied, they should be able to fend off many common illnesses.

7. They are a unique and interesting species, sure to draw attention and admiration. With their unusual look and playful nature, axolotls are sure to be the star of the show in any home.

8. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and the cost of their tank and food is fairly low. A 15 gallon tank can be purchased for as little as $50, and food is relatively cheap and easy to find.

9. They are active swimmers and can be seen performing exciting tricks and maneuvers in their tank. Axolotls are an active species, and will often swim around their tank with great speed and agility.

10. They are fascinating to watch and observe, as they are rarely seen in the wild. Axolotls are an endangered species in the wild, and so the opportunity to observe them in their natural environment is rare.

Cons:

1. The axolotl is an aquatic creature and therefore needs to be kept in a tank, making it unsuitable for those with limited space. An axolotl’s tank should be at least 15 gallons, and should be kept in a cool, quiet area of the home.

2. They are notoriously sensitive to water quality, and their tank must be carefully maintained to ensure their health and longevity. Axolotls are susceptible to ammonia poisoning, and so regular water changes and cleaning are essential.

3. They have sharp teeth, which can cause damage to their keepers, so they should always be handled carefully. Axolotls should be handled gently, and can be trained to accept handling if done correctly.

4. Axolotls can be quite messy, producing a large amount of waste which needs to be monitored and removed regularly. A good filtration system is essential to keep their tank clean, and the water should be changed regularly.

5. They have been known to be cannibalistic, so multiple axolotls should only be kept in larger tanks. If keeping more than one axolotl, they should be kept in a tank of at least 20 gallons to ensure they have plenty of space to coexist peacefully.

6. They are best kept alone, as they are territorial and can become aggressive towards other species. Axolotls should be kept alone, as they may become aggressive towards other species, even those of their own kind.

7. They are nocturnal animals, so they may not interact with their keeper as much as other pet species. As axolotls are nocturnal, they may not be as interactive with their keeper as daytime species.

8. They can be difficult to feed, as they can be picky eaters and may only accept live food. Axolotls can be fussy eaters and may only accept live food, such as worms and shrimp.

9. They are sensitive to changes in their environment and can easily become stressed if the conditions in their tank are not ideal. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature and water quality, and to avoid sudden changes.

10. They are susceptible to various diseases. As with any pet, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of illness and to seek veterinary advice if necessary.

If you do decide to keep an Axolotl here is an overly simplified list of things you’ll need.

First, you need a tank to keep your axolotl in. The tank should be at least 10 gallons, and should have a lid to keep your axolotl from jumping out. You’ll also need a heater to keep the water at the right temperature, which should be around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, you’ll need a filter to keep the water clean. Axolotls are sensitive to dirty water, so it’s important to have a good filter to keep the water clean and healthy for your axolotl.

You’ll also need a thermometer to check the temperature of the water, and a water conditioner to make sure the water is safe for your axolotl.

Another important supply you’ll need is food. Axolotls are carnivores, which means they eat meat. You can feed your axolotl small pieces of earthworms, brine shrimp, or blood worms.

You’ll also need a place for your axolotl to hide and rest. You can use a small plastic cave or a piece of PVC pipe.

Finally, you’ll need a net to scoop your axolotl out of the tank when it’s time to clean the tank or to handle your axolotl.

In summary, to take care of an axolotl as a pet, you will need a tank, a heater, a filter, a thermometer, a water conditioner, food, a hiding place and a net. With these supplies, you can create a comfortable and healthy environment for your axolotl to live in.