- Sku: FW1-F6171
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Wild Type Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
The Wild Type Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is the original, natural color of this Mexican salamander: olive brown to dark gray with greenish gold flecks, dark eyes and the famous feathery gills fanning out behind the head. Wild types usually darken and color up as they mature. Axolotls stay fully aquatic their whole lives, and they are calm, long lived pets for a keeper who can give them cool water. Browse the rest of our freshwater livestock and supplies.
Care Guide
- Tank size: a 20 gallon long for one axolotl, 40 gallons or more for two adults of the same size. Floor space matters more than height.
- Temperature: 60 to 68°F, and no heater.
- Water: pH 7.4 to 7.6, moderately hard (GH 7 to 14, KH 6 to 8). A cycled tank with 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite before your axolotl goes in. Seachem Axolotl Buffer helps hold soft tap water steady.
- Substrate: fine sand or a bare bottom only. Gravel and small pebbles get swallowed and can cause a fatal blockage.
- Flow and light: gentle flow from a sponge filter or a baffled filter, dim light and plenty of hides. Axolotls have no eyelids and like shade.
- Diet: carnivore. A sinking axolotl pellet such as ZooMed Axolotl & Aquatic Newt Food as the staple, plus earthworms and frozen bloodworms or mysis. Feed juveniles daily, adults two or three times a week, and remove leftovers.
- Acclimation: drip acclimate slowly over 60 to 90 minutes. Axolotls are sensitive to sudden temperature changes, chlorine and ammonia.
Specifications
| Common names | Wild Type Axolotl, Mexican Walking Fish |
| Scientific name | Ambystoma mexicanum |
| Origin | Captive bred; native to Lake Xochimilco, Mexico |
| Size sold | About 3.5 to 4 inches |
| Adult size | 9 to 12 inches |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years with good care |
| Care level | Intermediate, because of the cool water |
| Temperament | Calm, but eats anything that fits in its mouth |
| Minimum tank | 10 gallons to start, 20 as they grow (long) |
| Temperature | 60 to 68°F |
| pH | 7.4 to 7.6 |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Water type | Freshwater, cool |
Compatibility
Axolotls do best in a species-only tank. They try to swallow fish, shrimp and snails, and many fish nip at their gills, which leads to injuries and infections. Tropical fish also need water far too warm for an axolotl.
Two well fed axolotls of about the same size can share a 40 gallon or larger tank, but expect the odd nipped gill or toe. They regrow, but it is stress you can avoid. Never keep a small axolotl with a much bigger one.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- ZooMed Axolotl & Aquatic Newt Food as a daily staple
- DrTim's Axolotl Food Sticks for variety
- Seachem Axolotl Conditioner for every water change
- Seachem Axolotl Buffer to keep pH and hardness in range
- DrTim's One & Only Axolotl to help cycle a new tank
FAQ
Can axolotls live with fish?
Not safely. Fish nip the gills, and the axolotl will try to eat anything small enough to swallow. Keep them species only.
Why is cool water so important?
Axolotls come from cold mountain lakes. Above about 72°F they get stressed, stop eating and become prone to bacterial and fungal infections. Plan for cool water from day one.
How big will it get?
9 to 12 inches over the first year or so with steady feeding. Wild types usually darken and color up as they grow.
Do they ever come onto land?
No. Axolotls keep their larval, fully aquatic form for life and never need a land area.
How long do they live?
10 to 15 years is typical with good care, so plan for a long commitment.
Is this a wild caught axolotl?
No. "Wild type" only describes the natural color. Our axolotls are captive bred; wild axolotls are critically endangered and are not collected.
Have a question?
Wild Type Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
