{"product_id":"wild-type-axolotl-ambystoma-mexicanum-freshwater","title":"Wild Type Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWild Type Axolotl\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eAmbystoma mexicanum\u003c\/em\u003e) 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 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#FFF8E1;border-left:4px solid #F9A825;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCool water is not optional.\u003c\/strong\u003e Axolotls need 60 to 68°F. Above about 72°F they get stressed, stop eating and pick up infections. If your room runs warm in summer, plan on a chiller, fans or a cooler room before you bring one home.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e a 20 gallon long for one axolotl, 40 gallons or more for two adults of the same size. Floor space matters more than height.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60 to 68°F, and no heater.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-axolotl-buffer\"\u003eSeachem Axolotl Buffer\u003c\/a\u003e helps hold soft tap water steady.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e fine sand or a bare bottom only. Gravel and small pebbles get swallowed and can cause a fatal blockage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow and light:\u003c\/strong\u003e gentle flow from a sponge filter or a baffled filter, dim light and plenty of hides. Axolotls have no eyelids and like shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e carnivore. A sinking axolotl pellet such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-axolotl-aquatic-newt-food\"\u003eZooMed Axolotl \u0026amp; Aquatic Newt Food\u003c\/a\u003e as the staple, plus earthworms and frozen bloodworms or mysis. Feed juveniles daily, adults two or three times a week, and remove leftovers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAcclimation:\u003c\/strong\u003e drip acclimate slowly over 60 to 90 minutes. Axolotls are sensitive to sudden temperature changes, chlorine and ammonia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eWild Type Axolotl, Mexican Walking Fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAmbystoma mexicanum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCaptive bred; native to Lake Xochimilco, Mexico\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize sold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 3.5 to 4 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e9 to 12 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e10 to 15 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIntermediate, because of the cool water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCalm, but eats anything that fits in its mouth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e10 gallons to start, 20 as they grow (long)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e60 to 68°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e7.4 to 7.6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFreshwater, cool\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAxolotls 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-axolotl-aquatic-newt-food\"\u003eZooMed Axolotl \u0026amp; Aquatic Newt Food\u003c\/a\u003e as a daily staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/drtims-axolotl-food-sticks-1-5oz\"\u003eDrTim's Axolotl Food Sticks\u003c\/a\u003e for variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-axolotl-conditioner\"\u003eSeachem Axolotl Conditioner\u003c\/a\u003e for every water change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-axolotl-buffer\"\u003eSeachem Axolotl Buffer\u003c\/a\u003e to keep pH and hardness in range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/drtims-one-and-only-axolotl-2oz-live-nitrifying-bacteria\"\u003eDrTim's One \u0026amp; Only Axolotl\u003c\/a\u003e to help cycle a new tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan axolotls live with fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot safely. Fish nip the gills, and the axolotl will try to eat anything small enough to swallow. Keep them species only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is cool water so important?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAxolotls 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big will it get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9 to 12 inches over the first year or so with steady feeding. Wild types usually darken and color up as they grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they ever come onto land?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Axolotls keep their larval, fully aquatic form for life and never need a land area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long do they live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10 to 15 years is typical with good care, so plan for a long commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a wild caught axolotl?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. \"Wild type\" only describes the natural color. Our axolotls are captive bred; wild axolotls are critically endangered and are not collected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48518113886427,"sku":"FW1-F6171","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/image-coming-soon-shopify_5f9268e1-3b51-4a21-a2b8-09f629049159.png?v=1793113192","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/wild-type-axolotl-ambystoma-mexicanum-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}