COMMON NAME

Axolotl

LATIN NAME

Ambystoma mexicanum

NATIVE TO

Lake Xochimilcho and Lake Chalco in Mexico

ADULT SIZE

12in/30cm. Will live for 10-12 years

EGGS OR YOUNG?

Axolotls do not go through a normal amphibian cycle. They remain in their larval stage as large tadpoles and reproduce without the need to become adult. The ability to do this is called neotony. Lays 300-600 eggs hatching after 2 weeks.

APPEARANCE

Colouring in the wild is black, dark sooty brown or dark grey but albino, pied variants, olive and more recently a golden form have been bred in captivity. The red markings on its gills are really blood vessels. It will regenerate lost or damaged limbs.
It will only change its adult form as a Mexican Salamander if iodine levels increase in the water or the hormone thyroxine is introduced into the diet.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Feed every other day or so. Worms, crickets, fish pellets, cubes of heart or lean meat. They cannot chew but suck in their prey so the food should be given in mouth size pieces.

EASE OF CARE

Beginners upwards.

TEMPERAMENT

Has a tendancy to eat other axolotl's limbs so they are best housed separately. It does not like frequent handling

VIVARIUM SETUP

An aquarium24x15x12in/60x38x30cm will house one Axolotl.
Water depth should be about 12in/30cm and should be aged tap water, ie: left standing for 48 hours. The water should be roughly neutral (pH 6.5 - 7.5) and maintained at a temperature of 50-77F/10-25C (you may need a heater to maintain this).
External or internal water filter is required. Lighting is optional.

SUBSTRATE

Gravel, pebbles, fine sand. Provide large rocks as resting platforms.