A Simple Guide to Axolotl Care

Axolotls are one of the aquarium world’s most unique and fascinating “little aliens.” These amphibians stay in their larval form for life, giving them their iconic feathery gills, wide smiles, and gentle movements. But despite their cute appearance, axolotls are not low-maintenance pets. They require cool water, stable conditions, and a species-only setup to stay healthy. With the right care, an axolotl can live for 10–15 years, becoming a truly special companion.

Introduction 

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are fully aquatic salamanders native to the cold waters of Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City. In the wild, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss, but captive-bred axolotls are common in the hobby.

They’re gentle creatures who prefer dim lighting, slow flow, and plenty of places to hide. Unlike fish, axolotls don’t thrive in busy, tropical tanks , they need environments built specifically for their needs.

Housing: Space & Simplicity Are Key

Axolotls need more room than most people expect. They grow large, produce a lot of waste, and require pristine, cool water.

Tank size

• One axolotl: Minimum 75–110 litres
• Two axolotls: 150 litres
• Axolotls grow 8–12 inches long, so horizontal space matters more than height.

Substrate

Axolotls are gulp-feeders and will accidentally swallow anything small enough to fit in their mouths.

Safe options:

• Fine sand
• Bare bottom (easy to clean)

Avoid:

• Gravel
• Pebbles
• Any substrate small enough to swallow
  These can cause deadly impaction.

Filtration

Axolotls prefer very low flow.

Strong currents stress them and damage their gills.

Use:

• A sponge filter
• A canister filter with a spray bar aimed at the glass
• Added flow reducers if needed

Provide plenty of hide spaces using caves, PVC pipes, driftwood, or silk plants.

Water Temperature & Parameters

Temperature is one of the most crucial aspects of axolotl care.

Ideal temperature:

14–18°C

Anything above 20–22°C becomes stressful.

25°C+ is dangerous and can be fatal.

Many homes require:

• A fan
• Chiller
• Frozen water bottles (short-term)
  to keep the tank cool in summer.

Water parameters:

• Ammonia: 0
• Nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: Under 20–40 ppm
• pH: 6.8–8.0
• No salt, no medications meant for fish, and no sharp decor.

Axolotls are highly sensitive to water quality, so test regularly. Make sure the tank is well-cycled before adding your axolotl/s.

Feeding: A Simple, High-Protein Diet

Axolotls are carnivores with a strong preference for soft, meaty foods.

Best staples:

• Earthworms (top-tier food)
• Axolotl pellets (high protein)
• Frozen bloodworms
• Frozen brine shrimp

Treats:

• Blackworms
• Daphnia
• Small pieces of tilapia or salmon (occasionally)

Avoid:

• Live feeder fish (disease risk)
• Insects with hard shells
• Mammal meat (unhealthy long-term)

Feeding frequency

• Juveniles: Once a day
• Adults: Every 2–3 days

Axolotls regulate their weight naturally, round bellies are normal, but visible ribs are not.

Tank Mates: Axolotls Prefer Being Alone

This is where axolotls are VERY different from fish.

They should not live with:

• Fish (they get bitten or eaten)
• Snails (risk of impaction)
• Shrimp (quick snacks)
• Tropical species (wrong temperature)
• Other amphibians or reptiles

Can you keep multiple axolotls together?

Yes, but with conditions:

• Similar size only
• Plenty of space
• Adequate hides
• Great water quality

Even then, nipping can happen. Some axolotls simply do better solo.

Behaviour, Health & Signs of Stress

Normal behaviour:

• Calm, slow movements
• Exploring the bottom
• Gills waving gently
• A relaxed posture
• Curiousness at food

Warning signs:

• Curled gill tips (stress)
• Floating often (gas or water issues)
• Curled tail tip (poor water quality)
• Lack of appetite
• Rapid gill movement
• White fuzz (fungus)
• Injuries from biting

Axolotls heal well, but only in ideal water conditions.

Enrichment & Environment

Axolotls don’t need complex enrichment, but they do appreciate:

• Caves
• Plants (live or silk)
• Soft lighting
• Large open areas to walk and glide
• Occasional rearranging of safe decor

They love calm, secure environments, think “cool underwater cave,” not “tropical fish rave.”

Axolotl Shopping List

(Everything You Need to Set Up a Healthy Axolotl Habitat)

Tank & Habitat Essentials

• 75–90 litre tank (larger if keeping more than one)
• Secure tank lid (axolotls can jump!)
• Fine sand substrate or bare bottom
• Low-flow sponge filter
• Optional: Canister filter with spray bar + flow reducer
• Aquarium-safe hides (caves, PVC pipes, tunnels)
• Silk or hardy live plants (anubias, java fern, hornwort)
• Aquarium thermometer (digital preferred)
• LED light with dim setting

Cooling Equipment (SUPER important)

Axolotls need consistently cool water.

• Aquarium fan or clip-on cooling fan
• Aquarium chiller (best long-term solution)
• Reusable frozen water bottles (short-term emergency cooling)

Water Care & Maintenance

• Water test kit (liquid test, not strips)
• Water conditioner (dechlorinator)
• Siphon/gravel vacuum
• Buckets dedicated for aquarium use
• Aquarium-safe scrubber or sponge
• Net (soft mesh)

Food & Feeding Supplies

• Earthworms (nightcrawlers—best staple food)
• High-quality axolotl pellets
• Frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp (for juveniles)
• Feeding tongs (to avoid hand nips and guide food) 
  

Health & Emergency Items

• Extra hide or isolation tub
• Indian almond leaves (gentle antibacterial properties)
• Spare sponge filter (great for temporary tubs)
• Cooling fan backup (summer essential)

Optional Enrichment & Comfort

• Driftwood or smooth rocks
• Extra caves or tunnels
• Silk plants for hiding spots
• Low-current airstone (if flow is controlled) 
  

Quick Starter Bundle (Simplified)

If you want the “bare minimum” but still ethical:

• 75–90L tank
• Sponge filter
• Water conditioner
• Test kit
• Fine sand
• 2–3 hides
• Cooling fan
• Axolotl pellets
• Earthworms
• Feeding tongs
• Thermometer
• Siphon & bucket

Final Thoughts

Axolotls are stunning, gentle aquatic animals with very specific needs. They are not ideal for warm homes, small tanks, or mixed-species setups, but with the right environment, they thrive and live long, peaceful lives. Their unique charm, expressive faces, and quirky behaviours make them unforgettable companions.

Provide cool, clean water, a simple tank setup, and a nutritious diet, and your axolotl will reward you with years of quiet, fascinating companionship,  the perfect little underwater alien.