Axolotl

One of the most unique and fascinating animals you can add to your aquarium is the axolotl. These Mexican aquatic natives have won over many hearts with their unusual appearance and intriguing biology. Axolotls, through a process known as neoteny, spend their entire lives in their larval stage, in contrast to most other amphibians that undergo a full metamorphosis. They are therefore an excellent fit for a habitat that is near water since they maintain their gills and live underwater.

Axolotls are unique in that they come in a variety of colors, ranging from the traditional dark-pigmented wild type to the lighter, pinkish-hued leucistic varieties. Additionally, they are available in golden and albino morphs, which give any tank a pop of color. They are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their endearing appearance and comparatively low maintenance needs.

Not only are axolotls visually appealing, but they also have a lot of biological interest. They possess the amazing capacity to regenerate missing body parts, such as limbs and even portions of the spinal cord. Because of this, scientists can study them, and enthusiasts can find them fascinating. If you’re thinking about getting an axolotl for your aquarium, you need to make sure it’s a good fit for them. It should have cool, clear water and lots of hiding places.

All things considered, axolotls are more than just their peculiar look. They can be a fun and instructive addition to your aquarium setup, providing a glimpse into the wonders of nature. They can flourish and develop into a distinctive focal point for your aquatic collection with the right care and attention.

Aspect Description
Species Axolotl
Origin Native to lakes in Mexico
Appearance Gilled, aquatic salamander with a wide head and frilly gills
Size Can grow up to 12 inches long
Color Variations Wild-type (dark), leucistic (pale pink), albino, and melanoid (black)
Habitat Prefers cool, clean water with plenty of hiding spots
Diet Carnivorous, eats worms, insects, and small fish
Behavior Generally docile, prefers to be alone
Special Features Can regenerate limbs, spinal cord, and other body parts

Description of individuals

An animal species is not known by the name of an axolotl. These are actually neotenic larvae of Ambystoma, which are amphibians of the Mexican or tiger varieties most frequently. The problem is that members of these species are more likely than members of other species to undergo neoteny, which is a condition in which individuals develop into adult specimens without completing a full cycle and instead continue to exist as larvae.

"Neoteny" sounds like "extended youth" when translated from Greek. An amphibian has a lengthy life cycle and can even bear children without undergoing metamorphosis. This characteristic is linked to the function of the animal’s "thyroid gland." Surprisingly, the larva’s life cycle can end and it will mature into an adult ambystoma if you place it in a different habitat.

From the outside, the axolotl looks like a cartoon dragon or an odd toy because of its big head and protruding gills. The following is a description of each person:

  • The body of Salamander, like adult representatives, has a head, a body and tail, the larvae have no bone corset, it consists of cartilage – fifty vertebrae, young individuals differ in particular softness;
  • head – when compared with the body, it seems disproportionate, expanded;
  • mouth – flattened, decent size, it seems that Axolotl is constantly smiling. Tiny teeth are in the mouth, very sharp – their individuals are used to retain prey, but they cannot break food;
  • eyes – tiny beads, black with a noticeable shine;
  • gills -They give an amphibian cosmic appearance, they look like pubescent twigs-strokes, go behind the head. Individuals are able to move them – press or shake, cleansing from adhering garbas;
  • torso – narrowed, slightly flattened, streamlined shape. A fin-comb is located along the ridge, on the sides there are 16 grooves, due to which the newt looks "ringed";
  • skin – soft, with a smooth surface;
  • limbs – the axolotl has two pairs of paws, on the back – 5 fingers, on the front – one less;
  • tail – elongated, widened, makes up about 3/4 of the entire length, along its entire length there is a fin fold, which passes from the back.

The larvae range in size from 15 to 30 cm in length, with a maximum weight of 0.3 kg and a girth of 13 to 20 cm. Males have a longer tail and are bigger than females. The representatives are fairly large, measuring roughly 45 cm. In terms of species distinctions, the Mexican ambistoma larvae have a smoother body, a flatter muzzle, and less variegation in their color than tiger larvae.

Coloring of larvae

There are creatures of many different colors here because Mother Nature spared no expense. The quality of life and the environment in which the larvae emerged—whether through artificial breeding or natural selection—determine the color of the larvae. By color, axolotls can be categorized into three groups:

  1. "Natural" – black or dark (grayish, brown, brown, marsh-colored) individuals, whose body is covered with spots. The pattern on the skin can be any – in the form of a small, large, mesh-like pattern.
  2. White – are not albinos, the skin is uniformly light, as the individual matures, a patterned pattern appears on the back. There are not only pure white axolotls, but also pinkish, beige shades. The color of the gill petals is not red, but intense pink.
  3. Albinos – "albs" do not have pigment, so they are completely whitish in color, there are no spots or patterns, the eyes and gill processes are bright red. There are also golden albinos.

However, axolotls with even more unique colors have been selected for, so these are not the only variations. Scientists were able to create people with GMOs whose skin patterns glow under fluorescent lights.

Lifestyle and behavior

Axolotls can breathe through their skin, lungs, or gills, among other respiratory systems. People breathe through their gills in a clean aquatic environment; in an unclean, poorly aerated environment, they breathe through their lungs, and partial atrophy of the gills takes place. However, in the right environment, atrophied gill larvae will regrow their "twigs"-like processes.

The larvae are incredibly capable of regeneration. They are able to regenerate nearly every lost body part, including limbs, fins, and some internal organs in addition to the gill processes. Adult ambystomes, however, are not afforded this opportunity.

With jerky movements, the axolotl rakes with its front paws. However, they are not as nimble as terrestrial ambystomes; they typically lie motionless and only stir when required. Individuals typically "hang" in the water, idly moving their paws, or lie at the bottom of the reservoir, wagging their tail slightly. These water dragons periodically shake off dirt from their "branches" by moving them. The resident of the tank will swim away without causing any trouble if you tap on its wall.

How long do axolotls live

These animals don’t live longer than ten years in their natural habitat. Additionally, if the owner of an aquarium gives the inhabitants proper care, this time frame may extend to fifteen or even twenty years.

Often referred to as the "Mexican walking fish," the axolotl is an amazing aquatic animal that is well-known for its extraordinary capacity to regenerate limbs and other body parts. A unique and fascinating addition to any aquarium, axolotls live their entire lives in their larval form, in contrast to many other amphibians. This post will explore the essential maintenance guidelines, habitat requirements, and endearing traits of axolotls to assist enthusiasts in creating the best possible home for these remarkable creatures.

Habitat

These incredible creatures are extremely uncommon in nature. They belong to an endemic species because they can only be found in Cholco and Xochimayilco, two lakes in the mountains of Mexico that are more than 2000 meters above sea level. Here, the Aztecs created "floating" islands known as "chinampas," which are now planted with ornamental plants.

Because the chinampas are well-irrigated, axolotls and other adult amphibians thrive there, where they can live, breed, and sustain the population.

Aquarium maintenance of axolotls

Back in the middle of the 1800s, these peculiar residents entered the home aquariums of domestic hobbyists and collectors. It turned out that axolotls are omnivores, remarkably inoffensive, and do not require intensive care. They also reproduce well in captivity. This raises awareness of them and makes them more well-liked.

Axolotls are laboratory animals because they were frequently used in medical laboratories to investigate the capacity of tissues to regenerate.

A suitable home for an aquatic "monster"

Experience has demonstrated that these animals are capable of thriving in captivity and reproducing for an extended period of time. Of course, only if the owner gives it a decent place to live.

How many reptiles can be kept in one tank

Since salamanders, especially those of different ages, do not get along with one another, it is best to keep only one individual in a tank. Mature, bulky men, for instance, irritate their younger brothers to the extent of biting and killing them. In extreme circumstances, amphibians of the same size and age may be housed in the same container.

Tank size

A fifty-liter aquarium can accommodate two people. However, this volume will only hold one axolotl when they grow to their maximum size. Therefore, it is preferable to either put the couple in a 100-liter container right away or get ready for the pets to move into large apartments shortly.

Water requirements

It is not advised to put the newt in the water until it is closer to natural. Even though these animals can live in a polluted environment, it must be clean. When selecting a filter, exercise caution because constantly operating, powerful devices will frighten the locals. Investing in an internal filtration system with a sorbent and a low current is preferable.

It is important to keep the tank clean by changing the water by roughly a quarter and removing any leftover food 1-2 times per week. No more than three to four full replacements should be performed annually. For these animals, the temperature of the water is crucial. Living in a warm aquatic environment is detrimental to them, as they are naturally found in cool high-mountain lakes. When the temperature rises above 20°C, people get sick or even die. It should not be lower than 13°C.

It is advised to attach a thermometer to the tank in order to keep an eye on the temperature’s stability. It is important to take precautions to keep the aquatic environment cool during hot weather. One way to do this is to periodically replace the frozen water container that you place in the aquarium. The amphibian tank should ideally be located in the basement.

Soil material

Because they cling to it with their limbs when they move, salamanders require it. The inhabitants may become stressed and develop paw ulcers if the bottom is devoid of soil. It is not advised to use pebbles, gravel, or sand because axolotls frequently swallow them and have digestive tract issues as a result. The ideal method is to cover the bottom with a layer of large enough pebbles to prevent amphibians from ingesting the particles.

Decoration

It should serve as these creatures’ homes in addition to being ornamental. There should be more isolated locations than there are people living there, giving every larva an option. It is crucial that the items don’t have any sharp edges that could cut the axolotls’ sensitive skin. Driftwood, houses, ceramic figurines, arches, clay pots, coconut halves, and other items can be used to adorn the aquarium.

Suitable place for the aquarium and lighting

The tank cannot be placed near noisy electronics like computers, televisions, or music players, or in areas where direct sunlight falls. Because axolotls are nocturnal creatures, they prefer the darkness and do not require artificial lighting.

Taking care of domestic dragons is simple; they just need to be fed, have their habitat cleaned once a week, and have their temperature properly controlled. If it becomes necessary to transfer the animal to a different tank, proceed with caution and make use of a soft cloth net. It is important to remember that cartilaginous tissue makes up the larvae.

How and what to feed the larvae of the ambyst

Since they are predators in this regard and are not unlike other amphibians, it is best to feed them live rations like bloodworms, which are available at pet stores. It is advised that the owner consider these amphibians’ needs and characteristics:

  1. Individuals should not be starved – they become overly aggressive, and overfed – this negatively affects their health and the quality of water.
  2. In addition to bloodworms, they can feed on earthworms, chopped raw fish, mussels, small crustaceans, wingless insects.
  3. To get axolotls interested in prey that does not move, you will have to tinker – it is given to pets from your hands or using tweezers.
  4. The menu can also include granules intended for feeding predatory fish. They slowly settle to the bottom, and predators manage to grab them at this moment.
  5. You cannot feed larvae meat, their stomach is not adapted to digest it.
  6. When feeding, you should take into account the peculiarities of the vision of the "dragons" – they only look up, so they do not notice food on the bottom. Everything that has settled must be removed from the tank immediately.

Because these animals use their jaws to hold live prey in place before swallowing it whole, adults are only fed two or three times a week to allow the food to fully digest.

Because axolotls themselves have no sense of when to stop eating and can consume food indefinitely, "in reserve," it’s critical to regulate portion sizes and feeding schedules. They are also so resilient that they can go two to three weeks without experiencing any tragedies from starvation.

Features of reproduction

Obtaining water dog offspring in aquarium settings is not difficult. Additionally, one only needs to observe an individual’s cloaca—which is convex in males and appears swollen—to determine their sex. Women appear thicker and wider in the waist. The larvae take ten to eleven months to reach sexual maturity. A temperature shift—a small rise in the indicator and a drop in illumination—is a sign that an individual is ready to mate. No matter the season, these conditions can be given to the larvae.

It is advised that the owner keep the couple apart for a few days and give them a low-temperature (10–12 degrees) and a small diet if they intend to breed pets. After that, they are put in a tank of water that is roughly 18 °C in temperature, and the following is anticipated:

  • the male begins to perform a mating ritual, for which he will need free space;
  • he begins to release semen in the form of clots, and the female throws unfertilized eggs on them and sucks in the seminal fluid with eggs using her cloaca;
  • 18-30 hours later, the female hangs the eggs on the leaves of vegetation and other objects;
  • as soon as spawning is complete, the "father" should be removed from the tank, since he will not disdain to feast on his own offspring;
  • the water temperature in the aquarium should be moderate – 20 ° – 21 ° C;
  • unhealthy – whitish or grayish, eggs should be periodically removed;
  • after 14-21 days, 2-centimeter pea-sized fry, resembling fish, emerge from the eggs. Initially, the babies have no legs, the back legs appear after 6-8 days, and the front legs only after 12 weeks.

First, 1/4 of the offspring’s diet should consist of infusoria; after that, they should be fed daphnia, tiny bloodworms, and special fry food. To maintain cleanliness, the water that the fry reside in is replaced daily.

Eight weeks after the last insemination, the next one should be scheduled. However, it is advised to have no more than three axolotl offspring from a single female per year. The male benefits from spreading the eggs more frequently. Individuals are most fertile between the ages of two and seven, but older dragonets have less success with reproduction.

Who do these underwater inhabitants get along with

Aquarium fish and ambistomat larvae cannot live together in the same tank because the latter will suffer from the former’s aggressive hunting of small neighbors and will be attacked by larger ones that will rip their shoots. The likelihood of mutual aggression and incompatible diet are the main reasons why peaceful coexistence with turtles and other aquatic inhabitants will not work.

Not all species can survive in such a cool aquatic environment, and some of their representatives are prone to common illnesses. Since goldfish prefer to live in cool water and are too big to be eaten by newts, they are the only possible cohabitants for axolotls.

Buying an aquatic monster

Mexican dragonets are more frequently available for purchase at pet stores or from breeders. For individuals, the starting price is 400 rubles. Even though they aren’t the most energetic pets, axolotls are calm, elegant-looking, and unassuming. The owners claim that watching them calms and has a positive impact on the nervous system.

Photos of axolotls

Axolotls are incredibly fascinating animals because of their unusual look and capacity for regeneration. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced aquarium owner, an axolotl can add something extraordinary to your setup. These amazing amphibians not only provide visual interest, but they also provide a close-up look at an uncommon and fascinating species.

Preserving axolotls’ natural habitat is essential to their welfare. They need an aquarium that is well-balanced and has good filtration because they do well in colder water. They may have slightly different requirements than common fish and plants, but given the correct conditions, they can thrive and take center stage in your aquatic area.

Keep in mind that axolotls need a certain diet and should ideally be housed in tanks with lots of hiding places and little movement. They mostly eat small fish, worms, and pellets that have been specially made. You can maintain the health and vitality of your axolotl by attending to these needs.

In conclusion, axolotls have intriguing biological characteristics in addition to their distinctive appearance. If their maintenance requirements are satisfied, they can be a fascinating and fulfilling addition to an aquarium. Accepting the difficulties and rewards of axolotl ownership can improve your aquarium experience and increase your respect for aquatic life.

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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