Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum), also known as Mexican Walking Fish, are aquatic salamanders renowned for their unique appearance and regenerative abilities. They are fully aquatic, mostly nocturnal, and make fascinating pets for aquarists willing to meet their specific care needs. With proper care, axolotls can live 10–15 years in captivity.

• Juveniles: Minimum 50l tank
   
• Adults:60 or larger
   
• Axolotls are messy eaters, so a larger tank helps maintain water quality
   

• Clean, dechlorinated water is essential
   
• Use a canister filter or sponge filter (avoid strong currents)
   
• Partial water changes of 20–30% weekly help maintain water quality
   

• Ideal temperature: 60–68°F (16–20°C)
   
• Temperatures above 72°F (22°C) can stress axolotls and cause illness
   

• Fine sand is preferred
   
• Avoid gravel or small stones that may be ingested and cause impaction
   
• Bare-bottom tanks are also acceptable
   

• Provide caves, PVC pipes, or aquatic plants
   
• Axolotls are shy and nocturnal, and hiding spots reduce stress
   

Axolotls are carnivorous and require a high-protein diet.

• Earthworms (highly recommended)
   
• Bloodworms, blackworms, or brine shrimp (juveniles)
   
• Sinking high-quality pellets designed for carnivorous amphibians
   

• Juveniles: Daily
   
• Adults: Every 2–3 days
   
• Remove uneaten food within 30 minutes to prevent water contamination
   

• Occasional supplementation via gut-loaded worms or specialized pellets
   

• Axolotls are solitary and do not require companions
   
• Handle minimally—stressful for them and may damage delicate skin
   
• Can recognize feeding times and may take food from tongs
   

• Clear eyes
   
• Pinkish gills and smooth, firm skin
   
• Active and alert when feeding
   

• Stress & lethargy – often caused by high temperatures or poor water quality
   
• Fungal infections – white cottony patches, often from poor water conditions
   
• Bacterial infections – red streaks or ulcers on the skin
   
• Impaction – from ingesting gravel or large food items
   

• Maintain low temperatures and clean water
   
• Feed high-quality, appropriately sized food
   
• Avoid rough handling
   

• Mostly nocturnal and slow-moving
   
• Spend much of the day hiding or resting on the substrate
   
• Will approach food and may exhibit curious behavior during feeding
   

• Avoid strong water currents—axolotls prefer calm water
   
• Keep tank covered to prevent escape
   
• Avoid chemicals, soaps, or harsh cleaning agents
   

• Remove uneaten food after 30 minutes
   
• Check water temperature and overall environment
   

• Perform 20–30% water changes
   
• Rinse filter media in tank water to maintain bacteria
   
• Test water parameters: Ammonia (0 ppm), Nitrite (0 ppm), Nitrate (<20 ppm)
   

• Deep-clean tank walls and decorations
   
• Replace filter media if needed
   
• Inspect axolotl for signs of stress, skin damage, or illness
   

• Males: Slimmer bodies, longer tails, and small bumps (cloacal swelling) near the vent
   
• Females: Rounder, fuller body, especially when carrying eggs
   
• Sexual maturity: 6–12 months depending on diet and water quality
   

Axolotls are unique and captivating amphibians that require a carefully maintained aquatic environment. Providing cool, clean water, a high-protein diet, hiding spots, and proper tank maintenance ensures your axolotl thrives for many years. While not interactive pets like fish or turtles, they reward patient caretakers with fascinating behaviors and longevity.