Okay, so you’ve fallen in love with the little smiling face of an axolotl (who wouldn’t, right?). They’re weird, cute, and a little bit like Pokémon come to life. But now you’re wondering how to take care of an axolotl without, you know, accidentally messing things up. The good news? It’s not that complicated once you get the hang of it. Axolotls might look exotic, but they’re actually pretty chill once their tank setup is right. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your new aquatic buddy happy and healthy—from setting up the tank to feeding them (and yep, we’ll talk poop too). Let’s dive in—pun totally intended.
1. Setting Up the Perfect Axolotl Tank (AKA Their Little Underwater Apartment)
First thing’s first, axolotls are aquatic animals, so they’ll need a proper tank. A lot of beginners make the mistake of getting a tiny tank thinking these guys don’t need space. Nope! For one axolotl, aim for a 20-gallon tank minimum. If you’re planning on having more than one (and only if they’re similar in size), make sure it’s even bigger.
The tank should include:
- A sponge filter or a gentle canister filter (they hate strong currents).
- A hiding spot or two like caves, PVC pipes, or aquarium-safe decor.
- Sand substrate or no substrate at all. Gravel is a big no-no—they can swallow it and get impacted, which is super dangerous.
Oh, and don’t forget the tank lid! Axolotls are sneaky little jumpers.
2. Water Conditions Matter More Than You Think
This is the part where people usually mess up (I did too at first, not gonna lie). Axolotls are sensitive to poor water quality. You’ll need a water testing kit to monitor levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Here’s what you’re aiming for:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: below 20 ppm
- pH: Between 6.5 and 8
- Temperature: 60–68°F (15–20°C)
Pro tip: They hate warm water. Keep them away from heaters and direct sunlight. If your room gets warm, you might need a fan over the tank or even a chiller.
3. What Do Axolotls Eat (And How Often)?
Feeding time is kinda fun—they chomp like little vacuum cleaners. Axolotls are carnivores and prefer a protein-rich diet. Some good food options include:
- Earthworms (top choice!)
- Bloodworms (as treats)
- Axolotl pellets (look for high-quality ones)
- Raw, lean bits of meat (rarely, and avoid processed stuff)
Feed young axolotls once a day, and adults every other day. Try not to overfeed—they’re greedy and will keep eating even if they’re full. A good rule is to feed them what they can finish in about 2-3 minutes.
4. Cleaning and Maintenance: Don’t Skip This Part
Okay, so no one loves cleaning, but this is essential. You should be doing:
- Spot-cleaning daily (siphon out poop and uneaten food)
- Partial water changes (20-30%) weekly
- Rinse the filter media in tank water monthly (never in tap water—it kills good bacteria)
Skipping cleanings is like letting your axolotl live in a toilet. Gross, right?
5. Handling and Social Life (Spoiler: They’re Kinda Introverts)
Here’s the thing: don’t handle your axolotl unless you absolutely have to. Their skin is super delicate and covered in a slime coat that helps protect them. Handling can stress them out and even cause injury.
Also, axolotls don’t get “lonely,” so they’re totally fine living solo. If you want tankmates, do your homework. Most fish will either nip their gills or get eaten by your axolotl. Other axolotls can work, but only if they’re roughly the same size—big ones might snack on smaller ones. Yeah, they’re cute but also kind of savage.
6. Health Signs: What’s Normal, What’s Not
Knowing what’s normal helps you spot problems early. Healthy axolotls have:
- Bright eyes
- Fluffy, upright gills
- Active (but not frantic) movement
- Good appetite
Watch out for:
- Curled tail or gills (sign of stress)
- Floating and can’t stay down (could be gas or worse)
- White fuzzy patches (fungus)
- Loss of appetite or lethargy
If something seems off, test the water first. Most health issues come from bad water quality.
7. Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends (Or Just Sound Cool Online)
- Axolotls can regrow limbs—like actual wizards.
- They’re actually the larval form of a salamander but stay that way their whole life.
- The name “axolotl” comes from Nahuatl and loosely means “water monster” or “water dog.”
Also, they just look like they’re smiling all the time. How can you not love that?
Final Thoughts: Axolotls Are Weird But Wonderful
So there you have it! That’s the basics of how to take care of an axolotl. They’re a bit different from your usual pets, sure, but once you get the tank dialed in and stick to a regular care routine, it’s smooth sailing. They’re low-key, super cute, and honestly pretty fun to watch. Just remember: clean water, cool temps, and the occasional worm, and you’re golden.
If you’re still on the fence, trust me, it’s worth it. Taking care of an axolotl is kinda like having a pet dragon, just wetter and… less fire.
