Axolotl

Did you know?
that one derivation of the name 'axolotl' references the Aztec god Xolotl, the god of games who could turn himself into an axolotl to escape his enemies?

Photo Copyright by
Stan Shebs

Why do zoos keep this animal

As aquatic salamanders that spend their entire lives in the water and never grow out of their laval stage they are of considerable educational value. Also their remarkable powers of regeneration make them interesting: under 6 inches, they can grow back a whole foot in less than two months. In addition, Axolotls are said to be curious, even playful: They seem to be prone to explore new objects sniff and dig at them, as well as pushing them around. So some people give them, what they call “toys” to keep them occupied, like Caridina Multidentata shrimp, Marimo moss balls, sunken pingpong balls, shotglass, bits of bogwood and rocks to sniff and dig at and all manner of other things that are too big to be swallowed.

How this animal should be kept

Never leaving the water, these salamanders require completely aquatic conditions. A 60 x 30 x 37 cm aquarium is adequate for two adults. Water depth is not important, but 15 cm or more is recommended. Not being used to small gravel in their natural habitat, substrate should consist of either sand or pebbles/gravel that is too large to swallow. Axolotls feed by evacuating their mouths of water, then suddenly opening them very wide, thus causing anything in the immediate vicinity to enter, be it food or substrate, so it's important to bear this in mind. An aquarium bare of substrate, while perhaps less attractive, is safest and generally easier to clean. In the wild, the water temperature in Xochimilco rarely rises above 20°C, though it may fall to 6 or 7°C in the winter, and perhaps lower. In captivity, any temperature between 14 and 22°C is reasonable for adults. Filtration, if required, can be accomplished in any of the usual ways, but it is known that axolotls are stressed by flowing water, so water flow from a power filter, for example, should be reduced or diffused. Plants are not essential, unless breeding is planned. Hiding places, though not essential, are a good idea - axolotls seem to like to have the option to hide at times. Lighting is not required either, unless ease of viewing is required. Water quality is maintained by making regular water changes - 20% or so every two weeks is usually adequate unless large numbers are being kept in a small tank or over feeding is taking place.