Axolotl | Steckbrief | Tierlexikon (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to have an axolotl as a pet? ›

As many have noticed, axolotls are illegal to own as pets in some US states and Canadian provinces, as well as other parts of the world. In the United States, axolotls are illegal to own in California, Maine, New Jersey, and D.C., while a permit is required in New Mexico and Hawaii.

While axolotls are relatively hardy to slight fluctuations in their environment, they also have delicate, soft bodies with permeable skin. In fact, most of their body is made of cartilage rather than bone. That means they should not be handled unless absolutely necessary.

Axolotls have a calm and docile nature, making them suitable pets for people of all ages. They are not aggressive and will generally keep to themselves. However, they do exhibit interesting behaviors and will interact with their owners during feeding time or when they are exploring their tank.

Axolotls are not the feistiest exotics: they are usually pretty sedentary, and spend most of their time just relaxing and looking adorable. Keep in mind that these guys are easily stressed out. Being handled, bright lights, poor water quality, and overcrowding can all make them unhappy and uneasy.

Technically axolotls do have teeth but they are very rudimentary, designed for gripping rather than biting or tearing flesh. Axolotl teeth have even been studied in regard to how teeth develop in different species.

Axolotls are born with gills and keeps them throughout its life. For this reason, they live in water all their live, although they do have the ability to live outside of water for brief periods of time. Although they are able to breathe air, they can't survive without water for long?

Generally, axolotls will survive for up to an hour outside of water, depending on the conditions of the air such as humidity and temperature. But, it's better not to test this capability too often. It might happen to you alone, when an axolotl accidentally jumps out of water, or when you are doing water changes.

To minimize the risk of axolotls trying to cannibalize each other, they have to be very well fed, have plenty of decorations in their tank to allow them to break line of sight of one another, and they need to be the same size because a larger axolotl will be likely to try and eat the smaller.

Which States Is It Legal To Own An Axolotl? In three states and the District of Columbia, it is illegal to own an axolotl. California and Maine both make axolotls illegal because they are considered “detrimental animals” that pose a threat to native salamander species in the states.

You can expect a baby or juvenile axolotl to cost between $30 and $75 for your standard, common breed. There are more exotic morphs and types that can cost between $100-$1,500, but these really are for collectors. Assuming you don't have a breeder close by, remember that you will also have to pay for shipping.

What do axolotls eat? ›

What Do Axolotls Eat? Axolotls are carnivorous predators that usually hunt at night. They use a suction method to suck up crustaceans, mollusks, insect larva, worms, and sometimes small fish. They also may suck up bits of gravel to help grind up their food and make it easier to digest.

While you shouldn't touch axolotls with dry hands, you can touch them if your hands are wet. In fact, they quite enjoy a gentle touch from time to time. Just make sure to wet your hands with clean, non-chlorinated water before making contact.

I know one owner whose axolotl liked to have his head rubbed and would come to the surface to let his owner gently stroke his head. He always made sure to wash his hands thoroughly and remove all traces of soap before and after, but apparently the axolotl loved it.

Axolotls have very fragile, sensitive skin. Never handle your axy, and take caution when moving them or netting them.

The leading causes of Axolotl decline are human development, waste water disposal, and loss of habitat due to droughts.