Axolotl Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Care & Aquarium Setup

 

With their adorable faces, unusual appearance and distinctive feathery gills, axolotls have become increasingly popular pets. But while they may look like they require little care, axolotls have some very specific needs.

From choosing the right axolotl aquarium and maintaining the correct temperature to selecting suitable food and safe decorations, creating the right environment is essential for a happy and healthy axolotl.

If you're thinking about keeping one of these fascinating creatures, this beginner's axolotl care guide covers the basics you need to know.

 

Where Do Axolotls Come From?

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a type of salamander native to the lakes and waterways around Xochimilco, near Mexico City in Mexico.

Wild axolotls are critically threatened in their natural habitat, making responsible captive care particularly important.

Unlike most salamanders, axolotls remain fully aquatic throughout their lives. They retain their juvenile features, most notably their distinctive external, feathery gills, instead of undergoing the typical metamorphosis into a land-dwelling adult.

Although extremely rare, axolotls can occasionally undergo this metamorphosis and develop into a more terrestrial form.

 

How Long Do Axolotls Live?

A well-cared-for axolotl can typically live for 10–15 years, with some living even longer.

Good husbandry plays a major role in their lifespan. Maintaining clean water, providing an appropriate diet, keeping temperatures within a suitable range and giving your axolotl enough space are all important parts of long-term care.

An axolotl isn't a short-term pet, so make sure you're prepared for a commitment that could last well over a decade.

 

How Big Do Axolotls Grow?

Adult axolotls typically reach around 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) in length, although some individuals can grow larger. They also grow surprisingly quickly, with many reaching close to their adult size within 12–18 months.

Because of their rapid growth, it is often best to plan for their adult size from the beginning when choosing an aquarium. Rather than starting with a smaller tank and upgrading as your axolotl grows, opting for a suitably spacious setup from day one allows them to grow comfortably into their environment.

This approach can also reduce the need for future housing upgrades, making things easier for you, while ensuring your axolotl has plenty of room to explore as it grows.

When choosing an aquarium, floor space is particularly important. Axolotls spend much of their time on or near the bottom of the tank, so a longer, more spacious aquarium is generally preferable to a tall, narrow one. Giving them plenty of room from the start provides a comfortable environment that can accommodate them throughout their life.

 

Can Axolotls Be Kept Alone?

Yes! Axolotls can happily be kept on their own and do not need a companion. They are naturally solitary animals, so there is no need to keep two or more together simply for company.

For beginners, keeping a single axolotl can also make things a little easier. You can focus on providing the right space, diet and water conditions for one animal, while making it easier to monitor their feeding, behaviour and overall health.

If you'd like to keep more than one axolotl, you absolutely can! Axolotls can be housed together in a suitably sized aquarium, but there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. Any axolotls living together should be a similar size, as larger individuals can potentially injure smaller ones. You'll also need to ensure there is plenty of space, hiding places and adequate filtration to comfortably accommodate everyone.

For many new keepers, one axolotl in a spacious, well-maintained aquarium is a great place to start. However, if you're considering keeping multiple axolotls and would like some help planning your setup, reach out to our team today. We're always happy to offer advice and guidance to help you create a healthy, comfortable environment where your axolotls can thrive together.

 

What Size Tank Does an Axolotl Need?

Choosing the correct axolotl tank size is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

For one adult axolotl, we recommend an aquarium of a minimum of 100 litres, with an additional 100 litres for each additional axolotl you plan to keep. Where possible, choose an aquarium with a footprint of around 90 cm (3 ft) in length or larger, as axolotls benefit from plenty of floor space. And, of course, the bigger the setup, the better!

A larger aquarium provides:

• More floor space for your axolotl to explore.

• More room for hides and decorations without overcrowding the tank.

• Greater swimming and resting areas for your axolotl.

• A larger volume of water, which can help make maintaining stable water conditions easier.

If you're planning to keep more than one axolotl, you'll need a much larger aquarium and should consider their individual size, compatibility and overall space requirements.

 

Don't Forget Filtration

Good filtration is particularly important when keeping axolotls. They can be surprisingly messy pets and produce a significant amount of waste, so you'll need a filter that is capable of keeping up with their bio-load while maintaining good water quality.

For larger axolotl setups, we recommend considering a canister filter or choosing a suitable aquarium kit that includes a good-quality, appropriately sized filter. Whichever filtration system you choose, make sure it provides effective filtration without creating excessive water flow, as axolotls prefer relatively gentle currents.

 

Aquariums We Recommend for Axolotls

Choosing the right aquarium is one of the most important parts of creating a comfortable home for your axolotl. Here are some of our favourite options for different setups and budgets:

Primo 110 – Our Favourite Beginner Aquarium

The Primo 110 is one of our top choices for first-time axolotl keepers. It offers a generous amount of space while remaining a manageable size for a beginner setup.

It also features fantastic internal filtration, making it a great all-in-one option for anyone looking for a straightforward aquarium setup.

 

Ciano Emotions EN Pro 120 – Great Value Aquarium Set

If you're looking for a complete setup at a great price, the Ciano Emotions EN Pro 120 is an excellent option.

The set includes both the aquarium and cabinet, making it a convenient choice for getting your axolotl setup started. With its generous capacity, it also provides enough space for two adult sized axolotls, provided their individual needs and compatibility are carefully considered.

 

Juwel Rio Range – Plenty of Choice

The Juwel Rio range offers aquariums from 125L all the way up to 450L, giving you plenty of options depending on the space you have available and how many axolotls you plan to keep.

These aquariums are a great choice if you want to give a single axolotl extra room to explore, or if you're planning a larger setup for multiple axolotls.

 

Ultrascape 90 – A Spacious, Low-Profile Option

The Ultrascape 90 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a large, low-profile aquarium with an excellent footprint.

Its generous floor space gives axolotls plenty of room to explore and makes it a great option for two axolotls. The aquarium comes with lighting but does not include a filter, so you'll need to select suitable filtration separately.

For this setup, we would recommend pairing the Ultrascape 90 with a Fluval 307 canister filter. This provides powerful and effective filtration while allowing you to create a suitable flow rate for your axolotls.

 

Setting Up an Axolotl Aquarium

Once you've chosen the right aquarium, it's time to create an environment that's safe and comfortable.

Axolotls aren't particularly interested in a heavily decorated aquarium. In fact, simple is often better. Focus on providing plenty of open floor space, secure hides and smooth, safe decorations.

 

Choosing the Right Substrate

Choosing the right substrate is an important part of creating a safe axolotl aquarium setup, as axolotls can accidentally swallow loose material while feeding.

For this reason, we recommend opting for fine aquarium sand or a bare-bottom aquarium. Both options make it easier to create a safe environment while also allowing you to keep the tank clean and well maintained.

Avoid small gravel, coarse sand and small loose stones, as these can be accidentally ingested and may lead to serious digestive or intestinal problems.

 

Soft and Safe Ornaments

When selecting axolotl aquarium decorations, look for smooth, aquarium-safe products without sharp edges and avoid decorations with sharp, rough or abrasive surfaces. 

Axolotls have delicate skin and external gills, so it's important to avoid anything that could cause injury or become a potential hazard.

When choosing decorations and ornaments for your axolotl aquarium, safety should always come first. 

 

Choosing Safe Aquarium Decorations

Before adding anything to the tank, ask yourself:

•  Is it smooth? Avoid sharp, pointed edges or rough surfaces, as these can scratch or irritate your axolotl's delicate skin.

• Could my axolotl become stuck inside it? Check that hides, ornaments and tunnels are large enough and don't have narrow openings where your axolotl could become trapped.

• Could it fall or collapse? If you're creating a stack of rocks or other decorations, make sure they are securely positioned and firmly held in place to prevent them from toppling over.

• Does it contain any small pieces that could be swallowed? Avoid loose or detachable parts that your axolotl could accidentally ingest.

If you're unsure whether an ornament is suitable, it's always better to leave it out and choose a safer alternative.

For a more natural-looking aquarium, live plants or aquarium-safe silk plants can be used to add greenery and create a more lifelike environment. Just make sure any plants or decorations you choose are suitable for axolotls and won't damage their delicate skin or gills.

 

Lighting

Axolotls don't need bright lighting and generally prefer darker environments.

If you use an aquarium light for plants or viewing, keep the lighting relatively subdued and provide plenty of shaded areas.

Avoid placing the aquarium somewhere with strong direct sunlight. Besides being uncomfortable for your axolotl, sunlight can cause the water temperature to rise and encourage unwanted algae growth.

 

Hides Are Important

Axolotls appreciate having somewhere to hide and retreat from the light.

Provide several suitable hides throughout the aquarium. Smooth caves, tunnels and purpose-made aquarium hides can all work well.

Having multiple hides also allows your axolotl to choose where it feels most comfortable. Make sure hides are appropriate for the size of the axolotl and larger ones are given as they grow.

 

Axolotl Temperature: Keep Things Cool

One of the most important things to understand about axolotl care is that axolotls are cold-water animals and need to be kept at a consistently cool temperature.

We recommend keeping the water at around 16–18°C, with temperatures ideally never exceeding 22°C. The warmer the water becomes, the greater the risk of stress and health problems for your axolotl, so keeping a close eye on the temperature is essential. Always use a thermometer in your aquarium to closely monitor the water's temperature. 

This means that keeping an axolotl can require a little extra planning during the warmer months. Your home may become significantly warmer in summer, causing the aquarium temperature to rise, so it's important to have a plan in place to keep the water cool and stable throughout the year. 

 

Do Axolotls Need a Cooling Fan?

Depending on the temperature of your home, an aquarium cooling fan may be useful during summer.

Fans work by increasing evaporation from the water's surface and can help bring the temperature down. However, they may not be sufficient during particularly hot weather.

Other ways to keep an axolotl aquarium cool include:

• Keeping the aquarium away from direct sunlight.

• Avoiding placing the tank next to radiators or other heat sources.

• Keeping the room cool during warmer weather.

• Using floating ice packs to lower the temperatures slightly.

• Consider an aquarium chiller if temperatures regularly become too high.

Always monitor the aquarium with a reliable thermometer. Don't rely on the room temperature alone as this is not always accurate.

 

Treatments & Medications

Axolotls are particularly sensitive to many aquarium treatments, so it is important to choose products that are specifically suitable for this species. When setting up or maintaining your tank, always use an appropriate water conditioner, such as Axosafe, to dechlorinate the water, along with Axostart as a source of beneficial bacteria.

These products are formulated specifically with axolotl care in mind and avoid additives such as aloe vera, which can be found in some other aquarium treatments and can be harmful to axolotls.

If your axolotl requires medication, it is equally important to ensure that the treatment is safe and suitable for axolotls. Some aquarium medications are not appropriate for use with axolotls, and it can be difficult to determine whether a product is safe if this is not clearly stated on the packaging.

If you are unsure whether a particular treatment is suitable, please contact us and we can advise you on the most appropriate product to use for your axolotl and its specific condition

 

What Do Axolotls Eat?

Axolotls are carnivores, so they require a protein-rich diet to stay healthy and thrive. To provide a balanced and varied diet, they should be fed a combination of high-quality sinking pellets, such as Tropical Sinking Pellets or Axolotl Pellets, alongside frozen or live foods to provide additional protein.

Suitable foods can include:

• Earthworms

• Bloodworms

• Brine shrimp

• Mysis shrimp

• Krill

Earthworms make an excellent staple food for many adult axolotls and can form an important part of their regular diet. Foods such as bloodworms are better suited as an occasional treat and should be offered as part of a varied diet rather than as a staple food.

When purchasing live or frozen foods, always choose products from a reputable supplier to ensure they are safe and suitable for your axolotl.

Avoid collecting worms from gardens or other areas where pesticides, fertilisers, weed killers, or other chemicals may have been used, as these can be harmful to axolotls.

 

How Often Should You Feed an Axolotl?

Feeding your axolotl 2–3 times a day can be a good general schedule, particularly for younger axolotls. However, feeding frequency and portion sizes should be tailored to each axolotl's individual needs, taking into account their age, size, growth, and body condition.

Young axolotls benefit from small, frequent meals to support their growth and development. Younger axolotls may also need a little extra help finding their food. Hand-feeding with tweezers can be useful and allows you to make sure they are eating enough at each meal.

As an axolotl grows, the size of its food can gradually be increased. For example, an axolotl being fed junior-sized pellets can eventually be moved onto adult pellets, which are larger and more appropriate for their size. As they mature, feeding frequency can also be reduced, provided they are eating all of the food offered at each meal.

Always offer an appropriate amount of food and remove any uneaten food promptly. Leftover food can decompose and negatively affect water quality

 

Is an Axolotl Right for You?

Axolotls are fascinating pets, but they do require a certain level of care.

Before bringing one home, make sure you're prepared to provide:

• A suitably sized aquarium.

• A fully cycled aquarium with good water quality.

• Cool water throughout the year.

• Appropriate filtration.

• Safe substrate and decorations.

• Suitable, nutritious food.

• Regular maintenance and water testing.

• Long-term care for potentially 10–15+ years.

Get these fundamentals right and you'll be well on your way to creating a safe and comfortable home for your axolotl.

 

Ready to Set Up Your Axolotl Aquarium?

Whether you're preparing for your first axolotl or upgrading an existing setup, having the right equipment makes getting started much easier.

Shop our range of axolotl aquariums, aquarium equipment, hides, substrate, food and accessories to create the perfect setup for your new aquatic companion.

Not sure what you need? Speak to our team for advice on choosing the right axolotl setup and essentials.

For more information and advice on aquatics, check out the rest of our blogs…

Can I Use Tap Water In My Aquarium? | Understanding Your Aquarium Water | The Importance of Oxygen in Your Aquarium (And How to Get It Right)