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Usually in the Rare Pets column I cover animals that are uncommon pets, but still species of which most readers of heard. Today I’m going to look at a truly rare pet, one some of you might not have known existed until today: the axolotl.
The axolotl is a type of salamander, native to Mexico, so in that it’s not an unheard-of pet. It certainly looks like a strange kind of salamander, however, which prompts its common nickname: water dragon. Despite its odd appearance and perhaps off-putting (or for some, encouraging) moniker, however, axolotls can make good pets. Here are the basics of what you need to know if you’d like to own one.
As always, before getting any rare pet first locate a good veterinarian in your area who can treat it. Trust reviews of the vet to see if he or she is any good, but call the vet, don’t just rely on reviews, to make sure the vet can treat your axolotl.
The next most important thing to know about axolotls is that they have cannibalistic tendencies. This is most common with adolescent axolotls; if you want to have more than one of this young salamander make sure you house them separately.
Once your axolotls reach adulthood you can keep them in the same tank together. Make sure to keep an eye on them, however, because it’s not completely unheard of for adults to still attempt to eat one another.
Yet that’s rarer, and what you’re far more likely to end up with if you have two adults in the same tank is a bunch of eggs, if you put two of the opposite sex in a tank together. It’s best not to breed them until they’re 18 months old, so try not to put a male and female in a tank together until then.
You’ll need a 15-20 gallon tank for your axolotls. Put coarse gravel at the bottom, because it’s hard for the salamanders to walk in a finer one. Keep the water temperature between 50 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t need a lamp over the cage, and if you do have one, make sure the tank has a dark structure such as a cave into which the axolotls can retreat.
Axolotls are primarily carnivores, so you will have to feed them as such. They don’t have strong teeth and tend to swallow their food whole, so you’ll need to provide them with meals where they can do so. Axolotls most commonly eat worms, especially aquatic ones. Due to bacteria problems, you’ll want to try to find worms taken from fish-free waters.
Bloodworms and blackworms are both good choices. You can supplement with the fattier whiteworms, which are also a good choice for young growing axolotls. Other feeding options for axolotls include thin strips of beef, brine shrimp (especially ones bred in captivity, which are freer from disease), and pellets made specifically for axolotls.
Just make sure that your special salamander is getting a well-balanced diet, one that isn’t too fatty. Axolotls can develop liver problems if they constantly eat oily foods.
You can find out the specifics of what you need to know about housing, feeding, and generally caring for your axolotl from your vet and from the breeder or store from which you purchase your pet. The internet is also a good research tool, particularly before you get your axolotl and as you’re learning more about it.
Newt & salamander site Caudata.org is a great resource for learning more about axolotls and other small amphibians. Just make sure you do your research, so you can enjoy your new rare pet.
Related Articles:
What to Consider When Getting Another Pet
Why Are Amphibians in Trouble (and What Can You Do?)
*(This image by madsflash is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)
