It walks like a fish, has gills like a fish, but they’re not fish at all; they have tails like lizards, but they’re amphibians. What are they?
We’re talking about the Axolotl, an exotic-looking creature from Mexico that is actually on the endangered species list. But in captivity, they make great pets.
Suppose you’re looking for an exotic, interesting animal to bring home. Here is a quick guide to Axolotls as pets and why they should be the pet you bring home.
What is an Axolotl, Anyway?
Axolotls are a type of amphibian from the salamander family. But they are unlike their counterparts in several unique ways.
Salamanders naturally transfer from gills to lungs in a process called metamorphosis. They also grow legs in this process.
Axolotls, on the other hand, have adapted to not go through this metamorphosis. Instead, they stay aquatic for their entire lives. They do still grow legs, hence their other name ‘Walking Fish.’
They also have three-gill stalks, called rami, that look like horns that grow out of their neck. Talk about exotic!
What Do They Eat?
These little things are carnivores, and they eat regularly. baby Axolotls need to be fed about two times a day, and adults can be fed once every other day.
The Axolotl has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, but some reports suggest that they can live up to twenty years, albeit on rare occasions.
So if you want them to live long, you need to feed them regularly. They can survive on a diet of things like earthworms, bloodworms, blackworms, small shrimp, and other deveined seafood.
What Do They Need to Survive?
Taking care of where your Axolotls live is extremely important to them being healthy and living long lives. You need to have a 15 to 20-gallon tank, and it should be deep to give it space to move.
They should have water that maintains a temperature between 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and their tank should be kept away from sunlight in a cool room.
Do not try to pet your Axolotl as their bodies and skeletal systems are delicate. You should not even try to remove them from the water if you can help it.
It would also be beneficial to put large pebbles in there to grip on to and navigate their home. They also prefer to have a little hiding place for shade.
They do well with other aquatic animals as well. To find out which ones are safe, visit Fantaxies.
Caring for Axolotls as Pets
All in all, you don’t have too much to worry about when you have Axolotls as pets as caring for Axolotls is easy. They are like keeping any other aquatic animal, but they add color and variety to your home.
Not to mention, they always bring smiles. If you want something exotic but also low maintenance, you should consider one of these little guys!
For other interesting and informative articles like this one, be sure to visit the rest of our blog.