Different Types / Morphs of Axolotls
Leucistic
Leucistic Axolotl has a white/pink body colour, dark navy/black eyes, bright red gills, may or may not develop freckles depending on the environment and genetics.
Wild Type
Wild type axolotls are a combination of greens, browns, blacks, and just about any other color with speckles of shiny gold iridophore pigment. This Axolotl usually has dark eyes with a shiny gold ring around the pupil with purple/gray gills.
White Albino
White Albino Axolotls have a white/pink body, has clear/red eyes, and bright red gills. These Axolotls will not develop any type of freckles or other pigmentation on the body except for the fingertips that will become darkened when the albino Axolotl is on its way to sexual maturity. The white albino comes in two forms, known only as white and xanthic; for simplicity, we will just call them white albinos.
Golden Albino
The golden albino Axolotl has a yellow body with shiny patches, clear eyes, and peachy coloured gills. The golden albino axolotl lacks melanophores, which is what gives it the gold appearance. Like albinos, golden albinos cannot have black eyes, as they are a form of albinism.
Melanoid
Melanoid Axolotls look very similar to dark a Wild Type Axolotl. The difference is that this Axolotl has an increased amount of melanophores, or dark pigment, and lack the shiny pigment that the wild type Axolotls have. This is a simply black Axolotl.
GFP Axolotls
GFP stands for Green Fluorescent Protein, which is a recessive genetic trait that can be contained in any Axolotl morph. This genetic trait is passed down from generation to generation. Axolotls that contain the GFP genetic can 'Glow In The Dark' when exposed to blacklight or blue light. These Axolotls can only glow vibrant green when exposed to this light.
Copper
Copper is a variety of albinism, as they have red-tinted eyes and lay white eggs. They are often a light brownish or pinkish colour with darker brown spots. Coppers don't have any black pigments, also known as melanophores.
Chimera
Chimerism in Axolotls is said to be when two eggs fuse together in development, and each side grows according to the egg it came from, often resulting in a split-down-the-middle appearance. One side can often grow at a slightly slower rate than the other.
Silver Dalmatian / Lavender
Information on this Axolotl is not well known. This Axolotl has more of a "purple" hue to them with darker spots along the body like a dalmatian dog. I believe this Axolotl is only available within the United States.
Enigma
This axolotl is bred by an American hobbyist; only available within the United States. There is not much known about this Axolotl.
Mosaic
Mosaicism is the result of two cells forming together during development. These Axolotls come out showing the phenotype of both cells. You can think of it as a chimera, but not an even split down the middle the colour variation is more mixed.
Piebald
Piebald Axolotls have pigmentation that goes down the body and sides. Many heavily-spotted leucistic is mistaken for piebald. The axolotl in the picture does not have much side pigmentation, but it wouldn't be unusual for it to go all down the sides. A piebald is normally significantly darker, and thicker in black spots than a spotty-leucistic.
FireFly
FireFly Axolotls are literally one of a kind. These Axolotls were produced by Lloyd Strohl II from Indiana USA in 2016. These Axolotls are produced by embryonic graphing. The reason for these Axolotls being produced is because Lloyd Strohl II is conducting a preliminary investigation into the distribution and activation of melanocytes in leucistic Axolotls and, in particular, in mosaics Axolotls.
Detailed Axolotl Care Sheet
Description:
Officially named Ambystoma mexicanum but more commonly known as the Axolotl or Mexican Walking Fish (which actually is not a fish at all - rather an amphibian, salamander to be specific). Axolotls are part of the order Caudata/Urodela. Axolotl originates from the bottoms of two lakes in Mexico. Surprisingly the lake is fed by a large glacier thus remaining cool throughout the seasons. Axolotls require cooler water temperatures. Although Axolotls have been deemed an endangered species in the wild, there are now millions being bred and in captivity. The Axolotl’s life cycle is a rare phenomenon as they live their entire life in the larval stage, yet still, manage to breed. “It is believed that they have evolved to be this way due to low levels of iodine in their native waters. Experiments have been done and Axolotls will metamorphose when exposed to iodine, and they develop into salamanders that look similar to the closely related Tiger Salamander.
Axolotls have excellent regenerative abilities and can regrow limbs, tails, and even heart and brain cells at an outstanding rate. This has made them a popular focus in scientific research.” [theamphibian.co.uk]
Morphs (Colorations):
There are several different color variations [morphs] in Axolotls that occur in captivity.
Wild Type: Mottled green with shiny eyes and dark purple gills.
White Albino: White or very light pink with clear pink/red eyes and bright pink or red gills.
Melanoid: Black or dark gray with black eyes and dark gills.
Leucistic: White or pink with dark eyes, bright red/pink gills. May or may not develop freckles.
Golden Albino: Golden or yellow with shiny patches, pink or fire orange eyes, bright red or pink gills.
Copper: Copper or olive with dark eyes, and bright red or pink gills.
Other morphs: Other morphs are considered rare and unique. These morphs consist of Piebald, Golden Non-Albino, and Chimaerism.
GFP: (Green Fluorescent Protein) Is a recessive gene that can be contained in any morph. This means that Axolotls who carry the GFP gene can glow green under black or blue light.
Size:
Axolotls can grow up to 25-30cm (10 – 12 inches). Dwarfs at less than 7 inches.
Life Span:
Axolotls can live up to 15 years with appropriate care, but generally, most times they last about 8-10 years.
Habitat **Very Important**:
An aquarium will be required to house an Axolotl, as they are an entirely aquatic species that enjoy heavily vegetated freshwaters. Axolotls are quite an active species, so the bigger the aquarium the better. Axolotls require at least 10 gallons each when adult size is reached. The aquarium should be fitted with a tight mesh or screen lid, as they are prone to try and leap from their enclosures.
Temperature:
The ideal water temperature for your Axolotl is a temperature gradient of 16-20°C (60-68°F). This is generally at room temperature so no additional heating should be required. In most cases, hobbyists experience difficulty keeping their tank cool in the warmer months. Lower temperatures lead to sluggish behavior, slower metabolism, and decreased appetite. Temperatures above 24 °C (75 °F) are very stressful to Axolotls. Such temperatures can cause the metabolism to increase and consequently, an increase in appetite. Exposure to these temperatures for more than a few days will quickly lead to disease and possibly death. It is useful to have a small thermometer in the aquarium to check the water temperature and avoid any issues.
Diet:
Axolotls are carnivores that should be fed every 2-3 days. They have "teeth" designed for gripping rather than biting and tearing. Due to this, their food is typically swallowed whole. Axolotls should be fed a variety of different foods to avoid boredom with a specific food. It would be as if you were eating cereal every day of your life for every meal – boring! Some examples of appropriate food to feed your Axolotls are bloodworms, earthworms, blackworms, white worms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and carnivore pellets. You should feed them as much as they can comfortably eat within 10 minutes. We feed our juvenile axolotl's bloodworms and carnivore pellets.
Sexual Maturity:
Axolotls can reach sexual maturity anywhere between 5 months and a few years; it all depends on the frequency/quality of food and the water temperatures and conditions. One sign to tell if your axolotl is sexually mature is the darker tips of the toes. Some ways of determining the sex of your axolotl are as follows: Mature females tend to have very rounded bodies. A sexually mature male cloacal region (private part area), is larger than that of a female. Males also typically have longer bodies and tails in comparison to females.
Stress:
To tell if your Axolotl is stressed, take a look at their gills. If they are flipped forward – they are most likely stressed. This is the most evident way to tell. If they seem normal - they are most likely fine. Prolonged stress exposure can succumb to the Axolotl to disease and eventually death.
Cooling:
If cooling your tank in the warmer months is an issue, move your tank to a lower level of your home (if possible). If temperatures are still too high, point a fan at your tank and be sure to have a mesh lid rather than an aquarium hood with light. The mesh allows more air to circulate leaving the tank cooler.
Check out AxolotlCity.com and our Axolotl Blog for more articles!
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About Us
A Lot'l Axolotls offers a healthy, happy, and active variety of Axolotls and related products, at a fraction of competitor prices. It all started in late 2012 when Kyanna and Michael met on an online Axolotl community. Within the next couple of years, they started working together in breeding and studying Axolotls. It wasn't until 2015 that Kyanna and Michael decided to take it to the next level. A Lot’l Axolotls was then officially founded and registered with the government of Canada. Since then, A Lot'l Axolotls has become one of the largest registered Axolotl breeders and distributors in all of Canada supplying Axolotls to a very large variety of specialty pet stores, presentations, zoos, and animal lovers just like you!
Our Expertise
Of course, there we are learning new things each day. There are always new things to be learned, especially with an animal like the Axolotl that is still in its somewhat early stages in the scientific community. We understand it may be hard to find the information you are looking for; we were in your position once. For this reason, we offer you our knowledge and expertise in Axolotls! If you have a question or are unsure about something please feel free to contact us! we are always happy to help.
Our Locations
Our locations offer local pick-up, which may be more convenient and cheaper for you if you live in the area or are just passing by. We currently have two pick-up locations, Mississauga and Vaughan. Our pick-up locations have different products available for pick-up.
Our Locations are appointment-based only. Please contact the location you want to pick up from to schedule an appointment.
Where Can We Ship?
Yes, we can ship you Axolotl. Axolotls themselves can only be shipped anywhere in Canada. Other products such as pellets can be shipped internationally. Every purchase of an axolotl includes a free in-depth care guide (If needed. A digital copy is available here on our site) and the health guaranteed!
How Are Transactions Processed?
All payments are processed through PayPal checkout (except for Amazon purchases). PayPal checkout allows you to pay safely and securely using the payment method of your choice. Many products can be purchased directly on the site and amazon store while others require a custom shipping quote and cannot be purchased directly on the site. For items that require a custom shipping quote please contact us with the product you are interested in and your postal code.
Shipping Guarantees & Policies ***COVID-19 updates/changes***
At this time, we are only sending Axolotls on a Monday/Tuesday shipment based on location. We are currently suspending shipments of Axolotls with Canada Post and seeking services from Reptile Express and Reptile Runner. DOA conditions and coverage will continue to apply despite the change in courier. Subject to change without notice. Please contact us with any further questions or concerns. Signature upon delivery has been suspended by the courier.
From one animal lover to another, we understand that the thought of shipping your pet could be a little frightening. For this reason, we have conducted plenty of research and have discussed with many enthusiasts to find the safest shipping method. We guarantee the live arrival of your pet Axolotl (and other animals for sale) or your money back. *conditions apply*. Shipping costs will depend on location; please contact us with your postal code for an accurate quote.
Return Policy
All sales are final. Refunds will only be issued if you have purchased a product we currently do not have in stock or if your claim meets our DOA policy.
Wrong Shipping Address
When placing an order, ensure the address you submit is written correctly and in full. We will cut and paste the address on the package exactly how we receive it. We are not responsible for any addresses that were submitted incorrectly. If the package is returned to us because the address you provided is not correct then you must pay for the return postage (a charge the courier charges us for the address not being correct), and the shipping cost for the item to be sent out to you again. If free shipping was originally offered you must now pay the shipping fee. You will not receive the package until the fees are paid in full and payment is cleared. Bottom line: Please double-check the address.
Package Coverage
We will insure up to CAD $100 (One Hundred Dollars) of any packages lost in transit plus the shipping fees for registered packages (all registered packages come with a tracking number) free of charge. By request of the customer, the package insurance coverage can be increased to a higher value. The customer may also register a package that is otherwise not registered (anything with free shipping or traveling outside of Canada). Additional coverage is only done upon request from the customer. A small fee may apply.
How Axolotls Are Shipped
Axolotls are shipped using a courier. Shipments can only be sent out Monday through Wednesday to avoid them being held in a facility over the weekend due to courier delays. You may request to send the package out on a day that is not between Monday through Wednesday. Note that this will void our DOA policy. When the package arrives, the courier will bring the package directly to your door for you to sign. If by chance you miss the courier, the package will be brought back to the closest Canada Post office for you to pick up. You must then pick up the package with a valid piece of government ID. Please do your due diligence and check with your local bylaw if registering your pet Axolotl is required.
DOA Axolotl Policy
On the occasion of DOA (Dead On Arrival), the cost of the deceased Axolotls up to $100 (One Hundred Dollars) will be replaced. Shipping charges will not be refunded. By request of the customer only, a higher insurance plan can be provided. A small fee may apply. On the occasion of DOA, you must contact us within the first hour of arrival (delivery confirmation time) with pictures or videos verifying that the Axolotl is deceased. We may not be available to reply instantly but as long as the email, voicemail, or text message timestamp is within the first hour of your delivery confirmation time you are covered. Someone must be available to sign for the package on the first delivery attempt. Failure to sign for the package on the first attempt, modified shipping method (by request of the customer), and shipments that are not next-day or second-day delivery will result in a avoid guarantee.
*** THE ABOVE DOES NOT APPLY TO THIRD-PARTY SELLERS ***
Some items are sold on third-party sites such as Amazon. These sales do not apply to any of the guarantees or policies stated above. These selling parties have set out their own policies and procedures that are not connected to A Lot'l Axolotls.