Basic Axolotl Care Sheet

 Axolotl or Mexican Walking Fish. 

 Ambystoma mexicanum.

Living up to an amazing 10-15 years the Axolotl is a hardy freshwater aquatic species. The Axolotl can grow up to 12 inches but generally stays around 7-10 inches. Native to Mexico, the Axolotl possesses features typical of those to salamander larvae; External gills and a caudal fin extending from behind the head to the vent, but stay completely aquatic their entire life (unless metamorphosis occurs). Metamorphosis is a rare occasion that can occur when the water becomes extremely toxic/unbearable for the Axolotl to live in. The Axolotl's heads are wide, and their eyes are lidless. Three pairs of external gill stalk originate behind their heads and are used to move oxygen throughout the body. The external gills are lined with filaments (feather looking things) to increase the surface area for gas exchange. External gills are used for respiration. The Axolotl will swim to the surface of the aquarium and take a big gulp of air and pump that throughout the body. Axolotls have an amazing regenerative ability. If injured, even to the point of losing a body part, the Axolotl will heal/regenerate with full mobility within a month or two. 

Wild Type: Mottled green with shiny eyes and dark purplish gills.

White Albino: White/very light pink with clear pink/red eyes and bright pink/red gills. 

Melanoid: Black/dark grey with black eyes and dark gills. 

Leucistic: White/pink with dark eyes(usually navy), bright red/pink gills. May or may not develop freckles. 

Golden Albino: Golden/yellow with shiny patches, pink/fire orange eyes, bright red/pink gills. 

Copper: Copper/olive with dark eyes, bright red/pink gills. GFP: (Green fluorescent protein) Is a recessive gene that can be contained in any morph. This means that that axolotl who carry the GFP gene can glow green under black/Blue light ( newer light fixtures come with this setting)

Other morphs: Other morphs are considered rare and unique these morphs consist of Piebald, Golden Non-Albino, Chimaerism and so on. 

 Axolotls require 10 gallons per Axolotl when adult size is reached. 

 One hiding place each, or one large enough to fit both, and a couple of plants and rocks
 

 Sand, large rocks(4 inches plus), bare bottom tank
 

 10-24°C (50-75°F). just keep room temperature which is generally 19-23°C (66-75°F)  
 

Newborn: (roughly 0.5 inches): Micro worms, Daphnia. 

Juvenile: (roughly 2-4inches): Daphnia, blood worms, black worms, Axolotl pellets. 

Subadult: ( roughly 4-6 inches): chopped earthworms, blackworms, Axolotl pellets. 

Adult axolotl:​ (7 inches plus): Earthworms, black worms, Axolotl pellets.