Yes, they are. The axolotl is a type of aquatic salamander native to Mexico. Although these amphibians are exotic animals, they are easy to care for and make enjoyable house pets. When kept in an aquarium, most axolotls have a life span of 10 to 15 years. Occasionally, these salamanders will metamorphosize into a terrestrial state.
Purchase an aquarium of at least 10 to 20 gallons to house adult axolotls. The more members of this species you have, the larger the tank should be. Juveniles tends to be cannibalistic, so keep them separate until they are full grown. Even if a body part gets bitten off, however, these salamanders have amazing regenerative properties and can grow back the area over time.
Because the skin and gills of these salamanders is soft and sensitive, frequent handling is not recommended. Owners should pay strict attention to the axolotls’ water quality. Axolotls do best with filtered water that does not have any chlorine or chloramines. Replace about 20 percent of the water weekly. Use a siphon occasionally to clean the bottom of the tank and maintain water quality.
Feed axolotls a steady diet of brine shrimp, small pieces of beef, commercial earthworms, bloodworms, tubifex worms, or commercial fish pellets
Jaden says
November 3, 2015 at 6:59 pmAll I wanted for my birthday was an Axolotl, but my mom won’t allow it. She says it’s too hard to care for and all my friends are scared of lizards, salamanders, newts etc (Sissies LOL) plus, my maids and grandparents would probably mistaken one for a pest gecko and throw it away or something. I don’t see why she won’t allow me to have one but I am still hoping for it.
Ronnie says
August 23, 2016 at 7:29 amGood luck buddy
mom says
October 14, 2016 at 5:44 amDon’t worry. Maybe someday you will get one. But I put one in your room, honey look in there and see.
Anna Boronkaz says
October 26, 2017 at 12:33 amyour a nice mom.
Anna Boronkaz says
October 26, 2017 at 12:32 amsad. i want one too. hey! we’re twinzies!!!!!! hahahaha
Leopold 'Butters' Stotch says
February 16, 2018 at 2:18 amI do. Owning a pet is a huge responsiblity…
Maybe she also has a good point with the maids and grandparents thing…?
Mickey says
August 19, 2016 at 7:18 amTalk it over with parents, grandparents ntd. But first make notes so your…presentation…is more powerful.
Look them in the eyes, be respectful, stop if the comment…bring the energy down…be a little humorous…answer each of their objections…to…their…satisfaction.
It may not work the first time …try again…in a different way at the next convenient …to them…time. Good Luck🌠
Nevada says
May 30, 2017 at 12:21 pmThey do best when fed on axolotl pellets (yes they do exist and have nutrients specified to axolotls) and commercial worms. Brine shrimp are more commonly used for babies too small to take pieces of earth worm. Pieces of beef are NOT ideal or recommended! They are extremely fattening and can carry antibiotics that can be harmful to the axolotl. I recommend a diet of earthworms. They work perfectly and axolotls LOVE them. Just keep in mind small juveniles will need to be fed small cut up pieces of worm not the whole worm at once.
Anna Boronkaz says
October 26, 2017 at 12:31 amwhere is the cheapest axolotl? and how do you convince your parents to get one? plz tell!!!!!!!!!
April says
November 11, 2017 at 10:33 amNOTE to Anna Boronkaz and anybody else who’s looking for a ‘cheap’ and ‘easy to keep’ pet:
First off, a good candidate for ‘pet parenthood’ for ANY type of critter is NOT primarily concerned about ‘cost’. Not that it’s necessarily prohibitively expensive to keep one of these critters (I know someone who breeds them), BUT, it’s not a desirable attitude-i.e., one should be prepared (emotionally AND practically) to handle whatever expenses are called for (as one would/should be w/any companion animal or human baby-IT’S A SERIOUS COMMITMENT, or should be!!! Just because an Axolotl has an adorable appearance doesn’t mean that keeping one alive and healthy is as easy as watching a cartoon. They need serious maintenance, attention, and LOVE, like any other sentient creature. ) The article above doesn’t mention that they require COLD TEMPS and can SUFFER-even become ill and perish in temps above 70F (or thereabouts. This article says 75F is the upper limit and NOT advised; the optimal water temp of 60-64F: http://www.axolotl.org/requirements.htm). And here’s THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT AXOLOTLS: They’re a unique and ENDANGERED species-endemic to Mexico-& have been driven to NEAR-EXTINCTION, so, there are a number of individuals (such as the breeder I mentioned above) who RAISE THEM FOR RELEASE BACK INTO THEIR PRIMARY HABITAT-therefore I would NOT ENCOURAGE ANYONE to rear any of these creatures without being aware of how special & vulnerable they are.
Taylah says
November 28, 2017 at 3:01 pmJust saying Axolotl’s are not that great with there eyesight so feeding them pellets are not a great idea because they won’t see the pellets half the time and the pellets will pollute the water and then you will have to clean the water more.