Do axolotls make good pets?

Question

I was just wondering if they are good as pets. Do they have personalities or anything? How easy/expensive are they to care for? What do I need to know about one if I was to get one?

So if they need to stay under 22 degrees, what if the weather is hotter? How can you *reduce* the temperature in a tank? (sorry if this is a stupid question, I've never had an aquatic pet :P)

Answer 1

The Axolotl is the largest member of the family Ambystomatidae, with specimens over 43 cm (17 inches) total length known, though typical adult length is somewhere between 20 and 28 cm (8 - 11 inches). Unlike most of the group, this species exists totally in the perrenibranchiate state, retaining some larval features into adulthood (gills, larval skin morphology, caudal fins, etc). It becomes sexually mature in this state, and it develops small rudimentary lungs with which it can augment gaseous exchange if necessary, hence the term "cryptic metamorphosis". Suspected to be an offshoot from the Tiger Salamander complex (Ambystoma tigrinum, A. mavortium, etc), metamorphosed specimens bear close resemblance in pattern and colouration to the sympatric race of Tiger Salamander, A. valasci, though exact scientific nomenclature has yet to be resolved. Most scientific authorities recognise that it is a true obligatory neotene (Gould 1977), that can only be induced to metamorphose by hormone treatment. Accounts of spontaneous metamorphosis are generally attributed to the influence of hybridisation with the tiger salamander, or in some cases, to water chemistry: unusually high levels of iodine can affect the levels of growth hormones.
Captive axolotls come in many colour varieties, including the traditional wild type (brown, grey or almost black, with dark spots), albino (golden with pink eyes), leucistic (white with black eyes), melanoid (absence of iridescent pigment and very little yellow), axanthic (lacking iridescent and yellow pigment), and any combination of these, such as white albino (white with pink eyes), or melanoid albino (white with almost invisible yellow spots and no shiny pigment).

The Axolotl was originally native to Xochimilco and Chalco, two freshwater lakes south of Mexico City. Sadly, Chalco is now gone, and Xochimilco survives only as a network of canals and lagoons. These bodies of water are muddy bottomed and rich in plant and animal life.




Never leaving the water, these salamanders require completely aquatic conditions. A 60 x 30 x 37 cm (24 x 12 x 15 inches) aquarium is adequate for two adults. Water depth is not important, but 15 cm (6 inches) or more is recommended. Not being used to small gravel in their natural habitat, substrate should consist of either sand or pebbles/gravel that is too large to swallow. Axolotls feed by evacuating their mouths of water, then suddenly opening them very wide, thus causing anything in the immediate vicinity to enter, be it food or substrate, so it's important to bear this in mind. An aquarium bare of substrate, while perhaps less attractive, is safest and generally easier to clean. In the wild, the water temperature in Xochimilco rarely rises above 20°C (68°F), though it may fall to 6 or 7°C (43°F) in the winter, and perhaps lower. In captivity, any temperature between 14 and 22°C (57 to 72°F) is reasonable for adults. Any temperature over 25°C (77°F) is unsuitable for anything more than a few days. High temperatures stress axolotls, and anorexia, fungal and bacterial infections often result. Filtration, if required, can be accomplished in any of the usual ways, but it is known that axolotls are stressed by flowing water, so make sure that the water flow from a power filter, for example, is reduced or diffused in such a way as to prevent large volumes of water flowing about the tank at speed. Plants are not essential, unless breeding is planned. In any case, either choose robust plant species or those easily replaced, because axolotls tend to dredge up and damage delicate plants in their tank. Hiding places, though not essential, are a good idea - axolotls seem to like to have the option to hide at times. Lighting is not required either, unless ease of viewing is required. Remember to ensure water quality is maintained by making regular water changes - 20% or so every two weeks is usually adequate unless large numbers are being kept in a small tank or over feeding is taking place. Remember to treat tap water with a water conditioner prior to use as it may contain harmful substances (chlorine, chloramine, metals).

Answer 2

Axolotols are a cheap and easy pet. I live in Queensland in Australia and my son has one. They grow up to 30cm long and they are natives of Mexico. ( They used to eat them!). They seem to love a big clean tank with a good filter. The more they like their tank the more you will see them move about. They like blood worms to eat which you can usually get frozen from pet shops. They can live for 10 to 15 years. They have different personalities like every animal and will learn to come for food if you keep a routine

Answer 3

Your questions aren't stupid, and it's encouraging that you're asking them BEFORE you bring one home, but haven't you answered your own questions? You did use the word "easy" and "expensive," just to name a couple.

Any animal, regardless of species, is a living, breathing thing with many considerations--and true, responsible animal owners know that no living, breathing things are "easy" or "inexpensive." Pet shops and breeders will always make you believe that it isn't so: if they told the truth (providing they know it), they wouldn't be able to sell all of the animals that they do.

Consider contacting a local A.Z.A.-accredited zoo (A.Z.A. = American Zoological and Aquarium Association) and ask to speak with a keeper who is in charge of these animals. I'm not a "zoo" person, per se, but A.Z.A-accredited zoos have to pass hard-core inspections to retain their accreditation (and if they lose it, it's hard to get back). They also have to answer to U.S.D.A. inspections and inquiries on a regular basis.

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axolotl

Answer 5

i saw them now they are creepy but they are probably cool try it out!

Answer 6

Do you mean an ocelot? Like the little wild cat? I don't think you would want to domesticate one....they belong in a zoo or the wild!