I’ve written quite a few posts about axolotls here so far, everything from a general care sheet to early signs that your axolotl might be sick. But perhaps, before all that, I should have written this post. Is an axolotl actually the right pet for you? What are some pros and cons of keeping axolotls?
Cons Of Keeping Axolotls
Because I’m a glass half full kind of gal, I’ll start off with the potential cons of keeping axolotls as pets. That way I can get them out of the way and get to the good stuff!
Axolotl Can’t Be Handled
Well, I mean, technically you could handle your axolotl, but you shouldn’t. Axolotls have delicate gill filaments and slime coats that can easily be damaged if they are handled. Axolotls are amphibians, and like other amphibians they have delicate skin that will absorb toxins. Oil or any chemicals on your hands can actually be bad for your axolotl.
Oh, and the most obvious reason of course being that axolotls are fully aquatic! They shouldn’t be removed from the water unless you are very quickly moving them to another container of water. If you try to handle an axolotl, it’s likely that they will struggle and they may wiggle out of your grasp. I don’t think I need to go into detail on why dropping an axolotl would be a bad thing!
Axolotls Require Cold Water Aquariums
Unlike some types of fish, axolotls actually require cold water. An ideal temperature for an axolotl is about 64*F, but any temperature from between 58*F to 68*F should be well tolerated. Keeping an aquarium nice and cool can be a task and a half if you live somewhere that gets hot. If axolotls are exposed to temperatures above 70*F for too long it can be risky to their health. Aquarium chillers are the best way to keep your aquarium nice and cool year round. Unfortunately, chillers are usually pretty expensive.
Axolotl Supplies Can Be Expensive
Speaking of expensive, axolotls in general can be a rather expensive pet to keep. The aquarium hobby isn’t really known for being cheap, and keeping an axolotl is very similar to keeping fish. Axolotls are sometimes listed as being cheap pets, but I haven’t found that to be the case. Adult axolotls require large tanks, ideally with expensive chillers. Supplies like filters, aquarium safe hides, and plants will add up. Axolotls can also grow to a decent size. I’ve spent way more money on food for my axolotls than any fish I’ve ever kept.
Axolotls Eat Worms
This isn’t necessarily a con for everyone, but I know there are people out there who wouldn’t want to deal with feeding their axolotl earth worms. While other types of foods, such as pellets, do exist, earth worms are the best staple diet for axolotls. And not just any earth worms, oh no! Don’t feed your axolotls earth worms that you find outside. They can contain parasites and may have been exposed to toxins. You need them fancy store bought worms!
Axolotls Are Kind Of Dumb
That’s mean. I prefer to call them ‘derpy’. They are VERY derpy. This means that you may need to protect your axolotl from…well…themself. You can’t keep anything in an axolotl tank that is small enough to fit inside their mouths, because…they will eat it. They will eat it, get impacted, and die. Or cost you a pretty penny at the vet’s. You should also avoid adding any sharp objects to your axolotl’s aquarium.
Vet Care For Axolotls Can Be Hard To Find
It can be hard to find an exotic vet who will treat an axolotl. They do exist, and if you’re planning on getting an axolotl you should learn where the closest one to you is. But they are typically few and far between, which means you may need to travel pretty far if your axolotl requires vet care.
Axolotls Are High Maintenance
Axolotls are far from an animal you should purchase on a whim (not that you should impulse buy any animal). They require cool, cycled aquariums. Cycling a tank can be challenging if you’ve never done it before. There’s a lot to learn!
Axolotls are messy! They require large tanks because they have such a large bio-load. Even large tanks will require rather frequent care, such as checking parameters and water changes.
Axolotls also get stressed somewhat easily. Stress caused from a tank that is the wrong temperature, or not correctly cycled, will lower their immune system and can lead to disease.
Pros Of Keeping Axolotls
That’s a long list of cons, but now we can get to the good stuff!
Peaceful Pets
In terms of disruptive pets, axolotls are pretty low on the list! They are peaceful and quiet. Besides the space their aquarium takes up, you don’t have to worry about them taking over your house. Watching your axolotl swim around in their aquarium can be super relaxing. Keeping an axolotl is basically like keeping fish, only they are much cuter!
If Maintained Properly, Axolotl Are Hardy
The main causes of health issues in axolotls are diseases caused by stress and/or improper aquarium conditions. Axolotls that are well kept in a large, cool, cycled aquarium are actually pretty hardy pets! If they do get injured or sick, axolotls are amazing healers. Did you know they can even regenerate parts of their spinal cords and brains? Crazy right?
Axolotls Can Live A Long Time
This is always a pro for me, at least. I want my critters around for as long as possible!
Axolotls Come In Lots Of Cool Color Morphs
Thanks to captive breeding, axolotls come in lots of cool colors like melanoid (black), leucistic (pink), copper, and albino. You can even get axolotls that will glow green under black light! Although I have to admit, don’t tell my other axolotls this, but my wild type axolotl, Locke, just might be my favorite. Even with their natural coloration, axolotls are really cool looking.
Axolotls Are Easy To Find For Sale, And Usually Not Expensive
Although they are thought to be extinct, or nearly extinct, in their natural habitat, axolotls are actually pretty common in the pet trade. It’s easy to find them for sale in pet stores, reptile expos, and even directly from breeders. Many breeders these days will even ship your new axolotl to you overnight, right to your door (or to your closest FedEx hub). No matter what color you’re looking for, it’s typically pretty easy to find axolotls for sale. In addition, because axolotls lay so many eggs at once, you won’t generally have to spend too much on an axolotl itself. Their price will vary somewhat depending on their morph, but I’ve seen axolotls being sold for as cheap as $30.
I always recommend purchasing axolotls from reputable breeders who know their animals’ lineages! Or rescue one, if you can find an axolotl in need near you.
Axolotls Are Awesome!
What more can I say? Axolotls are just cute, silly, entertaining pets. After a long day I love sitting and watching my axolotls peacefully tool around their aquarium. My axolotls seem to have learned that people = food so they love to beg, which is just adorable. I love interacting with them during feeding time. I described them as derpy above, and I maintain that this description is fitting, but I find their derpiness really endearing.
Are Axolotls The Right Pet For You?
What do you think? Remember that caring for a pet is a big responsibility. A living things entire existence rests in your hands! If you do decide that axolotls are the right pet for you, do lots of research before bringing one home. Caring for their tanks can sometimes be challenging, especially if you are new to keeping aquariums. But once you learn the basics, caring for axolotls isn’t too complicated. They make great pets for the right people! Is that you? Be sure to check out some of my other posts about caring for axolotls.
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