The Buyers Guide to Axolotls
By Jett Stephens
cleaned tank, as they are susceptible to infection.
Have you ever wanted to own an exotic pet, but not wanted to deal with spiders and snakes? These two creatures fall under the “exotic pet” category but do tend to scare people. Well, consider the Ambystoma Mexicanum, or Axolotl, for short. These little guys are fairly low maintenance, though they are a little costly. If you're willing, allow me to aid you in learning about these amphibians, and why I think they are great pets! Axolotls are native to Lake Xochimilco, located in the Valley of Mexico. They are amphibious creatures and are known as “the amphibians that never grow up,” because they carry traits, such as their tail design, from their larval stage all the way through adulthood. They are quite colorful, with some being brown, pink, or blue in complexion. Because their gills are on the outside of their body, people often mistake their gills for ears. In the wild, they eat small fish and insects … actually, they eat anything they can fit in their mouths, which can be a bit of a hindrance at times. Axolotls are fragile yet resilient– their immune systems are extremely weak, but they can regenerate lost limbs, and, like possums, they can play dead to convince predators to leave them alone. So, how would you buy an Axolotl, and how would you care for it? Well, you can find them in tropical pet stores, usually for anywhere between $30 and $100 depending on the store and the exotic grade of the creature. The Axolotl itself, however, is possibly the cheapest component, next to food. They require 15-20 gallons of 59-65 degree water with a Ph level of 7.4-7.6. They also need to have a regularly
When it comes to feeding, an Axolotl needs a healthy meal of insects, bloodworms, beef hearts, or feeder fish, which can be found in the same store where you bought the Axolotl, or even your generic pet goods store. Young Axolotls need to be fed daily, while adults need 1-2 servings every other day. It's often debated, but in my own opinion, an Axolotl’s tank shouldn’t contain gravel. Since they eat pretty much anything, the gravel can be mistaken for food and ingested, leading to a myriad of digestive issues. Axolotls are also not friendly with fish, even each other. It is advised not to keep them in a tank with fish, as they will either eat the fish, or the fish will try to eat them. They shouldn't be placed in a tank with sharp objects, as they are still fragile creatures, despite their regenerative abilities. Finally, why do I think Axolotls are good pets? You may find that they're either the most adorable thing you can find in the water or the ugliest. And I find either side of that to be charming. Axolotls are fairly low-maintenance, once you have all the necessities set up—and the closest thing you’ll need to any kind of unique equipment will be a water filter! The main downside is they're fairly costly once you get down to it, but once that hurdle is crossed, Axolotl care is smooth sailing. I hope that, with this article, I have helped you decide on a new best friend to introduce to your home, or if not, taught you something you didn't know. Sources: https://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk › blog › education https://ambystoma.uky.edu/19-fun-facts-cat/67-what-do- Axolotls-eathttps://www.thesprucepets.com/Axolotls-as- pets-1236714
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