Axolotl

A single adult needs a fully aquatic tank of at least 75 to 110 litres (a 20 to 30 gallon long footprint), with more water giving better temperature and chemistry stability. Cycle the tank fully before adding an axolotl and run gentle filtration with low flow, as strong current stresses them. Use either a bare bottom or fine aquarium sand only; gravel and small stones are a serious impaction risk because axolotls swallow substrate when feeding. Provide shaded hides such as caves, PVC pipes and broad plants, and keep the tank in a cool part of the home away from direct sun.

Carnivore fed in the water. The staple is earthworms or nightcrawlers, supplemented with sinking salamander or axolotl pellets, and treats such as bloodworms and blackworms for juveniles. Do not use feeder fish, which carry parasites and disease and, being high in thiaminase, can cause vitamin B1 deficiency; they also risk injuring the gills. Feed juveniles daily and adults every two to three days, removing uneaten food promptly to protect water quality, and never feed anything with a hard shell that could cause impaction.

Cool water is non-negotiable: keep it at 16 to 18 C, and never let it exceed about 20 to 22 C as heat causes chronic stress, immune suppression and death; use a fan, chiller or cooler room rather than a heater, which is not needed. Axolotls do NOT require UVB or bright light and prefer dim, shaded conditions, so keep lighting low and provide cover. Maintain pristine water chemistry with ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm, low nitrate, neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and use a dechlorinator; regular partial water changes and testing are essential because ammonia burns their skin and gills.

Best kept alone, and never with fish or other species. Axolotls may bite each other's gills and limbs, and juveniles can be cannibalistic, so cohousing needs equal sizing and ample space, or better, separate tanks. They must not be handled except when necessary with wet clean hands, as their skin is delicate and mostly cartilage; they are for watching, not holding.

Provide caves, plants, pipes and shaded resting spots to explore and hide in, and a large enough floor to move across. Gentle water flow, live blackworms to hunt for juveniles, and a naturalistic dim planted tank offer environmental variety without stressing this sensitive animal.