Q&A for How to House a Pet Axolotl

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No, I wouldn't recommend it. The suckerfish might injure the axolotl, or the axolotl might prey on the suckerfish.

it would be better if it was on a table. Dirt and other things are more likely to get in the tank and hurt the fish.

It's the same either way. The female and the male need the same amount of care.

Yes, as long as the dog does not stress the axolotl (bump the glass, reach the axolotl through the top etc.).

Males have a longer face and tail.

You can put pebbles in the the tank if you want, but just make sure they are clean and larger than your axolotls' head, because they have a nasty habit of swallowing anything they can fit in their mouths, sometimes leading to choking, which can lead to death.

Yes, that's too hot. You're going to need an aquarium chiller. That is much too hot for an Axolotl.

They don't like to- much movement in the water, so I would say no to an air stone.

I am not sure if acolotls mind the noise of filters, but you would be able to buy a silent filter at your local pet shop.

You can put your hand in the tank and let the axolotl explore your fingers. Make sure you wash your hands before and after you put your hands in the tank. Don't grab the axolotl or try to take them out of the water.

Check out the helpful tips in this article about caring for an axolotl on wikiHow.

Adding plants to your tank will reduce the algae because the plants will use up the nutrients the algae needs to grow. You can also use low light, keep feeding minimal, and scrape algae just before you change water.

They're not what most people would call "easy," so I would recommend doing plenty of research before committing yourself to one.

If you're going to use tap water, then you need to purify it first. You also need to ensure that the tank has a filter.

When they're young, you can't tell, because they're not fully developed; when they turn into adults, then you will be able to tell.

No, that is not a good idea. There could be toxins or bacteria in the water that might cause your axolotl harm.

I probably wouldn't do this. Axolotl will eat any snail or fish that they can fit in their mouth.

I keep an anubias plant in the tank with my axolotl but any cold water, low light plants should work. As long as they get a little light, the low light plants should be fine!

Axolotls are legal in some states, and they are illegal in others. You will need to check with your state specifically to see whether or not they are legal.

After the tank is set up it will be pretty cheap, I feed my little girl an earthworm every other night and she's doing wonderful. You should also need to account for weekly water change materials of about $15 or so. Maybe more if there's problems with the tank.

If they're over a year of age they'll most likely breed. You'll know if your axolotl is going to lay eggs if the female is swimming around the tank a lot more than usual.

Both require the same care. Gender doesn't affect the amount of care required.

Axolotls under 10 cm (4") in length are more inclined to nip each other, so give them more space if kept together. Adults will happily coexist; just make sure the axolotls can't swallow one of their tank mates.

You can, but axolotls are better pets to observe as opposed to handle or touch. Petting them could injure them.

Axolotls can eat plain seafood, such as cooked shrimp, as well as beef and chicken. Axolotls can also eat bloodworms, small fish, large earthworms, and insects. Make sure that the food is clean and fresh before feeding it to your axolotl.

If the noise is low and has a lot of vibration, that would vibrate the water and disturb the axolotl. High-pitched sounds don't seem to bother it.

It would be around 250 dollars, that is not including recurring costs like food and vet checkups.

No, axolotls have gills so they can only breathe underwater. Make sure you put a couple of hideouts in the water.

If your axolotl lays eggs and you do not want to keep them, you can either cull them by removing them from the tank and throwing them away or simply keep them in the tank- axolotls are cannibalistic with their young. If you do want to keep them, I would suggest creating a set-up specifically for raising baby axolotls and putting the eggs in there.