How to take care of an Axolotl

Additionally, axolotls have a very specific diet and cannot digest certain types of food. For example, you should never give them cat or dog food as it contains too much protein and fat that their digestive system cannot handle.

In general, axolotls eat about 10% of their body weight every day. So, if you have an axolotl that weighs 100 grams, it should eat about 10 grams of food per day.

Tips for feeding axolotls

• Provide live or dead food: as mentioned earlier, axolotls are carnivorous animals and require protein in their diet. Make sure to provide them with live or dead food such as bloodworms, shrimp, fish, and insect larvae.
• Do not overfeed: it is important not to overfeed axolotls as this can cause digestive problems and obesity. Only provide the recommended amount of food each day.
• Change water frequently: axolotls produce a lot of waste and release chemicals into the water that can cause health problems if not removed. Change the water in their habitat at least once a week.
• Do not give cat or dog food: as mentioned earlier, these foods contain too much protein and fat for the axolotl's digestive system.

Always remember to provide your axolotls with a balanced and quality diet to keep them healthy and happy.

Caring for and cleaning your axolotl

The axolotl is a very resilient animal, but it requires specific care to stay healthy. Here are some tips for caring for and cleaning your axolotl:

Clean water

The water should be changed regularly, at least once a week. Remove feces and leftover food from the bottom of the tank every day with a net or water vacuum. Make sure the filter is working properly to keep the water clean.

Water temperature

The axolotl lives in cold water, so the water temperature should be maintained between 15°C and 20°C. Use a thermometer to regularly check the water temperature. If the water becomes too hot or too cold, it could cause health problems for your axolotl.

Feeding

The feeding of the axolotl depends on its age and size. Young axolotls mainly eat water worms and small insects, while adults prefer shrimp, fish, and other protein-rich foods. Make sure not to overfeed your axolotl, as this can lead to health problems such as obesity.

Tank cleaning

It is important to regularly clean the axolotl tank to prevent bacteria and algae growth. Remove dead plants, leftover food, and other debris from the bottom of the tank. Clean the walls of the tank with a sponge or soft cloth.

Water quality control

Regularly check the water quality of your tank using a water test kit. Make sure ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are in the appropriate range for the axolotl. If levels are too high, change the water immediately and check the filtration system.

Veterinary assistance

If you notice that your axolotl is experiencing health problems such as loss of appetite, injuries, or abnormal behavior, take your animal to a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals. An experienced professional can diagnose and treat any illnesses or infections.

• Remove feces and leftover food from the bottom of the tank every day
• Maintain the water temperature between 15°C and 20°C
• Do not overfeed your axolotl
• Clean the axolotl tank regularly
• Check the quality of your tank's water using a water test kit
• Take your axolotl to a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals if you notice any health problems.

Reproduction and mating

Axolotls are oviparous animals, which means they reproduce by laying eggs. Sexual maturity is reached around 12-18 months of age.

Mating

Axolotls mate during the breeding season, which usually begins in November and ends in June. During this period, males become more active and start looking for females to mate with.

To recognize a female ready to mate, males use their sense of smell to perceive pheromones released by females. When a male finds an available female, he approaches her and starts swimming around her body, trying to convince her to accept mating.

Once the female is ready, the male grabs the female's tail with his mouth and positions himself laterally to her. In this position, the male releases sperm onto the female's cloaca, where it will be deposited on the eggs during laying.

Egg laying

After mating, the female begins to lay eggs on aquatic plants or leaves in her environment. The eggs are then left unattended and the female does not take care of them. The eggs need an incubation period of about 2-3 weeks before hatching.

Once the eggs hatch, the baby axolotls are very vulnerable and need protection. In nature, many of them are eaten by other aquatic animals, but in captivity they can be raised in separate tanks from their parents to ensure their survival.

• Sexual maturity is reached around 12-18 months of age
• Males use their sense of smell to perceive pheromones released by females
• After mating, the female lays eggs on aquatic plants or leaves in her environment
• The eggs need an incubation period of about 2-3 weeks before hatching

Conclusion

In this article we have seen how axolotls reproduce and mate. It is important to remember that these animals require specific care during the breeding season, such as a balanced diet and an environment suitable for egg laying. If you are interested in keeping an axolotl as a pet, be sure to thoroughly research their needs and choose a reliable seller.