Last Updated: 09/04/2026
Axolotl Care Guide
Want to keep an axolotl but don't know where to start? Read our Vet-written guide for all the tips!
Author: Dr Nicole Wynne BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets)
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
Axolotls are fascinating creatures that give us an insight into a world that is completely alien to human beings. Originally from freshwater pools deep in the caves of Mexico, axolotls are now kept as pets worldwide. Due to their unique evolutionary history and physiology, they require specialised care and a very stable, specific environment. Axolotls evolved in cold, clean water without much sunlight or water variation. That means that they are unable to tolerate a wide range of parameters, and require close attention to things like water temperature and quality in order to thrive.
Axolotls are a type of salamander, an amphibian similar to frogs but with a body shape like a lizard. We don't have any native Australian salamanders, but they are common in Asia, the US, and UK. However, most salamanders are amphibious but mostly terrestrial, which means they can tolerate being in water and do require water nearby, but are land-based. Like frogs, salamanders have their eggs and babies in water, which then go through a larval phase just like tadpoles. Salamander babies have gills and a tail which help them to swim and absorb oxygen from water. Axolotls are particularly interesting as they never lose their gills and tail, even after they grow up. This trait is called neoteny, and they may have evolved this to help them survive and reproduce in an environment with few resources.
Axolotls also have an amazing ability to regenerate body parts! This is very unusual for a vertebrate (an animal with a backbone), although many invertebrates like crabs also have this ability. This means that axolotls can actually regrow entire limbs if they lose them! This incredible trait has made them a model organism for scientific study, and so there is a lot of information available about keeping them in optimal conditions.
Facts about axolotls
Size
Medium
Life expectancy
10-15 years
Place of Origin
Mexico
Length range
15-30cm
Temperament
Calm
Weight range
100-200 grams
Enclosure size
Large
Activity level
Low
Active period
Nocturnal
Fresh or Salt Water
Freshwater
What do I need to know before getting an axolotl?
Before diving into axolotl ownership, it is important to remember these unique salamanders are a long-term commitment, often living up to 15 years. They require a stable, quiet environment and specialised housing to thrive.
What is the ideal temperature for an axolotl?
The biggest hurdle in Australia’s warm climate is maintaining a stable water temperature between 16-18°C. Fluctuations can cause significant stress. To keep things cool:
- Place the tank in a quiet room away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid high-traffic areas or spots where curious cats and dogs might disturb them.
What size tank does an axolotl need?
Axolotls can grow up to 30 cm, so it's best to set up an adult-sized tank from the start.
- Minimum size: 75 litres for one adult.
- Dimensions: Prioritise floor space over height, as they spend most of their time walking along the bottom.
- Additional pets: Add another 75 litres for every extra axolotl.
Can axolotls have tank mates?
Axolotls are solitary and do not need "friends." If you choose to house them together, they must be the same size, or the larger one may eat the smaller one.
- Fish: Avoid keeping fish with axolotls. Small fish are snacks, while larger fish may harm the axolotl.
- Group housing: Ensure there are plenty of hides and visual barriers to prevent "roommate" scuffles.
Do axolotls like bubbles or currents?
Unlike many fish, axolotls require still water. Strong currents from filters or air stones can cause "gill curling" and chronic stress. Aim for a gentle filtration setup that keeps the water pristine without creating a whirlpool.
How do I set up an axolotl tank?
Setting up a home for an axolotl requires more than just a glass box; it's about creating a stable, low-stress ecosystem. Before your new friend arrives, you must cycle the tank for 4-8 weeks to establish healthy bacteria. This is vital for preventing life-threatening ammonia spikes.
What equipment do I need for an axolotl?
To keep your axolotl happy and healthy, you will need:
- Tank: At least 75 litres with a secure lid (they can occasionally jump!).
- Chiller: Ideally 2-3 thermostat-controlled water chillers to maintain 16-18°C.
- Filter: A low-flow filter or one equipped with a spray bar to prevent strong currents.
- Test Kit: A liquid water quality kit for regular monitoring.
- Lighting: Keep it dim; axolotls find bright lights stressful.
What is the best substrate for an axolotl tank?
Axolotls are notorious for "vacuuming" up anything near their mouths, which can lead to life-threatening impaction.
- Safe options: Leave the bottom bare or use very fine aquarium sand (however, even very fine sand isn't risk free, as while small amounts can pass through the digestive tract safely, large amounts of ingested sand may still cause impaction).
- What to avoid: Never use gravel or small pebbles. Anything smaller than an adult axolotl’s head is a swallowing hazard. If using decorative rocks, ensure they are much larger than their head.
How should I decorate my axolotl tank?
Axolotls are shy cave-dwellers, so hides are the most important furniture.
- Hides: Provide smooth, large caves where they can escape the light and current.
- Plants: Avoid live plants that require bright light. Soft silk or large plastic plants are great for providing cover.
- Safety check: Ensure all decor is smooth to protect their delicate, scaleless skin.
How do I manage water flow?
Too much current can cause "gill curling" and stress. You can dampen the flow by:
- Placing large decorations or silk plants directly in front of the filter output.
- Using a spray bar to distribute water movement.
- Adjusting the filter intake to a lower setting if possible.
- Increasing the frequency of water changes can also help to reduce the filtration rate required.
How do I maintain an axolotl tank?
Consistent water quality and temperature are the foundations of axolotl health. Regular monitoring helps you identify and fix issues before they affect your pet.
How often should I test the water and perform changes?
Test water quality weekly to fortnightly to monitor waste build-up. Based on your results:
- Perform a 20% water change every one to two weeks.
- If water quality is poor, increase the frequency of changes or upgrade your filtration system.
How often should I check the water temperature?
Check the water temperature twice daily with an easy-to-read thermometer. High temperatures are a leading cause of illness, and frequent checks ensure you notice a broken chiller immediately.
What should I check during routine maintenance?
- Food waste: Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent it from impacting water quality.
- Tank safety: Inspect furniture for sharp or abrasive edges.
- Substrate: Ensure flooring is not fragmenting into small pieces that could be accidentally swallowed.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivores that require a diet high in protein and low in fat. Providing a variety of 3–5 different food types ensures balanced nutrition.
What are the best food options?
- Staple food: High-quality, soft, sinking axolotl pellets.
- Other options: Bloodworms (ideal for young axolotls), brine shrimp, blackworms, nightcrawlers, and water fleas.
- Safety note: Only use home-grown or commercially sourced live foods. Avoid wild-caught items, as they can carry dangerous parasites and infections.
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Axolotls should generally be fed 2–4 times a week.
- Young axolotls: Require more frequent, smaller meals and may need to learn to eat pellets since they are attracted to movement.
- Adults: Can tolerate larger, less frequent feeds.
- Timing: Feed in the evening or at night to suit their nocturnal nature.
Ensure all food pieces are smaller than your axolotl's head. Overly large pieces will be left uneaten, rotting in the tank and negatively impacting water quality.
How to tell if your axolotl is sick
Illness in axolotls often presents with non-specific symptoms, usually triggered by issues with water quality, temperature, or husbandry. If your axolotl seems unwell, start by reviewing their environment.
What are the signs of stress?
Tail curling and gill curling are the two most common signs that your axolotl’s environment is subpar. These are not diseases but indicators of stress that may be caused by:
- Strong water currents
- Warm water temperatures
- Waste build-up or poor water quality
- Conflict with tank mates
If these husbandry issues aren't corrected, your axolotl may become prone to infections or trauma.
How are bacterial and fungal infections treated?
While these infections occur, many standard fish treatments are dangerous for axolotls. Because it is difficult to distinguish between bacteria and fungi by sight, a veterinarian is the best option for accurate testing and safe treatment.
What causes physical trauma?
Trauma is typically caused by improper tank mates or abrasive furniture:
- Tank mates: Smaller axolotls may be attacked by larger ones, and fish often nip at an axolotl's delicate gills.
- Furniture: Rough surfaces can cause scrapes, while stressed axolotls may rub their snouts against walls, leading to chronic wounds.
When should I see a vet for injuries?
Axolotls have incredible healing and regenerative abilities. However, you should seek veterinary help if:
- Wounds do not heal as expected, as the the axolotl may require pain relief.
- There is a severe limb injury. A vet may perform an amputation, after which the limb can actually grow back.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 9 Apr 2026
Edited by Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)Dr Nicole Wynne BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets)
Veterinarian, MANZCVS (Unusual Pets)
Dr. Nicole graduated from Murdoch University in WA in 2014, and immediately started working in exotics-only practice. She was also one of the few vets in Australia that would routinely see venomous snakes ranging from death adders to tiger snakes. Although Dr. Nicole enjoys seeing all exotic pets, her absolute favourite are rabbits. She passed her Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Membership (MANZCVS) exam in unusual and exotic pets in 2021.
