- Species: Ambystoma mexicanum
- Common Name: Axolotl Black (Black)
- Good for medium-large aquariums.
- Current Size: Approximately 14-20 cm
- Adult size = can grow up to 30cm in length.
- Origin: Mexico
- Diet: Carnivor
- pH Range: 6.5 – 7.5
- Temperature: 14°C – 20°C.
This listing is for Noir, a black axolotl rescue we recieved. Very peaceful and a lighter spotted shade of black.
Axolotls are fascinating creatures native to Mexico but are well-suited for life in aquariums as pets. Often called "Mexican Walking Fish" due to their four small legs and fish-like tail, they are actually amphibians, not fish, and are related to salamanders.
Adult axolotls have a unique appearance with a long, sleek body, four short legs, and three pairs of feathered gills on the back of their head. Their smooth, soft skin is sensitive, so handling should be kept to a minimum. They come in various colors in captivity, including cream, grey, brown, white albino, near black, and white with black eyes.
Unlike most amphibians, axolotls remain in their larval form for life, keeping their gills and fins. They possess a remarkable ability to regenerate lost or damaged body parts, such as legs, tails, and even parts of the brain and heart. These hardy creatures can live for 10 to 15 years in good conditions.
Axolotls breathe through their moist skin and can survive briefly out of water as long as their skin stays wet. In water, they use their gills to extract oxygen, but they may occasionally surface to gulp air.
They thrive in filtered aquariums but shouldn't be housed with fish that may nibble on their delicate gills. A single axolotl requires a tank at least 45 cm long, and two similarly sized axolotls can share a tank if there's enough room. They can grow between 18 to 30 cm in length.
Tap water should be treated with a water conditioner to remove chemicals, and the pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5 to protect their sensitive skin. Weekly water changes of 20% are recommended. The water should be at least 15 cm deep and maintained at a temperature between 14°C and 20°C. A standard aquarium heater set at 18°C is ideal.
Axolotls tend to swallow gravel, so if you use a substrate, ensure it's large enough to avoid ingestion. A gravel vacuum is useful for cleaning, as axolotls can be quite messy. They also prefer low light, so standard aquarium lighting is fine, but sudden light changes should be avoided. Adding plants, pipes, pots, and caves provides hiding places and enhances the tank’s appearance.
Being carnivores, axolotls require a meat-based diet. Since they swallow their food whole, everything offered must fit in their mouth. Sinking axolotl pellets are the easiest option, though earthworms, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp make good occasional treats. Avoid mealworms due to their indigestible exoskeletons, and only offer small amounts of food at a time to prevent waste buildup.
Axolotls are a unique and captivating choice for amphibian enthusiasts!
If you have any questions or problems feel free to contact us!
Postage costs
All small products, plant or snail orders are $3.99 flat postage. Large products, plant or snail orders are $10.99 tracked postage.
Express is a flat $13.99 no matter the order size other than a few specific giant items (like big tanks).
Any larger tanks are a flat $39 postage. We price the tanks at the Pickup price, and postage always costs us more than $50 for them, so we have to charge a bit extra.
Live Goods and Postage
All live goods are sent with express post for a flat $13.99. Purchases for the week will be cut off SUNDAY - 8pm. All orders placed after that time may be sent on the following week.
Pickup
Pickup is from our store located at: 153/313 Harris St, Pyrmont, Sydney, NSW. Please let us know before you come after placing your order so we can confirm it will be ready then.
Terms and Conditions
We will refund or replace any livestock that arrives DOA (Dead on Arrival) but cannot guarantee your order will arrive on time since we have no control over the postage service. If you have any issues with your order please let us know.
Enjoy!