What do axolotls eat? An introduction to common food types
The axolotl is also known as the six-horned salamander, Mexican axolotl, and wooper looper, among other names. It has the ability to regenerate lost body parts, and in the natural environment it can only live in muddy waterways and lakes. It is famous for its unique appearance and neoteny, and it is kept as a pet all over the world. Now let us take a look at what axolotls eat!
What do axolotls eat?
The axolotl is an omnivore. Its main foods are algae, worms, shell-less insects, and small fish, along with a small amount of the feces of other fish. In captivity, it can be fed all kinds of easily found foods, including chicken, various freshwater fish meats, and freshwater shrimp meat. For convenience, it can also be fed frozen or fresh bloodworms, earthworms, waxworms, and other foods that are high in protein, low in fat, and free of hard shells or sharp spines.
How much does an axolotl cost?
How much an axolotl costs is mainly determined by its size and how good its appearance is. Normally, a regular small axolotl is basically 15 to 20 yuan, with prices varying by region. In addition, one with a good appearance, such as a 22 cm white one with black eyes, is around 200 yuan, while ones with a poorer appearance, such as a 22 cm one with black spots on its body, are about 180 yuan and 160 yuan.
Points to note when keeping axolotls together with other animals
Axolotls must not be kept together with any fish, shrimp, turtles, and the like (small fish fed to axolotls need their mouths clipped). At best, their gill filaments will be eaten clean; at worst, they will lose skin and flesh or even die (if kept with a pleco, the axolotl's body secretes mucus that causes the pleco to latch onto it, and the result is a chunk of flesh being sucked off). Even when adults are kept together, each one must be fed until full (put live food in the tank, such as bloodworms, small fish with clipped mouths, and so on). Axolotls that differ too much in size should not be kept together, as there have been cases of a large axolotl swallowing a much smaller one.
What is the best way to keep an axolotl?
1. Water quality: Neither cloudy water nor old acidic water is suitable for keeping axolotls. Axolotls like slightly alkaline water.
2. Water temperature: The suitable water temperature for axolotls is 16 to 20°C. It must not be lower than 3°C or higher than 30°C.
3. Hardness: Axolotls like hard water, so do not put driftwood in the tank, as driftwood has the effect of softening water. Also, do not buy store-bought homemade driftwood, as the water will turn yellow.
4. Cleanliness: Axolotls breathe with their gills, and unclean water will kill them. So you must change the water frequently. Installing a filter is also important, but you must still pay attention.