Axolotl (Mexican Walking Fish): Species Profile

Common Name: Axolotl, Mexican walking fish

Scientific Name: Ambystoma Mexicanum

Adult Size: Between 6 and 18 inches

Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

Axolotls prefer to stay in still or slow-moving freshwater like lakes and canals. They prefer to hide in aquatic plants and rocks found in shallow waters. 

The natural habitat of these fish has been affected due to pollution and urbanization. However, habitat preservation and captive breeding have helped to conserve them.

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: These fish have a unique flat body with a broad head. Their mouth looks like they are smiling which gives them a distinctive look.

• Color: Axolotls are found in various colors like dark brown, black, pale pink, and golden.

• Size: These long freshwater fish can grow up to 9 to 12 inches in their adulthood. Some of them can grow even larger if the living conditions are suitable. 

• External Gill: One of the unique features of this fish is that they have external gills at the back of the heads which are used for breathing.

• Limbs: They have short and webbed limbs that help quick movements in the water. They also have one unique ability that allows them to regrow their lost limb. 

• Eyes: Axolotls have lidless eyes that can be found in colors that are usually dark, pinkish, or red. 

• Skin Texture: They have smooth and moist skin that may be slightly clear. This feature allows some of their internal structures to be visible. 

• Tail: Their long, flat tail is used for swimming and helps them navigate through their tank or wild environment

Behavior and Temperament

• Solitary Nature: These fish have a solitary nature and prefer to live alone rather than in groups.

• Nocturnal: They are most active during the night and prefer to search for food during the night time.

• Curious: Axolotls are curious fish that investigate their environment and objects placed in the tank. 

• Non-Aggressive: These fish are also known for their peaceful nature. Unlike other aggressive fish, they are calm and do not show territorial behavior if not threatened.

• Stress Response: Axolots may become stressed if they are kept in incompatible conditions. A stressed axolotl hides excessively and shows abnormal swimming behavior.

It is recommended to place axolotls in at least 15 to 20-gallon fish tanks. The lid of the tank must be secured as they try to jump out of the tank. 

The tank does not require a land area and the water must be slightly more than the length of your axolotl. Make sure to add plants and gravel that are large enough not to be swallowed. 

A proper good quality filtration is also necessary to manage the pH and water parameters. With the installation of these materials, the axolotl can survive in an ideal environment.

The tank of axolotls must be kept in a cool room that is away from bright sunshine. The temperature of the water must be between 57 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 

These fish do not require special lighting as they prefer dark hiding spots such as flower pots laid on the side of an aquarium. You can add tap water treated with aquarium water condition as it helps to remove chlorine and chloramines.

It is best to feed axolotl a small amount of food daily. Adults can survive eating once to three times a week if given a proper diet. 

You can give them food like earthworms, insects, small fish, and tadpoles. You can drop the food in the water close to them to feed them food.

These fishes hunt their food by sensing a movement in the water and sucking them. Make sure that you don’t feed them large foods that may choke them.

It is very important to consider the health problems of axolotls. They may suffer from common fish diseases such as fungal infections around the gills. 

Those that are kept in poor water conditions are more likely to get bacterial infections. They should be kept in a relaxing environment to avoid weak immune systems which may cause other health issues.