Axolotls are a unique and fascinating species of aquatic salamander. Often described as “walking fish”, axolotls are native to Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City. With their wide, toothless smiles and feathery external gills, axolotls have an otherworldly appearance that has captivated pet owners and scientists alike. But what are axolotls really like? Are these strange salamanders friendly and safe to keep as pets? Let’s take a closer look at the behavior and temperament of axolotls.
Basic facts about axolotls
Here are some quick facts about axolotls:
- Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum
- Native habitat: Lake Xochimilco, Mexico City
- Size: 6-18 inches long
- Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity
- Diet: Carnivore (eats worms, insects, small fish)
- Behavior: Nocturnal, spends most time motionless at bottom of tank
Axolotls are a neotenic salamander species, meaning they retain larval features like gills and finned tails throughout adulthood. They are related to tiger salamanders but reach sexual maturity without undergoing metamorphosis. Axolotls have some amazing regenerative abilities – they can regrow lost limbs, heal wounds without scarring, and even reconstruct damaged organs and parts of their brains. Their regenerative powers and neoteny have made axolotls important model organisms in scientific research.
Are axolotls social or solitary?
In the wild, axolotls are mostly solitary creatures. They stake out territory on the muddy bottoms of Lake Xochimilco and defend it from other axolotls. Males in particular can be very territorial and aggressive toward intruding males during the breeding season.
However, axolotls aren’t necessarily solitary or aggressive by nature. In captivity, axolotls can be kept together in groups provided they have enough space. If tank mates are introduced at a young age, axolotls can live in harmony together. Adults may show some aggressive sparring when first introduced but normally establish a peaceful pecking order over time. As long as each axolotl has its own hiding place and territory within the tank, cohabitation is certainly possible.
Do axolotls attack or bite humans?
Axolotls have small, weak jaws unsuited for biting. They do not attack, bite, or lunge at human hands the way some aquatic pets like turtles or fish might. In fact, axolotls tend to ignore any motion outside of their tank and are unlikely to even acknowledge a human presence.
Axolotls do have good vision and sense of smell, so they may be aware of and curious about their human caretakers. But they do not aggressively attack humans under any normal circumstances.
Are axolotls affectionate or friendly toward humans?
| Trait | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affection towards humans | Low |
| Enjoys handling/petting | Low |
| Bonding with owner | Low |
| Training ability | Low |
Unfortunately, axolotls do not show much overt affection or friendliness toward human caretakers. Here are some key considerations:
- Axolotls have poor eyesight out of water and do not recognize owners.
- They are slow, low-energy animals not given to active displays of affection.
- Axolotls do not enjoy being handled or petted due to their sensitive skin.
- They are difficult to tame, train, or bond with compared to intelligent pets like dogs.
- Axolotls prefer hiding over interacting and cannot form social bonds.
While axolotls may tolerate gentle handling from their trusted caretakers, they do not reciprocate affection or bond socially with humans. Their personalities are more aloof and solitary by nature.
Do axolotls play with toys or interact with owners?
Axolotls have simple needs focused mainly on eating and shelter. They do not play with toys, interact with objects, or show interest in games with owners the way curious pets like cats or dogs might. However, some enrichment can make life more interesting for captive axolotls:
- Live plants and hiding spots provide mental stimulation.
- Adding tunnels, ramps, or bubble walls creates a more complex environment to explore.
- Mirrors outside the tank offer a sense of virtual companionship.
- Introducing tankmates like snails, shrimp, or feeder fish encourages natural foraging behaviors.
Adding live food items like worms or shrimp that axolotls must hunt down helps engage their predatory instincts. This is likely the closest axolotls come to “playing” since they evolved to ambush prey in the wild.
While axolotls won’t play fetch or learn tricks, they do benefit from a tank that stimulates their mental faculties and natural behaviors.
Do axolotls nip or bite each other?
Axolotls have very small, weak teeth not suited for biting or inflicting harm. However, nipping behaviors can occasionally occur between tankmates:
- Males may nip at each other during breeding competitions.
- Older axolotls may nip younger ones to establish dominance.
- Accidental nips can occur when going after the same food item.
- Stressed, cramped, or hungry axolotls are more prone to nipping.
Serious fighting and biting is rare if tankmates are properly introduced. Nipping is usually harmless but can stress weaker axolotls. Make sure all tankmates are similar in size, well-fed, and have ample personal space.
Do axolotls attack or eat small fish and tankmates?
Axolotls are carnivorous and will eat anything small enough to swallow. Potential tankmates should be chosen carefully based on size:
| Tankmate | Safe with axolotl? |
|---|---|
| Guppies | No, will be eaten |
| Neon tetras | No, will be eaten |
| Snails | Yes, too big to eat |
| Shrimp | Yes, may be eaten but can coexist |
| African dwarf frogs | Yes, similar size |
Any fish or organism small enough to fit in an axolotl’s mouth (about 1 inch wide) may be seen as prey. Snails, shrimp, and other axolotls are safe tankmates if they are not dwarfed in size by the axolotl.
Are axolotls good starter pets?
Here are some pros and cons of axolotls for first-time pet owners:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low-maintenance care | Require large, expensive aquarium |
| Not aggressive | Cannot be handled often |
| Hardy health | Need consistently cool water |
| Simple diet | Live food is recommended |
| Peaceful temperament | Minimal interaction with owners |
Axolotls can be great starter pets with their straightforward care needs. However, first-timers should be prepared for their “hands-off” nature and inability to thrive in small tanks or warm water.
Are axolotls safe for families with children?
Here are some considerations for families with young children:
- Supervise young children to prevent grabbing or tapping on tank.
- Teach proper hand-washing to prevent spreading germs to axolotl.
- Ensure tank is firmly secured with tight-fitting lid.
- Consider placing tank in parent’s bedroom if child is under 6 years.
- Older, gentle children can help feed or clean tank with guidance.
- Avoid handling axolotl around small kids who might drop it.
With proper precautions and supervision, axolotls can make intriguing pets for school-aged children. Always supervise young children and perform maintenance tasks yourself until about age 10.
Conclusion
While axolotls may look like strange mutants, they are docile, peaceful creatures that do not attack human hands or pose any real aggression risk. They should not be expected to become playful companions that interact with their owners frequently. However, for patient owners who appreciate their unique, low-key personalities, axolotls can make fascinating and relatively easy pets.
With appropriate housing and basic care, axolotls are safe, gentle creatures that generally get along with tankmates and humans alike. Their alien appearance hides a tranquil temperament well-suited for pet owners looking for a calming underwater presence.
