Axolotls, aquatic salamanders, are known for retaining their larval features (neoteny) throughout life. Native to Mexico, these creatures spend their entire lives in water, possessing feathery external gills and a finned tail. Proper nutrition is fundamental to an axolotl’s health, growth, and longevity in captivity, supporting their unique biological needs.
The Axolotl’s Natural Diet
In their native habitat, the ancient lake systems near Mexico City, particularly Lake Xochimilco, axolotls are opportunistic carnivores. Their diet in the wild primarily consists of various small aquatic invertebrates, insects and their larvae, mollusks, and small fish. These salamanders are ambush predators, using a suction feeding method to rapidly engulf their prey whole. The presence of invasive fish species, such as tilapia and carp, has significantly impacted the wild axolotl population by competing for food resources and preying on young axolotls and their eggs.
Primary Foods for Pet Axolotls
For pet axolotls, earthworms are the most nutritionally complete staple food. Varieties like Canadian nightcrawlers and European nightcrawlers offer high protein content and essential amino acids for muscle development. These worms are easily digestible, reducing gastrointestinal issues for both juvenile and adult axolotls. For smaller or juvenile axolotls, earthworms can be chopped into bite-sized pieces, while adults can consume them whole.
High-quality sinking pellets formulated for axolotls or carnivorous aquatic animals serve as a supplementary food. These pellets should be rich in protein (ideally over 40%) and low in fat, with minimal artificial additives. Soaking dry pellets before feeding helps soften them and reduces impaction risk.
Other foods can be offered as occasional treats for dietary variety. Frozen bloodworms are suitable for juveniles but offer less nutritional value for adults. Brine shrimp and daphnia are acceptable for younger axolotls. Small, lean pieces of defrosted raw shrimp can be given sparingly. Live feeder fish, such as guppies or platies, may be offered if properly quarantined to prevent disease transmission.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods are harmful or indigestible for axolotls and should be strictly avoided. Live feeder fish and insects from unknown sources pose a significant risk of introducing parasites or diseases. Some feeder fish, like goldfish and rosy reds, contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down thiamine (Vitamin B1), potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies. Larger feeder fish may injure an axolotl due to spines or aggressive behavior.
Mammalian meats, like chicken, beef, or pork, are unsuitable. These meats are too fatty and difficult to digest, potentially causing impaction and health issues. Processed human foods contain salts, preservatives, and other toxic ingredients. Hard-shelled insects, like crickets or mealworms, are difficult to digest and can lead to impaction. Gravel or small stones should be avoided as a tank substrate, as axolotls may ingest them, leading to fatal impactions.
Best Feeding Practices
The frequency and quantity of feeding depend on an axolotl’s age and size. Younger axolotls, up to six months old, typically require feeding once or twice daily for rapid growth. Adult axolotls, generally over one year old, have slower metabolisms due to living in cool water and usually only need to be fed two to three times per week. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and compromised water quality in the tank.
Offer as much food as the axolotl can consume within a few minutes. For an adult, this equates to two to three large earthworms per feeding. Observing the axolotl’s body condition from above helps determine if it is receiving adequate food; a healthy axolotl should have a body width similar to its head. Food can be offered using soft-tipped tongs or by dropping it directly in front of the axolotl.
Promptly remove any uneaten food after feeding to maintain water quality and prevent bacterial growth. Axolotls consume food underwater, and their digestive process is slow, taking two to three days. Providing a varied diet from recommended safe foods ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients for long-term health.