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Reptile Basic Care Guides

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Care level: Intermediate

Temperament: Can be very personable, but not handleable

Behavior: active throughout night/day, aquatic, solitary

Minimum enclosure size: 40 gallons (180L)

Water temp: 60-68°F (16-20°C); over 68°F (20°C) can become dangerous

Lighting: No lighting needed, although plant lighting can be used for 6 hours or less per day

Diet: Soft-bodied invertebrates like nightcrawlers as well as occasional soft sinking salmon pellets

Adult size: about 12” (30cm)

Wild Distribution: lakes and wetlands throughout the Mexican Central Valley; very rarely found in the wild now

(care guide written with contributions by mandi#6740)


Other Resources:

Axolotl Central Care Guide

Dubia.com Guide – Axolotl

ADW – Ambystoma mexicanum