Axolotl
Ambystoma mexicanum
Also sold as Mexican walking fish · GFP axolotl · Axie · Wild type axolotl · Golden albino axolotl · Axolot
Synonyms Leucistic axolotl · Melanoid axolotl · Copper axolotl · Mexican salamander
Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a semi-aggressive freshwater amphibian that reaches about 25 cm (9.8 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 61–64°F (16–18°C) and pH 6.5–8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Amphibian |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 25 cm (9.8 in) |
| Minimum tank | 75 L (20 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 61–64°F (16–18°C) |
| pH | 6.5–8 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 10 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Axolotl needs at least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
- It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 8.3 cm (3.3 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Rummy Nose Tetra and Crystal Red Shrimp.
- It holds at 61–64°F (16–18°C). That shares a window with Cherry Shrimp and Goldfish, but not with Betta and Angelfish.
- Do not put it with Amano Shrimp, Cardinal Tetra and Celestial Pearl Danio.
- It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
- Before you buy: it is a cold-water animal, so a typical tropical planted tank runs too warm for it.
- Before you buy: it is banned or licence-only in some places, so check your local rules first.
Axolotl: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
61–64°F (16–18°C), pH 6.5–8.
How long does it live?
10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Ramshorn Snail, Bladder Snail, Butterfly Hillstream Loach and Denison Barb.
- Plants that hold up with it: Dwarf Hairgrass Mini, Frogbit, Hygrophila polysperma and Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini'.
Often compared with
| Axolotl | African Clawed Frog | Chinese Fire-bellied Newt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 25 cm | 12.5 cm | 10 cm |
| Min tank | 75 L | 38 L | 57 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 61–64°F (16–18°C) | 70–75°F (21–24°C) | 57–68°F (14–20°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Yes |