Axolotl
Ambystoma mexicanum
The Mexican walking fish — technically a permanently aquatic salamander. Axolotls retain their juvenile larval form throughout life (neoteny) and can regenerate limbs. Smiling, curious, and incredibly charming. Critically endangered in the wild.
Buy Axolotl →Quick Facts
Water Parameters
Natural Habitat
Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in the Valley of Mexico. Cold, still water with aquatic vegetation.
Mexico
Mexico
Feeding
Carnivorous — earthworms (best staple), frozen bloodworms, sinking pellets. Do NOT feed feeder fish.
Compatible Tank Mates
Good Matches
Avoid
Breeding
Lay up to 500 eggs on plants after a courtship dance. Easy to breed in captivity. Cool temperatures (14-16°C) trigger spawning.
Care Tips
Cold water — keep below 22°C, ideally 16-18°C
NO gravel — bare bottom or fine sand only (impaction risk)
No tank mates except other axolotls
Can regenerate limbs, gills, and even parts of their brain
Critically endangered — CITES listed
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