Can An Axolotl Jump Out Of Its Tank?
Axolotls are unique amphibians that spend their entire lives in the water. These salamanders are known for their feathery external gills and cute, broad smiles. They can live for a surprisingly long time, sometimes even more than 10 years! If you’re lucky enough to own an axolotl, you might be wondering what kind of tank they need and whether or not they can jump out of their tank.
Can An Axolotl Jump Out Of Its Tank?
Axolotls can jump out of their tank. Although their limbs look small and gangly, they’re quite strong. You should keep a tightly-fitted lid on your tank at all times to prevent your axolotl from jumping out and escaping.
This comprehensive article will tell you everything you need to know about housing your axolotl.
What Kind Of Tank For Axolotls?
Axolotls can grow up to 10 inches long, so they’ll need a tank that holds at least 10 to 20 gallons. Use an external filter with a gentle flow rate in the tank to maintain water quality. Axolotls can’t tolerate a heavy flow of water since it might cause stress and damage their gills.
The ideal substrate for the bottom of your axolotl tank is sand or stones wider than your pet. Smaller pebbles aren’t recommended since your axolotl might ingest the stones and hurt its intestinal system.
Axolotls need plenty of places to hide in their tank. A well-planted tank with either silk or fresh plants will give them spaces to hide and improve the water quality. Since they’re naturally found in lakes, you can even give them a rock formation or two that simulates their natural environment.
What Do Axolotls Eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and do best eating small, live prey. Some foods your axolotl will enjoy are:
- Tubifex worms
- Bloodworms
- Shrimp
- Beef hearts
- Small insects
- Feeder fish
- Pellets
- Brine shrimp
- Earthworms
Make sure to give your axolotl a variety of foods to meet all of their nutritional needs. Buy live prey from a reputable pet store to make sure they’re clean and safe for your axolotl to consume.
How To Take Care Of An Axolotl?
Axolotls have very specific water requirements. The water in your axolotl’s tank should be maintained between 58 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, or 14 and 19 degrees Celsius. Water that is higher in temperature than 70 degrees Fahrenheit will stress your axolotl to the point of anorexia and possibly death.
You’ll have to do a 70 percent water change every week. This means siphoning off 70% of the existing water in the tank and then replacing it with fresh water. This removes waste and debris that has built up in the tank.
Since amphibians have delicate skin, it is ill-advised to clean the tank with harsh chemicals and disinfectants. Your axolotl can absorb them through its skin and cause poisoning.
It’s a good idea to take your axolotl to visit the veterinarian every year. They’ll be able to look for signs of stress and illness to ensure your axolotl is healthy and happy.
Can You Keep An Axolotl With Fish?
Axolotls and fish don’t make good tankmates. This discrepancy is because axolotls require a water temperature that is too low for most fish to tolerate. Fish are also known to nip at axolotls’ feet, and axolotls can eat fish that are small enough to fit in their mouths.
Is An Axolotl the Right Pet For Me?
As already mentioned, axolotls have very particular housing and water requirements that must be maintained throughout their lifetime. Ask yourself if you’ll be able to perform the necessary maintenance and have the time to source live food. If you do, an axolotl will be the perfect pet for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still, trying to decide if you want to keep an axolotl? Here are some frequently asked questions for more information.
Why is my axolotl trying to jump out?
If your axolotl is attempting to jump out of its tank, it might be stressed. The water in the tank may be poor quality, either with less oxygen or more waste than it can tolerate. The water might also be at the wrong temperature.
If you’re observing these escapist behaviors in your pet, it might be time to test the water and ensure it is between 58 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that your axolotl has plenty of places to hide. If there are others in the tank, ensure it isn’t bullied by a tankmate.
What happens if you drop an axolotl?
If you happen to drop your axolotl, try not to panic. Unless the fall was extreme, it will probably make a full recovery. Make sure to carefully put it back in its tank as soon as possible. Keep the water extra clean and cool to reduce stress.
Check on it every day to make sure it is still eating appropriately. If its body appears scratched or bruised or has no appetite, you might consider bringing it to the vet for a professional opinion.
Can you play with an axolotl?
Some axolotl owners report that their pet recognizes their hand and will play with them in the water. If it feels safe enough, it might even sit in your palm for a while.
However, it’s ill-advised to take your axolotl out of the tank unless necessary. Axolotls can breathe air for a short time, but they will easily dry out if exposed to air for too long.
How long can axolotl stay out of water?
Axolotls exist in aquatic environments. They can survive outside the water for about an hour, provided the environment is damp and cool, but not much longer than that.
Final Thoughts
Do you love exotic and easy-going pets? The axolotl is perfect for you. These beautiful amphibians are interesting conversation starters. Keeping a lid on your tank and maintaining clean water will prevent any escape acts, so your axolotl can live a long and happy life.