Blue Axolotl: A Beginner’s Guide With Pics, Cost to Buy, and Care Info

Blue axolotls have become one of the most sought after color morphs in the axolotl world. Their unique blue gray coloring gives them an almost otherworldly appearance that’s hard to resist. But before you rush out to buy one, it helps to understand what “blue” axolotls actually are, how to care for them, and what makes them different from other axolotl varieties.

What Is a Blue Axolotl?

Here’s something that surprises a lot of people: truly blue axolotls don’t really exist in the way most people imagine. What’s commonly called a “blue” axolotl is actually a melanoid axolotl (a dark colored morph) that appears blue or blue gray under certain lighting conditions. The blue tint comes from the way light interacts with the dark pigments in their skin.

Some axolotl breeders have worked to enhance this blue gray appearance through selective breeding, producing animals that consistently look more blue than their standard melanoid counterparts. These are sometimes marketed as “blue” or “blue melanoid” axolotls and can command higher prices.

In the popular video game Minecraft, blue axolotls are the rarest variant, which has significantly boosted interest in real blue axolotls. It’s worth noting that the vivid blue of the Minecraft axolotl doesn’t exist in nature. Real “blue” axolotls are a subtle, muted blue gray rather than a bright, electric blue.

If you’re interested in learning about other axolotl color varieties, there’s an amazing range to explore beyond the blue morph.

Setting Up a Blue Axolotl Tank

Blue axolotls have the same care requirements as any other axolotl color morph. Start with a tank that’s at least 20 gallons for a single axolotl, adding 10 gallons for each additional animal. Bigger is always better because axolotls produce a lot of waste.

Water temperature is critical and is probably the most important factor in axolotl care. Axolotls need cool water between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 72 degrees cause stress and can lead to illness and death. If you live in a warm climate, you’ll likely need a chiller or fan system to keep the water cool enough.

Filtration should be gentle. Axolotls don’t like strong currents, so choose a filter that provides adequate biological filtration without creating too much water flow. Sponge filters are a popular choice for axolotl tanks because they’re effective, gentle, and inexpensive.

For substrate, fine sand or a bare bottom tank are the safest options. Gravel is dangerous because axolotls can swallow it while feeding, leading to potentially fatal impaction. If you use sand, choose a fine grain variety that can pass through their digestive system if accidentally ingested.

Provide plenty of hiding spots. Axolotls are nocturnal and prefer to have dark, sheltered areas where they can rest during the day. PVC pipes, aquarium safe hides, live plants, and smooth rocks all work well.

Feeding Your Blue Axolotl

Axolotls are carnivores that eat a variety of foods. The staple diet for most pet axolotls is earthworms (nightcrawlers), which provide excellent nutrition and are readily available. Cut worms into appropriate sized pieces for younger axolotls.

Sinking pellets formulated for carnivorous fish or amphibians can supplement the diet. Hikari sinking carnivore pellets are a popular choice among axolotl keepers. Avoid floating pellets, as axolotls feed from the bottom.

Bloodworms (frozen, not freeze dried) make a good treat and are especially useful for feeding baby axolotls that are too small for earthworms. Brine shrimp and daphnia are other suitable options for juveniles.

Feed adult axolotls two to three times per week. Juveniles need daily feeding to support their rapid growth. Remove any uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality.

Water Quality and Maintenance

Maintaining excellent water quality is the foundation of axolotl health care. Axolotls are sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and high nitrate levels. A properly cycled tank should show zero ammonia, zero nitrite, and nitrates below 20 ppm.

Weekly water changes of 20 to 30 percent help keep parameters in check. Use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine from tap water before adding it to the tank. The replacement water should be the same temperature as the tank water to avoid shocking your axolotl.

Test your water parameters regularly using a liquid test kit (API Master Test Kit is the standard recommendation). Strip tests are less accurate but better than nothing. Monitoring parameters is especially important in new tanks that haven’t fully established their biological filtration.

Health and Common Issues

The most common health issues in axolotls are related to water quality and temperature. Fungal infections appear as white, cotton like growths on the skin or gills and usually indicate poor water conditions. Improving water quality is often enough to resolve mild cases.

Curled gills can indicate stress, poor water quality, or high temperatures. If you notice your axolotl’s gill filaments curling forward, check your water parameters immediately and make corrections as needed.

One of the most remarkable things about axolotls is their regenerative ability. They can regrow lost limbs, gill stalks, and even parts of their brain and heart. While this ability means minor injuries heal well, it doesn’t replace proper care and prevention.

For a broader look at axolotl species and their unique traits, our axolotl species guide covers everything from biology to conservation status.

Where to Buy a Blue Axolotl

Blue (melanoid) axolotls are available from specialty breeders, some pet stores, and online retailers. Prices typically range from $30 to $75, though particularly blue specimens from selective breeding programs may cost more.

Buying from a reputable breeder is recommended over pet stores. Breeders can tell you about the axolotl’s lineage, age, and health history. They’re also more likely to have healthy, well cared for animals.

When choosing a blue axolotl, look for one that’s active, has full, fluffy gills, clear eyes, and no visible injuries or fungal growth. Avoid axolotls that are lethargic, have clamped gills, or show signs of illness.