{"title":"Axolotls","description":"\u003cp\u003eAxolotls — Australia's favourite aquatic salamander. They need cool, filtered water (16–18°C), fine substrate or bare bottom, and no tank mates. Full care details on each listing.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"white-axolotl-ambystoma-mexicanum","title":"White Axolotl | Ambystoma mexicanum","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA white (leucistic) Axolotl - pale pink-white skin, rosy feathery external gills and that famous permanent smile. This charming, fully aquatic salamander stays in its larval form for life and can become a genuinely long-lived pet, given cool water and a heater-free home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the high-altitude lake system of Xochimilco near Mexico City, where it lives entirely in water and never undergoes full metamorphosis into a land-dwelling adult. Critically endangered in the wild, though thriving in captivity worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA leucistic (white) axolotl has pale pink-white skin, dark eyes, and prominent, feathery external gills in a rosy pink that frame the head like a mane. The wide, upturned mouth gives it its trademark \"smiling\" expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful but predatory towards anything small enough to fit in its mouth, and best kept alone or only with other axolotls of a similar size - they will happily eat tank mates, including smaller or injured axolotls. Not a fish tank companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA carnivore that does best on a diet of earthworms, bloodworm and soft sinking pellets formulated for axolotls or large carnivorous fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum of 110 litres per axolotl is recommended, with 150-180 litres or more preferred - tank footprint matters more than depth. Keep water cool (never above 20°C) with no heater, use bare-bottom or fine sand substrate to avoid impaction, and maintain low nitrates with regular water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAxolotls breed via external fertilisation, with females laying up to several hundred eggs after a cooling period triggers spawning behaviour. Breeding at home requires dedicated cool, separate rearing tanks and is best left to experienced keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmbystoma mexicanum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite (Leucistic) Axolotl\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLake Xochimilco, Mexico\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 25-30cm (rare individuals to 45cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10-15 years, some over 20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful but predatory; keep alone or with similarly sized axolotls only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110 litres per axolotl\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150-180 litres or more\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore - earthworms, bloodworm, sinking pellets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e14-20°C, no heater (cool water essential)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5-8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecies-only aquatic setups\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes, with tough species like Anubias and Java Fern - avoid fine substrates that could be ingested\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther axolotls of a similar size only. Not recommended with fish, which can nip at gills or be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny fish (nippy or otherwise), smaller or larger axolotls that create a size mismatch, and warm-water species of any kind.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232885522723,"sku":"AA3122-S","price":55.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232885555491,"sku":"AA3122","price":65.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232885588259,"sku":"AA3122-L","price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-30cm)","offer_id":55351971021091,"sku":"AA3122-XL","price":85.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/white-axolotl-ambystoma-mexi-43078576865571-fx.webp?v=1790319673"},{"product_id":"assorted-axolotl-ambystoma-mexicanum","title":"Assorted Axolotl | Ambystoma mexicanum","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Axolotl is a perpetual-baby salamander, an aquatic amphibian that keeps its feathery external gills and permanent smile for life. This assorted listing offers a mix of colours, from wild-type and leucistic to golden albino. Hardy, long-lived and full of character, it grows to around 25–30 cm and makes a genuinely rewarding aquatic pet — but it needs cool water and no heater.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmbystoma mexicanum is native to the cool, high-altitude lake system of Xochimilco near Mexico City, where it lives among submerged vegetation on soft, silty bottoms. Critically endangered in the wild, it is now bred in huge numbers for the aquarium and research hobby. A cool, calm tank with fine sand or a bare base and gentle flow recreates its home.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn unmistakable amphibian with a broad, smiling head, three pairs of feathery external gills, small lidless eyes and a long finned tail. Colours in this assorted mix include dark wild-type, pale pink-white leucistic with dark eyes, golden albino and grey. The skin is soft and delicate, so décor must be smooth. Adults keep their larval form for life, a trait called neoteny.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSlow-moving and peaceful, but an opportunistic predator that will eat anything small enough to swallow, including small fish and shrimp. Fish in turn may nip its delicate gills. For these reasons axolotls are best kept only with their own kind, and juveniles can be cannibalistic, so keep similar sizes together with space and cover.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA carnivore that thrives on earthworms, purpose-made axolotl pellets, and occasional treats of bloodworm or blackworm. Earthworms make an excellent staple. Feed juveniles daily and adults every two to three days, removing uneaten food promptly to protect water quality. Avoid feeder fish, which risk introducing disease.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 75 L for one adult, with a 90 cm tank or larger better, and more space for two. The single most important factor is temperature: keep it cool at 16–20 °C, never above about 22 °C, and use no heater. Aim for pH 7.0–7.5 and moderately hard water. Use fine sand or a bare base (never gravel, which can be swallowed), gentle filtration and low flow. Plant safe.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreeding is achievable and often triggered by a cool-water change in the cooler months. The male deposits spermatophores that the female collects, then lays dozens to hundreds of eggs on plants and décor. The eggs and larvae are easy to raise on live foods such as baby brine shrimp, though the larvae must be separated to prevent cannibalism.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmbystoma mexicanum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAxolotl (Mexican Walking Fish)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLake Xochimilco, Mexico (captive-bred)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 25–30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–15 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (keep with own kind)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e90 cm tank (150 L) or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore: earthworms, axolotl pellets, bloodworm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16–20 °C (no heater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.0–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to hard, around 7–14 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCool, calm species aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBest kept only with other similarly sized axolotls. It does not need or benefit from fish tankmates, and most fish are either eaten or become gill-nippers.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with fish (which nip the gills or are eaten), much smaller axolotls, and anything requiring a heater or warm water. Avoid gravel substrate and sharp décor.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232885686563,"sku":"AA1737-S","price":55.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232885719331,"sku":"AA1737","price":65.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232885752099,"sku":"AA1737-L","price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-30cm)","offer_id":55351971053859,"sku":"AA1737-XL","price":85.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/assorted-axolotl-ambystoma-m-43078524338467-fx.webp?v=1790319637"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/collections\/assorted-axolotl.jpg?v=1788252552","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/collections\/axolotls-1.oembed","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}