{"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":null,"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":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-30cm)","offer_id":55351971053859,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/assorted-axolotl.jpg?v=1781497077","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/assorted-axolotl-ambystoma-mexicanum","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}