White Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum

Native 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.

A 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.

Peaceful 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.

A carnivore that does best on a diet of earthworms, bloodworm and soft sinking pellets formulated for axolotls or large carnivorous fish.

A 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.

Axolotls 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.

Other axolotls of a similar size only. Not recommended with fish, which can nip at gills or be eaten.

Any fish (nippy or otherwise), smaller or larger axolotls that create a size mismatch, and warm-water species of any kind.

Axolotls are best kept on their own or with other axolotls of a similar size. They will eat anything small enough to swallow, including fish and shrimp, and many fish will nip their feathery gills. Young axolotls can bite each other too, so keep similar sizes together with plenty of space and hiding spots.

Keep it cool

Axolotls need cool water and no heater. Check the Temperature tile on this page for the range, and never let the tank go above 22°C. If your room gets warm in summer, plan for a fan or an aquarium chiller (a unit that cools the water) before you buy.

Tank size for the adult

Around 75 L is the minimum for one adult, and a 90 cm tank or larger is better. Allow more room for two.

Cycle first

Your tank needs an established nitrogen cycle before your axolotl goes in. This is the build-up of good bacteria that turns waste into safer compounds, and it takes a few weeks to get going in a new tank.

Sand or a bare bottom

Use fine sand or a bare base. Never use gravel, which axolotls can swallow. Keep the filter gentle with low flow, and choose smooth decor, as their skin is soft and easily damaged.

Dechlorinate every time

Always treat tap water with a dechlorinator. Chlorine and chloramine harm an axolotl's skin, which absorbs substances straight from the water.

Where we ship

We are based in Brisbane and ship live fish and corals to most of Australia. Some states have import rules that may affect what we can send and the cost.

• Western Australia: Import requirements and fees may apply. Read first.
• Tasmania: Import requirements and fees may apply. Read first.
• Northern Territory: May require a permit and be subject to quarantine.
• Regional and remote areas: Carrier options can be limited, which may affect service and transit time.

If you are unsure we can reach your location, please contact us before ordering.

A note on timing: All transit times are estimates and can vary with your location, the weather, and carrier schedules. Regional and remote areas may take longer. To give your livestock the safest trip, please order early in the week.

Bagged in water

Your axolotl travels in its own sealed bag of clean water with a charge of pure oxygen, packed upright in an insulated foam box to hold the temperature steady.

Kept cool

Axolotls are stressed by warm water, so we pack to the forecast for your delivery route and add cool packs in hot weather.

When your box arrives

Open it promptly and follow the Acclimation steps below. If something has gone wrong in transit, take photos of the unopened bag straight away and see the Arrive Alive Guarantee row below.

Arrive Alive Guarantee

Axolotls are covered by our Arrive Alive Guarantee when they are sent by air freight. There is no cover on Australia Post, Star Track or road freight.

Dead on Arrival (DOA)

If your axolotl arrives dead, take clear photos or video of it in the sealed, unopened inner bag. Send your claim by email or text message within 4 hours of receiving your order. Claims by Facebook Messenger or phone cannot be accepted. Include your name, order number, the approximate time you received it and how many animals are affected.

Death After Arrival (DAA)

Cover extends up to 12 hours after airport pickup. Send clear photos or video within 24 hours of delivery. Your axolotl must have been properly acclimated, and we may ask for a dated photo of a water test.

If your claim is approved

We will offer store credit or a replacement of the same item, subject to availability. Replacement shipping is covered only if more than half of your order arrives dead. Shipping charges and fees are not refunded.

To keep your cover valid

Be at the airport or at home to receive your order, and collect it promptly. Animals left unattended, returned to a depot or collected late may lose their cover.

Full terms: see our Guarantees & Policies page (section 2).

Why quarantine

Keeping a new axolotl in its own tank for the first few weeks protects any axolotls you already have, and lets you check it is eating and settling in before it joins them.

How to do it

Set up a separate cool tank with dechlorinated water. Use a separate net, and wash your hands between tanks. Check that it eats well and moves normally, and look over its gills and skin for any change.

Acclimation means slowly getting your axolotl used to your tank water. For axolotls the most important part is temperature.

Before you start

Check your tank with a thermometer and make sure it is within the range on this page. Have a clean cup, a clean bucket, a soft net and freshly prepared dechlorinated water at the same cool temperature ready. Turn off the tank lights and dim the room, as axolotls are sensitive to light.

Step by step

• Float the sealed bag in your tank for around 15 minutes to start matching the temperature.
• Open the bag and gently pour the axolotl and its transport water into the bucket.
• Add roughly one cup of tank water to the bucket every 5 minutes for around 45 to 60 minutes. Keep checking the bucket and make sure it stays below 20°C.
• Gently net the axolotl into the tank. Never lift it by hand. Support it fully in a net, or wet your hands thoroughly before any contact.
• Throw out all the bag and bucket water, and top the tank up with freshly prepared, cool, dechlorinated water.

After it goes in

Keep the lights off or very low for the rest of the day, and do not feed until the next day.

Full details: see our Acclimation Guide.