Axolotl Feeding Guide: What to Feed and What to Avoid
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
An axolotl eating a worm, showcasing its natural feeding behavior.
Feeding your axolotl the right diet is crucial for its health, growth, and overall well-being. Axolotls, being carnivorous amphibians, require a high-protein diet that mimics their natural food sources found in their native habitat of Lake Xochimilco, Mexico. This guide will cover everything you need to know about what to feed your axolotl, what foods to avoid, and how to establish a healthy feeding routine.
What to Feed Your Axolotl
A selection of recommended foods for axolotls, including earthworms and pellets.
Earthworms and Nightcrawlers
Earthworms and nightcrawlers are considered the best staple food for axolotls due to their high protein content and excellent nutritional balance.
Why They’re Great: They are rich in protein, easy to digest, and meet the axolotl’s dietary needs.
How to Feed: Cut them into appropriate sizes if necessary and offer them using feeding tweezers or tongs.
Axolotl Pellets
Specially formulated axolotl pellets are another excellent option for a staple diet. These pellets are designed to provide all the essential nutrients your axolotl needs.
Why They’re Great: They are nutritionally balanced, easy to store, and can be a convenient alternative to live foods.
How to Feed: Simply drop them into the tank, but ensure they sink to the bottom where your axolotl can easily find them.
Bloodworms and Blackworms
Bloodworms and blackworms, available in live or frozen forms, are highly nutritious and suitable for both adult and juvenile axolotls.
Why They’re Great: They are rich in protein and provide a natural feeding experience.
How to Feed: Rinse thoroughly if using live worms to remove any impurities, and offer using a feeding dish or directly on the substrate.
Brine Shrimp
Brine shrimp are a good supplemental food, particularly for juvenile axolotls. They are rich in protein and can help with growth and development.
Why They’re Great: They are nutritious and can stimulate the axolotl’s natural hunting instincts.
How to Feed: Rinse thoroughly and offer in small quantities to avoid overfeeding.
Repashy Grub Pie
Repashy Grub Pie is a popular gel food that can be used as a staple diet. It is highly nutritious and easy to prepare.
Why They’re Great: It provides a balanced diet and is easy to portion and feed.
How to Feed: Prepare the gel according to the instructions and cut into small pieces before feeding.
Foods to Avoid
Examples of foods to avoid feeding axolotls, such as feeder fish and hard-shelled insects.
Feeder Fish
Feeder fish such as goldfish and minnows should be avoided as they can introduce parasites and diseases into your tank and are difficult for axolotls to digest.
Risks: They often carry harmful pathogens and can cause thiamine deficiency in axolotls.
Insects with Hard Exoskeletons
Insects like mealworms and crickets have tough exoskeletons that are hard for axolotls to digest and can cause blockages.
Risks: Hard exoskeletons can lead to impaction and digestive issues.
High-Fat Foods
Avoid feeding high-fat foods such as fatty fish or meats, which can lead to obesity and health problems in axolotls.
Risks: High-fat content can cause fatty liver disease and other health issues.
Foods Treated with Chemicals
Any food treated with chemicals or pesticides, such as certain types of live insects or fish, should be strictly avoided.
Risks: Chemicals can be toxic to axolotls and disrupt their delicate physiological balance.
Feeding Schedule and Tips
A simple feeding schedule chart for axolotls.
Juvenile Axolotls
Frequency: Feed young axolotls once daily.
Amount: Offer food equivalent to the size of their head to ensure they get enough nutrients for growth.
Adult Axolotls
Frequency: Feed adult axolotls 2-3 times a week.
Amount: Provide enough food for them to eat within a few minutes. Adjust the amount based on their activity level and health status.
Feeding Tips
Use Feeding Tools: Use tweezers or tongs to hand-feed and prevent food from spreading in the tank.
Monitor Eating Habits: Observe your axolotl’s eating habits to detect any changes that might indicate health issues.
Remove Uneaten Food: Remove any uneaten food after 15-20 minutes to prevent it from decomposing and polluting the tank water.
Common Feeding Problems and Solutions
An axolotl refusing food, a common feeding issue.
Refusal to Eat
If your axolotl refuses to eat, it could be due to stress, illness, or unsuitable water conditions.
Solution: Check water parameters, reduce stressors in the environment, and consult a vet if the problem persists.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation can occur if the food is too large or if the axolotl is fed too quickly after handling or disturbances.
Solution: Offer smaller food pieces and ensure the axolotl is settled before feeding.
Overfeeding
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and water quality issues due to excess food decomposing in the tank.
Solution: Stick to a feeding schedule and monitor your axolotl’s body condition. Adjust feeding amounts as necessary.
Ensuring a Healthy Diet for Your Axolotl
A healthy, happy axolotl swimming in a well-maintained tank.
Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for keeping your axolotl healthy and thriving. By offering the right foods, establishing a consistent feeding routine, and avoiding harmful foods, you can ensure your axolotl enjoys a long, healthy life.
