Axolotls are interesting creatures that have drawn the attention of pet parents and freshwater enthusiasts. As a potential axolotl owner, it is important to learn about their nutritional requirements for their growth and well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore the natural diet of wild axolotls and options for captive diets.
Whether you’re a seasoned owner or new to the world of axolotls, this article provides the knowledge you need to keep your pet happy and healthy.
What Do Axolotls Eat in the Wild?
Axolotls live in Mexico’s lakes and have adapted to rely on a wide spectrum of creatures in the wild. They are predatory creatures who use their excellent sensory organs to find food outdoors or in aquariums.
Wild animals like worms, tiny fish, snails, shrimp, and larvae provide them with their primary source of nutrition. These natural sources offer a well-balanced meal that satisfies their dietary requirements and keeps them strong.
They may capture food with their powerful canines and strong, sticky tongues. You should provide a similar diet in tanks to support their growth.
What Do Axolotls Eat in Captivity?
Axolotls can be given a variety of food when kept in tanks, but their diet is grouped under two main categories:
Live Food
Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers, also known as earthworms, are a popular food source for axolotls both in the wild and in captivity. They are an excellent source of protein, providing essential nutrients that help to maintain the health and well-being of axolotls.
Nightcrawlers can be purchased at bait shops, pet shops, or online websites. They can be given live or frozen, based on your personal preference.
It is advised to always feed worms that are sized around an axolotl’s head, once or twice a day. Nightcrawlers that are collected from contaminated areas may have hazardous chemicals or toxins that can harm the axolotl.
To reduce this possibility, buy nightcrawlers from a trustworthy source and store them appropriately to prevent spoiling. Furthermore, huge nightcrawlers might cause axolotls to choke, therefore it’s essential to chop them into tiny pieces or give them fewer portions.
Blackworms
Axolotls enjoy eating blackworms because of their high nutritional content and accessibility. These tiny freshwater worms are a great supplement to an axolotl’s diet since they are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Blackworms are readily available for purchase in pet stores and aquarium supply stores.
It is essential to ensure that the water is not too warm since this might cause the blackworms to die before they are ingested by the axolotl. They can be fed frozen or live.
Bloodworms
Blood worms are an excellent supplement to an axolotl’s diet since they are full of protein and other necessary minerals. Bloodworms are often sold live or frozen and can be acquired through pet stores, aquarium supply stores, or online.
Overfeeding must be avoided as it may cause the axolotl’s stomach difficulties or other health concerns.
Since live bloodworms are wriggly and quickly escape from the aquarium, it is best to add them to the water gradually and with caution. Before feeding, frozen bloodworms need to be defrosted and cleaned.
Live Daphnia
Axolotls may feed on Live Daphnia, a kind of freshwater crustacean, which is both convenient and nutrient-rich. These little animals may be easily found at pet shops, aquarium stores, and internet sellers; they are often offered in containers or cultures.
It’s crucial to consider the sensitivity of Live Daphnia to fluctuations in water quality and temperature when feeding them to axolotls. Keeping the environment stable and clean for the Live Daphnia will guarantee their continued health and nutrition for the benefit of your axolotl.
Live Brine Shrimp (artemia)
Axolotls have a fondness for live brine shrimp due to its rich nutritional content, including crucial fatty and amino acids, as well as a high level of protein and energy essential for growth and development.
To ensure that the live brine shrimp you acquire is of high quality, and free of parasites and contaminants, it is important to locate a trustworthy supplier. Live brine shrimp can be stored for a short period of time in a sealed container with a small amount of saltwater.
When feeding Live Brine Shrimp to axolotls, it’s best to offer them directly to your pet using feeding tongs or tweezers. It not only helps prevent overfeeding but also reduces the possibility of shrimp escaping into the aquarium and potentially harming other inhabitants.
Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimps are a nutritious food source for axolotls, offering protein and vital fatty acids to support growth and overall well-being. They are also small, making them convenient for axolotls to eat.
Their toughness and adaptability to varying water conditions make ghost shrimps a suitable choice for axolotl owners who are new to keeping live food.
Regular water changes and proper filtration can help maintain a healthy environment for both the axolotl and ghost shrimps.
Red Wrigglers
Red wrigglers are capable of multiplying quickly in favorable conditions, so it’s advisable to house them in a separate container specifically for feeding. It’s also crucial to keep the container clean and regularly remove any uneaten worms to avoid overpopulation and potential water contamination.
It’s necessary to be mindful of bacteria carried by red wrigglers, monitor water quality, and take action, such as water changes, to prevent bacteria levels from becoming hazardous for the axolotls.
A pH level that deviates from the ideal range can be harmful to both red wrigglers and axolotls, so it’s essential to frequently test and adjust the water pH as needed.
Pellets
Axolotl pellets are designed to provide a well-rounded and balanced diet, supplying all the necessary nutrients for the axolotl’s optimal health. They are also convenient to store and measure, making it effortless to ensure correct serving sizes.
When providing axolotls with pellets, it’s crucial to adhere to the feeding instructions indicated on the product packaging.
It usually involves offering a small number of pellets one or two times a day and avoiding overfeeding, which can lead to uneaten pellets deteriorating in the water and negatively impacting water quality.
Proper timing of pellet consumption is also essential in feeding axolotls. If the pellets are not consumed promptly, they can sink to the bottom of the habitat, potentially becoming contaminated or affecting water quality.
Also Read:
- Baby Axolotl Care: Tank Set-Up, Feed & Health Issues
- GFP Axolotl Guide: Why Glowing, Care & Diet
- Can You Hold or Touch an Axolotl?
- Axolotl Tank Setup
- Can Axolotls Go on Land?
FAQs
Can Axolotls Eat Fish Food?
Yes, axolotls can eat fish food, specifically formulated pellets or flakes, as part of their diet. You must choose a high-quality fish food that is formulated specifically for amphibians and contains the essential vitamins and nutrients that axolotls need to thrive.
What Human Food Can Axolotls Eat?
Human food can be harmful and cause digestive issues, malnutrition, and other health concerns. The best diet for axolotls is one that consists of live or frozen foods, formulated pellets, or flakes.
Does Axolotl Eat Fish?
They can be fed small, live, or frozen fish as part of a varied diet. It’s important to choose appropriate-sized fish that are not bigger than the axolotl’s head and to monitor their food intake to prevent overfeeding.
Conclusion
Providing proper nourishment is a vital aspect of caring for axolotls. These amphibians have a diverse diet, which can include small fish, live or frozen invertebrates, and specially formulated pellets.
When selecting food options, it’s important to consider the size, strives for dietary balance, and keep a close eye on their food consumption to avoid overfeeding.
By offering a well-rounded and nutritious diet, you can help guarantee the health and well-being of your axolotl.