Wild Type Green Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

The natural green-brown axolotl for a cool, species-only aquarium

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a salamander that keeps its larval form for life — feathery external gills, a finned tail and a fully aquatic lifestyle. Its native range is the Valley of Mexico, associated with the lakes of Xochimilco and Chalco. The wild-type form is the natural colour: an olive-green to dark green body densely speckled with black, with a paler, yellow-green head and belly. Animals for the aquarium are captive-bred.

OATA describes axolotls reaching around 30 cm, so plan the permanent home for a large adult, not the youngster you receive.

What you receive

Choose the size — 5–7 cm, 7–9 cm or 18–20 cm — and the quantity. One quantity is one live wild-type axolotl; sex is not guaranteed and cannot be seen reliably in young animals. A size that is out of stock this week cannot be added to the basket.

The photos show the wild-type colour; the density of spotting and the shade of green vary between individuals.

Aquarium and water

Axolotls need cool water: OATA gives 10–22°C, so a heated tropical community aquarium is not suitable. Use a long, wide aquarium with efficient filtration and only gentle flow; OATA’s guidance for a small group is at least 100 litres. Keep the floor bare or use fine sand — never small gravel or pebbles that could be swallowed — and provide caves or plants for shade. pH 7.0–8.0 and 8–18 dGH are OATA’s broad group-level values. Mature the filter fully before the axolotl arrives and keep a lid on the aquarium.

Feeding

Axolotls are carnivores. Feed sinking axolotl pellets or sticks, earthworms and frozen foods such as bloodworm (for young animals) and larger foods as they grow. Young axolotls eat daily; adults every two to three days. Remove uneaten food so the water stays clean.

Tank mates and behaviour

Keep axolotls on their own. Fish nip the gills and small fish are eaten, and tropical temperatures are harmful to axolotls. Axolotls of very different sizes should not share a tank, because larger ones may bite the limbs or gills of smaller ones; keep young animals well fed and grouped by size.

Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the axolotl

Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.

1. Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
2. Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the axolotl can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
3. Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
4. Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the axolotl without adding transport water to the established system.

If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Do axolotls need a heater?

Usually not. OATA gives 10–22°C for axolotls, so they need cool water and suffer in heated tropical aquariums.

How big do axolotls get?

OATA describes axolotls reaching around 30 cm. Plan the permanent aquarium for a large adult.

Can axolotls live with fish?

No. Fish nip the external gills and small fish get eaten, so axolotls belong in a species-only aquarium.

What substrate is safe?

A bare floor or fine sand. Small gravel and pebbles can be swallowed and cause blockages.

Public references

• OATA: How to look after axolotls and aquatic frogs — temperature, aquarium size, substrate and feeding guidance.
• Wikipedia: Axolotl — natural history, native range and colour forms.
• RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.