Axolotl: who is it, types, sizes and content

Axolotls are one of the most amazing and unusual representatives of the aquarium fauna. Their appearance evokes a variety of emotions in people - from indescribable delight to mild disgust. However, the appearance of axolotls cannot leave a single person indifferent. What is this creature? How big can it grow when kept in an aquarium? What are the features of its maintenance and breeding at home?

The axolotl is an ambistoma larva, a representative of the amphibian genus found in North America. An amazing feature of this creature is that it is capable of reaching puberty without going through the phase of transformation into an adult. This is facilitated by the specific features of the work of his thyroid gland, which usually does not produce the hormone thyroidin in the amount necessary for the transformation of an axolotl into an ambist.

For this feature, axolotls are classified as neotenics (literally translated from the ancient Greek language, “neoteny” means “stretched youth”) - creatures capable of remaining in a larval state all their lives. This phenomenon is often found among tailed amphibians - newts, ambist, salamanders.

Other popular names for axolotls are "water salamander", "aquarium dragon", "water monster", "water dragon". Indeed, these cute creatures look very similar to fabulous dragons. It is noteworthy that their funny and touching appearance at one time inspired the famous animator Darina Schmidt to create a funny cartoon character named Luntik.

Visually, these creatures resemble small newts with a large head and an elongated, slightly flattened body. On the lateral sides of the head there are external gills, which look like long fluffy branches.

The head of the axolotl visually appears disproportionately large, slightly flattened. When looking at the wide, stretched mouth of the creature, it seems that the axolotl is constantly smiling. The mouth of the amphibian is dotted with tiny, but rather sharp teeth, with the help of which the animal holds and chews food. Despite the fact that ascolotl is a predator, he is unable to tear his prey apart.

External gills (3 on each side) resemble pubescent twigs directed from the head towards the body. It is noteworthy that during the transformation of the axolotl into an adult (ambistoma), its gills disappear within a few weeks.

The eyes are small, dark (sometimes with a light iris), visually similar to beads or small buttons. Some albino axolotls have red eyes.

The body is elongated, streamlined. On the back along the body of these creatures there is a long ridge, which provides axolotls with maneuverability when moving in water. The entire body of the larva is covered with delicate and thin skin. In some albino axolotls, it appears translucent.

On the front paws of the aquarium dragon there are 4 toes, on the hind paws - 5 each. The axolotl looks very touching, trying to clean the external gills of adhering dirt with its front paws. At this moment, he resembles a small alien or a revived toy.

Maneuverability in water for these creatures is provided not only by the dorsal ridge, but also by a rather long tail, which makes up about a third of the entire length of the body. Females are smaller than males. The tail of female axolotls is also inferior in length.

The coloration of creatures depends on a number of factors, such as:

• conditions of detention;
• nutritional features;
• peculiarities of the population.

In most cases, domestic axolotls are black, brownish, dark gray, marsh green, pinkish white, or pinkish beige in color. Albino axolotls are completely white with no markings, patterns or spots on the body. Moreover, their gill processes have a deep red color.

Interesting results were achieved by scientists engaged in crossing representatives of different populations. So, to date, a fantastically beautiful variety of axolotls has been bred, in which patterns and marks on the skin emit a slight glow under a fluorescent lamp.

Most axolotls prefer to lead a calm and measured lifestyle. They spend a significant part of their time at the bottom, slowly moving over pebbles and snags. By their nature, these creatures are sedentary and inert phlegmatic. They are not characterized by hyperactivity, fussiness, restlessness. Occasionally they can swim to the surface of the water and freeze in one position, methodically fingering with their paws.

The average sizes of axolotls vary from 15 to 30 centimeters. Rarely are males reaching 45 centimeters in length.

These creatures, with proper care and comfortable conditions of detention, are capable of growing quite quickly. So, from a 5-centimeter baby in just six months, a rather large individual 20-22 centimeters long can grow.

In their natural habitat, the lifespan of these amazing creatures rarely exceeds the threshold of 10 years. This is due to the vulnerability of axolotls to aggressive environmental factors, fluctuations in water temperature, predators and other sources of danger.

When kept at home, these creatures can live from 15 to 20 years or more.

As already mentioned, the axolotl color palette is extremely diverse. In accordance with the peculiarities of the coloring of axolotls, it is customary to distinguish three main types:

• Albinos, "albas" or "albino" - these include all creatures of an even snow-white color with scarlet outer gills and light red eyes;
• White or light - these include all individuals that are not "albes", but have a light pink or pale cream color and eyes with a dark iris;
• "Naturalists" - these include all individuals with a dark color - the most common in axolotls in their natural habitat.

The ambist larvae, which have a golden color, look very impressive and original. These creatures are artificially bred. They attract attention with their rich juicy lemon color, which favorably distinguishes them against the background of aquarium decorations. The outer gills of golden individuals are usually coral or pinkish orange in color.

The axolotls of dark marsh, dark brown and almost black color also make a strong impression. A striking example here is the black Mexican axolotl, which has a deep anthracite coloration. Visually, these creatures resemble large lizards or monitor lizards.

Lilac or violet axolotl (often referred to as "purple") is another spectacular, but rare enough representative of the aquarium fauna that makes a lasting impression. The color of these creatures can range from pale lavender to lilac purple. The external gills of such creatures are usually pinkish-purple in color.

As strong as the desire to have an axolotl as a pet may be, experienced aquarists recommend that you take your time with your decision. The fact is that these gentle and quick-witted creatures are very pretentious to the conditions of existence and care... Any deviation from the rules of their content can cause health problems and even painful death.

In order for axolotls to feel comfortable, they need specific conditions of detention. This implies:

• the presence of an aquarium of a suitable size;
• high-quality soil;
• the presence of shelters;
• cleanliness and comfortable water temperature;
• varied diet and balanced daily menu.

Despite the fact that axolotls are not hyperactive creatures that prefer to frolic in the water column, they vitally need a sufficient amount of free space. So, to keep one individual, you need an aquarium with a capacity of at least 35-40 liters.

A tank with a volume of 90-100 liters is suitable for keeping a pair of axolotls.equipped with powerful water filtration and aeration systems.These cute creatures will do well in an aquarium with an absorbent filter that allows for little water circulation.

A primer must be present in an axolotl aquarium. Preferring to spend a significant part of the day at a depth, these creatures move slowly along the bottom, clinging to rocks and obstacles protruding from the ground with their paws.

but when choosing a suitable soil, it should be borne in mind that for the maintenance of these underwater inhabitants it is necessary to select only coarse-grained mixtures... Small pebbles and gravel axolotls can easily swallow and even choke on them. The optimal bottom filler in this case will be coarse gravel and large pebbles.

Axolotls are quite curious, but at the same time cautious creatures. They prefer to hide in shelters from any sources of danger. If there are none nearby, the aquarium dragon will experience constant stress.

It is recommended to use processed driftwood, ceramics, bizarre stones, pots, decorative arches, caves and grottoes as shelters. These items will help not only create complete shelters for axolotls, but also give the tank an original style.

When equipping the aquarium with decorative elements, one should not forget that axolotls have very delicate and sensitive skin. They can easily injure themselves on sharp corners, protruding edges of decor items.

The purity of the water is an important, but not vital indicator for the comfortable existence of axolotls. They are able to calmly tolerate light turbidity of water, the presence of algal bloom on the surfaces of the walls of the aquarium, plant leaves and decor. However, such a situation should not be allowed, in connection with which it is advisable to regularly carry out surface cleaning of the aquarium, add fresh water to the tank every week and remove the remnants of uneaten food from it.

The most important and vital indicator in the maintenance of axolotls is the water temperature. In the wild, these extraordinary creatures live in cold water areas. High water temperatures are deadly for them. Its increase in excess of the 23 ° mark can cause a strong deterioration in the well-being of pets, and subsequently their painful death. So, when the thermometer reaches the critical mark of 26 °, the axolotls will inevitably die.

For this reason an aquarium with axolotls must be equipped with a working and accurate thermometer... The most comfortable conditions for these creatures arise at a stable temperature of 13-15 °, less comfortable - at a temperature of 15-20 °. Thus, the warmer the water in the aquarium, the worse its inhabitants will feel.

Very often, novice aquarists are faced with a problematic situation, assuming a steady increase in temperature in the aquarium during the hot summer. There are several ways to reduce and stabilize the temperature to normal in this situation. The simplest, but short-term, method involves placing containers with ice in the aquarium.

Many axolotl aquarists are trying to reduce the temperature of the water in the aquarium and implement quite original solutions. One of them involves installing compact USB fans above the aquarium, directing the air flow to the surface of the water.

The health, well-being and life expectancy of axolotls largely depend on how competently and correctly their diet is composed. These cute amphibians cannot be fed monotonous food, accustoming to only one type of food.

It is preferable that the basic component of the axolotl menu is live fresh food - bloodworms, small earthworms. They willingly eat pieces of fresh fish fillets, slices of shrimp, squid, mussels and other molluscs. However, feeding such food to axolotls is fraught with some difficulties, since these small predators are attracted only by moving objects. In this case, it is recommended to feed the pet with tweezers, cutting the food into thin strips. Some axolotl breeders manage to hand-feed treats.

The recommended frequency of feeding these creatures is once every 2-3 days. Baby axolotls and individuals under the age of 2 years should be fed every day, but little by little. It should be borne in mind that these creatures prefer to gorge themselves for future use, so it is very important not to overfeed them. After the pet has eaten, the remnants of uneaten food from the aquarium must be removed.

If the aquarium dragon refuses to eat, this almost always indicates that he is sick. These creatures are very vulnerable to pathogens of infectious and fungal diseases. During treatment, it is allowed not to feed them or to give food in very limited quantities.

Experts do not recommend keeping these creatures with other representatives of the aquarium fauna. The axolotls will eat small fish, but they themselves may suffer from large individuals. Large aquarium fish often injure these creatures by eating their pubescent external gills.

The poor compatibility of axolotls with other inhabitants of domestic water bodies is largely due to the difference in their requirements for keeping conditions and water temperature. Few species of fish are able to live in cool water, which is comfortable for aquarium dragons.

The only suitable neighbors for these exotic species are goldfish. They are quite large in size, preferring to live in cool water. In addition, goldfish do not show aggression towards aquarium dragons and get along well with them.

These exotic creatures can begin to reproduce spontaneously - for example, if the water temperature in the aquarium drops to 13-14 °, and then rises back to its original level. In other cases, the aquarist is able to stimulate them to reproduce himself.

To do this, you will need to prepare a separate plastic or glass tank with a filter to ensure easy water circulation. It is important that the aquarium is spacious.

To obtain offspring of axolotls, a pair or one male and 2-3 females should be selected initially.

After selection, the individuals are deposited in a separate tank and the water temperature is lowered to 13-14 °. After a few days, the temperature is increased to 18 °. Such actions usually stimulate exotic pets to active mating games.

After a short courtship, the axolotl-boy will begin to release spermatophores into the water - capsules with semen. The female will suck them in by the cloaca.After about 1-1.5 days (or a little earlier), it will begin to leave eggs. At this point, the male should be removed from the tank.

It usually takes a female 1-2 days to lay all eggs. During this time, it is necessary to maintain the water temperature at 19 °. After the female finishes laying eggs, she is also removed from the aquarium.

After 15-30 days, tiny larvae 2-2.5 centimeters in size will begin to appear from the eggs. In the first days of life, they have no legs. Babies' limbs will develop and form over the next few weeks.

While the baby dragons are growing up, they should be well and properly fed. It is recommended to use ciliates, microworms, cyclops as a starter feed. When the cubs grow up a little, daphnia, small bloodworms, and special mixtures for fry are introduced into their diet.

Experienced aquarists do not recommend handling these whimsical and sensitive creatures. However, if such a need arises, the palms should be cooled beforehand - for example, by holding your hands in very cold water. It is important to remember that the temperature of human skin is much higher than the body temperature of an aquarium dragon. Taking this exotic in warm hands, you can cause him a severe skin burn.

When keeping several individuals in an aquarium, it is important to prevent them from starving. Many novice aquarists are unaware of the fact that axolotls are not only predators, but cannibals as well. So, in a fit of hunger, they are able to attack each other, bite off the limbs and tail of neighbors in the tank.

These exotic creatures have rather poor eyesight. For this reason, you should not light the aquarium too much. The most comfortable water dragons will feel in twilight lighting or light twilight.

Before starting an axolotl, it should be borne in mind that this exotic rather quickly pollutes the water in the aquarium with waste products. It is necessary to remove excrement after the pet regularly and as often as possible. These creatures feel uncomfortable in dirty water.

On the global network, you can find many reviews about these cute and funny creatures. Acquaintance with this information will be useful for those people who are planning to acquire such an exotic pet.

The axolotl is a very specific pet that is not suitable for everyone. In the absence of care, they can easily die or get sick. Treating axolotls is a very expensive and difficult undertaking, since not all clinics can find a veterinarian who specializes in amphibians. However, despite the difficulties in keeping axolotls and providing them with proper care, everything is compensated by the mass of positive emotions that these funny and forever smiling creatures evoke.

The hardest part about keeping an axolotl is maintaining the recommended water temperature in summer. In hot weather, the water in the aquarium heats up very much, which has an extremely negative effect on the well-being of the water dragon. The problem can be solved by using fans installed above the aquarium and special thermoses with cold accumulators. Also, in the heat, it is worth more often topping up the aquarium with clean and settled bad water.

One of the benefits of keeping axolotls is that they don't actually eat much. They should be fed every few days, which can significantly save on the purchase of feed. You do not need to walk with them, as with dogs, they do not create any noise, do not exude an unpleasant odor, do not shed, and live quite a long time. If you provide them with a comfortable existence, then axolotls will deliver positive emotions to their owners for many years.

Observing axolotls is a very exciting activity that is hard to break away from. The funny expression on their faces can not fail to bring a smile. These creatures, similar to space aliens, cause especially joyful emotions in children.

Not everyone knows that the body of axolotls has the property of regeneration. So, in place of the torn off paw or tail, a new part of the body soon begins to form. In addition, in axolotls, not only body parts are regenerated, but also internal organs.

Another interesting fact is related to the transformation of these creatures into an adult. For this to happen, their conditions of detention need to be changed. In particular, this is facilitated by a decrease in the level and temperature of the water in the aquarium. However, such experiments should not be carried out at home. In most cases, they end up with the death of the pet.

It is also noteworthy that the musculoskeletal system of these creatures has no bones. The skeleton of an axolotl is made up of cartilage, which makes it rather fragile and vulnerable. This is another reason why it is not recommended to handle axolotls.

Axolotls made a huge contribution to the development of medicine. So, at present, scientists are studying the characteristics of the organism of these animals, investigating the mechanism of their regenerative abilities... It is possible that these popular pets in the future will help specialists find effective methods for the rapid recovery of the human body, its organs and systems after injuries and complex surgeries.

In some countries (Japan in particular), axolotls are considered a delicacy. Gourmets claim that the ambistoma larva tastes like white dietary meat. Oddly enough, but since ancient times, these creatures have been eaten by representatives of some tribes. Today, this trend is opposed by animal rights activists seeking to preserve the endangered populations of axolotls.

Under the influence of the anthropogenic factor, axolotls were on the verge of extinction. Only a few of their populations have survived in their natural habitat. This led to the fact that axolotls were included in the Red Book as an endangered animal species.

For more information on the features of axolotls, see the next video.