This amphibious species originated in the lakes of Mexico City. However, they are currently being bred in various parts of the world or wherever they are available.
One of the most important aspects of caring for and breeding axolotls is the living condition. They require a strict set of requirements to ensure that the axolotls grow and develop to become healthy adult axolotls. To make it easier for you to grow them, take note of these information about their habitat and living conditions.
Native Habitat
As mentioned above, the axolotls’ natural habitat is in the lakes of Mexico City. In particular, they can be found in Lake Xochimilco. The original species of axolotls or Mexican salamander can be found in these lakes only. They can thrive in freshwater lakes with heavy vegetation. This in itself set axolotls apart from other types of salamander.
They live only in the water feeding on various live food including worms, crustaceans, smaller fishes, mollusks and insect larvae. But with the introduction of large fish species and predatory birds, their natural lake habitat was threatened.
Today, axolotls are considered as endangered species. Their original habitat includes Lake Chalco in Mexico, but this particular lake has been drained and no longer existent. Hence, most of the axolotls you will find these days are bred in tanks.
Aquatic Life
These days, you can find axolotls out of the lake waters in Mexico City. In fact, axolotls are growing in popularity among pet breeders worldwide. You can therefore set up a water tank that will serve as temporary habitat for the axolotls. This amphibian has caught the eye of many amphibian lovers and they are fascinated by the unique features of this amphibian. One of the many reasons to love them is the colorful pattern and the external gills.
Going back to the aquatic life, they are unique from other salamanders because they only live in water. Therefore, you should not take them out to land if you want them to grow and survive. The external gills are designed for a purpose – this allows the axolotls to breathe in the water.
Creating the ideal aquatic atmosphere can facilitate in the growth and development of axolotls. For instance, you should keep the water temperature low. Axolotls are easily stressed by heat since they are naturally accustomed to the cold water in the lakes of Mexico City. Therefore, you should attain for that water temperature when breeding axolotls in a water tank. Other specific factors for creating the ideal aquatic habitat for salamander include filters, water flow and the substrates. If any of these conditions are less than the ideal, the health and well-being of axolotls could be at risk.
Understanding the natural living patterns of axolotls is one of the most important steps to caring for them. When you know their needs, you will be better equipped to provide the care they need to survive and breed.
Author and long-time animal lover. Sharing knowledge on pet care through experience and the written word. 