Axolotls can enjoy generous lifespans while in captivity, living 10 to 15 years in the proper conditions. This is a huge improvement from axolotls’ lifespan in the wild; in the face of pollution, predators, and territorial disputes, an axolotl may live just five to six years. Regularly cleaning the aquarium, understanding the symptoms of illness, and monitoring water parameters can help your axolotl thrive.
Axolotls Can Live More Than a Decade
While you may be pleased to learn that axolotls are longer-lived than other small animals (such as hamsters or gerbils), there are a few things to consider before bringing one home. For starters, getting an axolotl is a serious commitment. While you’ll eventually learn the ins and outs of providing a healthy environment, it takes a lot of effort to master the art of aquarium-keeping. Ask yourself: “Do I want to maintain an aquarium for the next ten years?” The answer may provide valuable insight into whether getting an axolotl is a wise decision.
Here’s another unfortunate circumstance: you could do everything in your power to keep an axolotl healthy, and it could still pass away prematurely. Some axolotls are hardier than others; some are destined to reach the double digits; others may only live a few years. If you’ve done everything in your power to provide a healthy habitat, don’t blame yourself! There are no guarantees when it comes to pet ownership.
Risks That Could Shorten an Axolotl’s Life
Axolotls are extremely sensitive to their environment. Even traces of ammonia in the water could lead to burns and other complications that threaten their longevity. Some of the biggest threats to pet axolotls include:
- Bowel obstructions. Axolotls eat by sucking items into their mouths. They may accidentally swallow a rock or piece of gravel, which can block their digestive system and cause serious problems. Bowel obstructions are veterinary emergencies that should not be taken lightly.
- Unideal water parameters. You should continuously measure the aquarium’s water parameters to ensure that the pH, ammonia levels, and temperature remain at the right levels. Even if the water’s temperature increases by a few degrees, this could prove fatal to your axolotl.
- Poor oxygenation. Although axolotls are aquatic, they need oxygenated water to survive. Ensure that your aquarium’s water filter works to prevent hypoxia.
An axolotl may also attempt to jump out of the water if its stressed, threatened by tankmates, or suffering from poor water quality. While an axolotl could live a short period out of water, it needs water to breathe. Keep a firm lid on the tank to prevent any escape attempts!
Can Limb Regeneration Shorten an Axolotl’s Life?
Axolotls are one of the few vertebrates that have the ability to regrow limbs. An axolotl may lose a limb as a result of injury, such as fighting with a territorial male, or being in an enclosed space with a larger specimen. While losing multiple limbs may complicate how an axolotl gets food, a one-time occurrence is not likely to reduce their overall longevity. In fact, Developmental Biology calls the animal “highly regenerative” and can regrow limbs throughout their lifespan.
Still, as a responsible pet owner, you should do everything in your power to prevent injuries from befalling your axolotl. For instance, avoid placing sharp objects in the tank that could cause amputations, cuts, or scratches. You may also reconsider adding another axolotl to your already-existing aquarium. Axolotls are solitary animals and don’t have the same social needs as other pets. Overpopulating your tank could lead to fights over resources, which could lower your axolotl’s immune response and lead to secondary illnesses. Needless to say, these adverse factors could shave years off your pet’s life.
Tips for Promoting Your Axolotl’s Lifespan
Axolotls have specialized care needs. Yet, with some preparation, research, and ongoing maintenance, you’ll find that keeping an axolotl is fairly straightforward. You can give your salamander the best quality of life by:
- Conducting regular water changes. Every time you clean the aquarium, you should replace 25 percent of the tank’s water. This works to remove ammonia and other chemicals that may disrupt the aquarium’s water parameters.
- Using fine substrate. Avoid lining the aquarium floor with gravel, small rocks, or pebbles. An axolotl may accidentally swallow one and suffer a bowel obstruction. Only use fine-grain substrate, like sand. Some axolotl keepers don’t use substrate at all.
- Tubbing your axolotl when things go awry. “Tubbing” refers to a process where you remove an axolotl from their main tank and place them in a temporary container. Reasons include contagious diseases, fungal infections, and unstable water chemistry.
You can also promote your axolotl’s lifespan by feeding them a balanced diet of insects, insect larvae, and worms. Note that you don’t feed an adult axolotl every day; they only eat every two or three days.
How Long Do Other Pet Amphibians Live?
You may learn that an axolotl can live for more than a decade and think twice about getting one. And that’s okay! It’s important to define your expectations and limits before getting an exotic pet. You’re also in luck: there are other pet amphibians that live shorter lives than axolotls. For example, African dwarf frogs generally live five to seven years. Green tree frogs can live two to five years.
Salamanders, including axolotls and the closely related tiger salamander, can easily pass the 10-year mark when properly maintained—making them no small commitment! Considering your budget, time, and resources when deciding when to get an axolotl can help you decide whether you’re ready for the long haul.
