Axolotl – natural habitat and aquarium breeding requirements

The care of the axolotl (Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum) is not complicated, but it requires specific conditions different from those of regular tropical aquariums. Its natural habitat consists of cool mountain lakes in Mexico, such as Lago de Chalco (now practically dried up) and Lago de Xochomilco, where the population survives in a small part of the lake's canal system. Unfortunately, the ongoing urbanization around Mexico City and the associated pollution pose a significant threat to the natural habitat of axolotls. Another problem is the spreading of non-native species, such as perch, which prey on young axolotls and compete for food resources. As a result, the population of axolotls in the wild has sharply declined and they are now critically endangered.

Optimal conditions for axolotl care:
- Water temperature: 16–20 °C, ideally up to 18 °C, higher temperatures are stressful and can even cause death
- The pH value of the water must be monitored, it is recommended to maintain it around 7.4 - 7.6
- Water chemistry: the water must not be chlorinated, chlorine must be allowed to evaporate or be removed
- Tank volume: min. 60 l per individual
- Substrate: preferably fine sand or bare bottom
- Lighting: weak to shaded
- Filtration: calm, without strong current

❗ Axolotls really do not like heat. Temperatures above 23 °C can be stressful and, in the long term, fatal.

Axolotls are relatively long-lived and can live for 15 years or more, so it is essential to seriously consider their care.