Key Takeaways
- Axolotl diet is carnivorous and protein-focused; core staples include earthworms, blackworms, and high-quality sinking carnivore pellets, with bloodworms/brine shrimp for juveniles and larvae.
- Feed by life stage: larvae daily, juveniles every 1–2 days, adults 2–3 times per week; offer mouth-sized portions that disappear in 2–5 minutes to match suction feeding.
- Target nutrients: ~50–60% protein for juveniles and 40–50% for adults, moderate fat (10–15%), and a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio near 1.5:1 for balanced growth and health.
- Rotate 2–4 foods weekly for variety and micronutrients; prioritize earthworms and pellets for consistent amino acids and clean tanks.
- Avoid feeder fish (parasites/thiaminase), hard-shelled insects (impaction), mammal/poultry meats (imbalanced Ca:P), wild-caught worms, and freeze-dried products.
- Protect water quality: remove leftovers immediately, space meals appropriately, and keep ammonia/nitrite at 0 ppm and nitrate under 40 ppm.
Axolotls look cute and alien and I’m obsessed with what keeps them healthy. When I first brought one home I wondered what exactly goes in that tiny smile. The answer surprised me because it is both simple and specific.
An axolotl is a carnivore so its diet is all about protein. Think soft meaty foods like earthworms bloodworms brine shrimp and high quality pellets made for aquatic salamanders. They need clean food that is easy to swallow since they bite by suction not by chewing. Younger axolotls eat more often while adults do fine on a steady routine.
In this guide I’ll break down what to feed how much to offer and when to serve it. I’ll share simple tips to keep meals safe and budget friendly too.
What Is An Axolotls Diet?
An axolotl diet is carnivorous and protein focused. I base core meals on soft whole prey and balanced pellets for clean suction feeding without chewing (AZA Amphibian Husbandry Resource Guide, 2012; Merck Veterinary Manual, 2023).
- Choose staples: earthworms, blackworms, high‑quality sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms for juveniles, live brine shrimp for larvae (RSPCA, 2022; Merck Veterinary Manual, 2023).
- Offer extras: chopped nightcrawlers, mysis shrimp, lean freshwater fish pieces, axolotl‑safe gel diets (AZA, 2012).
- Rotate items: 2–4 foods per week for variety and micronutrients (AZA, 2012).
I match feeding to life stage and body size.
| Life stage | Frequency | Portion guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling, 0–2 months | Daily | Small prey equal to head width each feed |
| Juvenile, 2–6 months | Every 1–2 days | 2–4 pieces, example bloodworm cubes or worm segments |
| Subadult, 6–12 months | 2–3 times per week | 1–2 earthworms or 5–10 pellets per feed |
| Adult, 12+ months | 2–3 times per week | 1–3 earthworms or 6–12 pellets per feed |
I target macro balance that supports growth and body condition.
| Nutrient target | Juvenile range | Adult range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 45–55% | 35–45% | Dry matter basis for pellets or gels (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2023) |
| Fat | 5–15% | 5–12% | Higher fat only during growth or recovery |
| Calcium:Phosphorus | ~1.5:1 | ~1.5:1 | Whole prey and pellets maintain ratio (AZA, 2012) |
I use practical examples to anchor the axolotl feeding plan.
- Choose earthworms as the staple, example Eisenia fetida or Lumbricus terrestris, for complete amino acids and firm body condition (RSPCA, 2022).
- Offer pellets that list fish meal, krill meal, blood meal as first ingredients, example salmonid or amphibian‑specific sinks, for consistent nutrients and clean tanks (AZA, 2012).
- Rotate enrichment prey, example live blackworms or brine shrimp, for larvae and small juveniles only to reduce impaction risk (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2023).
I avoid items that harm the axolotl diet or water quality.
- Avoid feeder fish, example goldfish or rosy reds, due to parasites and thiaminase (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2023).
- Avoid insects with hard chitin, example crickets or mealworms, due to impaction risk (AZA, 2012).
- Avoid mammal or poultry meats, example beef or chicken, due to poor calcium and high fat (AZA, 2012).
I watch outcomes that confirm the axolotl feeding plan works.
- Check body shape, example smooth sides with slight abdominal curve, not skinny ribs or bloat.
- Check stool, example formed dark strands, not pale strings or mucus.
- Check appetite, example steady strike on presentation, not refusal across 48 hours outside cooling or stress.
Sources: AZA Amphibian Husbandry Resource Guide, 2012. Merck Veterinary Manual, Amphibians Nutrition, 2023. RSPCA Axolotl Care, 2022.
Core Nutrients And Feeding Basics
Axolotl diet basics center on high animal protein, moderate fat, and clean delivery. I match prey size to the mouth, then I keep the tank stable after each feed.
Protein, Fat, Vitamins, And Minerals
Axolotl diet protein drives growth and repair, fat fuels energy, and micronutrients prevent deficiency.
- Target: 50–60% crude protein for juveniles, 40–50% for adults, based on dry matter in pellets or analyzed feeds, when I compare labels and lab reports. Examples: carnivore pellets, blackworms, earthworms. (Merck Veterinary Manual, Amphibians: Nutrition and Husbandry)
- Limit: 10–20% crude fat across life stages to avoid hepatic lipid buildup when I use rich prey. Examples: salmon pellets, waxworms, fatty fish. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
- Balance: 1.5–2.0:1 calcium to phosphorus in the overall axolotl diet when I rotate prey and pellets. Examples: nightcrawlers, mysis shrimp, formulated pellets with calcium carbonate. (AZA Ambystoma mexicanum Care Manual, 2014)
- Rotate: 3–4 protein sources each week to reduce gaps in amino acids and micronutrients when I plan menus. Examples: earthworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis. (ARAV Client Education Resources, 2020)
- Fortify: vitamin A, D3, and E via quality pellets and varied invertebrates to support epithelial health and mineral use when natural prey varies. Examples: retinyl acetate in pellets, whole shrimp with heads, UVB-free setups requiring dietary D3. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
- Support: iodine trace intake to aid thyroid function when I rely on freshwater prey. Examples: occasional marine mysids, marine-origin pellets with kelp. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Macronutrient targets by life stage
| Life stage | Protein % (DM) | Fat % (DM) | Ca:P ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | 55–60 | 12–18 | 1.5–2.0:1 |
| Juvenile | 50–60 | 10–18 | 1.5–2.0:1 |
| Adult | 40–50 | 10–15 | 1.5–2.0:1 |
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual, Amphibians: Nutrition and Husbandry; AZA Ambystoma mexicanum Care Manual, 2014; ARAV Client Education Resources, 2020
How Water Quality Interacts With Feeding
Axolotl diet waste loads the biofilter, so I pair each feeding plan with water targets.
- Feed: small, clean portions that vanish in 2–5 minutes, then I lift leftovers with a turkey baster to cut ammonia spikes. Examples: single earthworm segments, measured pellets, thawed bloodworm cubes.
- Space: 24–48 hours between meals for adults to match nitrogen processing, then I add a light fasting day after heavy prey. Examples: earthworm days, pellet days, rest days. (AZA Care Manual)
- Test: core parameters after big feeds, then I adjust frequency before I change media. Examples: liquid drop kits, digital thermometers, ammonia alerts. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
| Parameter | Target value | Feeding interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | 0 ppm | I cut portions and remove residue to keep total ammonia at 0. (Merck Veterinary Manual) |
| Nitrite | 0 ppm | I slow feeding if nitrite rises during biofilter stress. (Merck Veterinary Manual) |
| Nitrate | <20–40 ppm | I add plants and water changes when feeding protein-rich worms. (AZA Care Manual) |
| Temperature | 60–64°F | I reduce portions at 68°F as metabolism rises. (AZA Care Manual) |
| pH | 7.0–8.0 | I keep pH stable to protect gills during post-feed spikes. (Merck Veterinary Manual) |
- Clean: fine particulates after thawed foods with a sponge prefilter, then I rinse media in dechlorinated water to preserve bacteria. Examples: bloodworm fines, mysis fragments.
- Separate: feeding tubs for messy items to protect the display tank, then I return axolotls after they swallow. Examples: worm tubs, shrimp tubs. (AZA Care Manual)
Live Foods Versus Prepared Diets
I balance live prey with prepared foods to hit protein targets and protect water quality. I pick formats that disappear in 2–5 minutes to limit waste and stress.
Common Live Options
- Earthworms, nightcrawlers, red wigglers. Earthworms set the staple for an axolotl diet, offer complete protein, and support growth when sized to mouth width, 0.5–1.5 in segments for juveniles, 2–3 in for adults (AZA Amphibian Husbandry Resource Guide, 2013, https://www.aza.org/amphibian-conservation).
- Blackworms, tubifex. Blackworms spark feeding responses and work for juveniles when sourced from clean vendors, quarantine for 7–14 days to cut pathogen load (AZA, 2013).
- Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia. Bloodworms and brine shrimp fit young axolotls, enrich variety, and boost feeding frequency in small portions, rinse before use to reduce fouling (RSPCA Australia, Axolotl Care, 2022, https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-to-care-for-axolotls).
- Guppies, minnows. Feeder fish raise parasite and thiaminase risks, avoid routine use unless captive bred and quarantined with clear source documentation (NOAA thiaminase overview, 2020, https://repository.library.noaa.gov).
Pellets And Frozen Alternatives
- Sinking carnivore pellets, axolotl specific pellets. Pellets anchor daily feeding, deliver 40–55% protein and 8–16% fat, and keep nutrition consistent across batches when I rotate brands weekly for amino acid coverage (AZA, 2013).
- Frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, krill. Frozen options add variety and micronutrients, thaw and rinse to lower binders and phosphates, feed compact portions to prevent leftovers in sand or hides (RSPCA, 2022).
- Gel diets, DIY blends. Gel mixes based on fish meal, earthworm powder, and vitamin premix can match targets for adults, 40–50% protein and 10–15% fat, test small batches to confirm acceptance and stool quality first (Merck Veterinary Manual, Amphibian Nutrition, 2023, https://www.merckvetmanual.com).
| Diet type | Protein range % | Fat range % | Parasite risk | Water fouling | Cost per feeding USD | Prep time minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live earthworms | 55–65 | 8–12 | Low with clean source | Low | 0.20–0.60 | 1–2 |
| Live blackworms | 50–60 | 5–10 | Moderate without quarantine | Medium | 0.15–0.40 | 2–5 |
| Live bloodworms | 55–60 | 5–8 | Moderate | Medium | 0.10–0.30 | 1–2 |
| Sinking pellets | 40–55 | 8–16 | Very low | Low | 0.05–0.20 | 0–1 |
| Frozen mysis | 55–70 | 5–10 | Very low | Medium | 0.10–0.25 | 2–3 |
I prioritize earthworms and pellets for core calories and amino acids, I reserve blackworms, bloodworms, and mysis for rotation and appetite boosts. I rinse, quarantine, and portion with a pipette or tongs, I switch to a separate feeding tub for messy items to protect the display tank.
Feeding Frequency By Life Stage
Feeding frequency tracks growth rate and metabolism across an axolotl’s diet. I time sessions to body length, appetite, and clean water.
| Life stage | Typical length | Frequency | Portion guide | Session time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larvae 0–2 months | 0.5–3 in | 2–3 times per day | Small live items, full bellies without bloat | 2–3 min | Use baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, fine bloodworms |
| Juveniles 2–6 months | 3–6 in | 1 time per day | 1–3 mouth‑sized bites, or 3–8 small pellets | 2–3 min | Add chopped earthworms, blackworms, mysis |
| Adults 6+ months | 7–10 in | 3–4 times per week | 1–2 earthworms, or 5–12 sinking pellets | 2–5 min | Keep protein dense, keep fat moderate |
| Seniors 5+ years | 8–10+ in | 2–3 times per week | 1 smaller worm, or 4–8 pellets | 2–5 min | Watch weight, adjust for slower metabolism |
Sources: Axolotl husbandry guides report daily feeds for juveniles and 2–4 weekly feeds for adults, with small portions cleared fast to protect water quality (The Axolotl Colony, https://www.axolotl.org; RSPCA exotics care, https://www.rspca.org.uk; Merck Veterinary Manual amphibian nutrition, https://www.merckvetmanual.com).
Larvae And Juveniles
Larvae and juveniles eat often to match rapid growth and high protein targets. I feed 2–3 times per day during the first 8 weeks if yolk reserves are gone. I deliver live microfoods at hatch, then transition to larger prey at 1–1.5 in. I keep each session short so food vanishes in 2–3 minutes. I space sessions 8–12 hours apart, with a small top‑off feed after large sheds.
- Start live, start clean, start small. I use baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, fine bloodworms.
- Add variety, add size, add pellets. I introduce blackworms, chopped earthworms, small sinking carnivore pellets at 3–4 in.
- Watch intake, watch girth, watch waste. I look for a rounded belly, formed stools, stable ammonia at 0 ppm.
Evidence notes: Frequent small feeds support growth and reduce cannibalism risk in larval salamanders, with animal protein at 50–60% dry matter for juveniles (Merck Veterinary Manual; Amphibian Husbandry Resource Guide, AZA, https://www.aza.org).
Adults And Seniors
Adults and seniors eat less often to match slower metabolism and stable body condition. I feed adults 3–4 times per week and seniors 2–3 times per week. I size portions to disappear in 2–5 minutes. I rotate earthworms and high‑protein sinking pellets to hold protein near 40–50% dry matter and fat near 10–20%.
- Set cadence, set cues, set limits. I feed on non‑consecutive days, I stop when the head is slightly wider than the body, I skip a meal after heavy snacks.
- Swap textures, swap species, swap sizes. I alternate earthworms, mysis, quality pellets, I trim worm segments to mouth width.
- Track weight, track stools, track tests. I log body score monthly, I confirm firm stools, I keep ammonia at 0 ppm and nitrate under 40 ppm.
References: Adult axolotls maintain condition on 2–4 weekly feeds with earthworms and quality pellets as staples, which aligns with expert care sheets and veterinary nutrition guidance (Axolotl.org; Merck Veterinary Manual; AZA Amphibian Husbandry).
Safe, Unsafe, And Occasional Foods
I sort my axolotl’s diet into safe staples, unsafe items, and occasional treats to protect health and water quality. I match each category to protein targets, digestion, and parasite risk.
Foods To Avoid
- Feeder fish (goldfish, rosy reds, guppies) cause thiamine depletion via thiaminase and carry parasites, source: OATA Axolotl Care Sheet 2021, Merck Veterinary Manual Thiaminase Overview.
- Insects with hard chitin (mealworms, crickets, beetles) risk impaction and poor digestion, source: RSPCA Axolotl Care.
- Mammal or bird meat (beef, chicken, pork) lacks calcium to phosphorus balance and adds saturated fat, source: RSPCA Axolotl Care.
- Wild-caught worms (garden earthworms) introduce pesticides and parasites unless sourced from clean cultures, source: OATA Axolotl Care Sheet 2021.
- Crustaceans with shells (crayfish, large shrimp with exoskeleton) add indigestible chitin and injury risk, source: RSPCA Axolotl Care.
- Freeze-dried products (bloodworms, tubifex) expand in the gut and dehydrate tissues, source: OATA Axolotl Care Sheet 2021.
- Seasonings or additives (garlic, oils, vitamins dosed on food) disrupt osmoregulation and water chemistry, source: Merck Veterinary Manual Fish Nutrition Basics.
Treats And Dietary Variety
I rotate treats to stimulate appetite, if core protein targets stay on track.
- Worm variants, small and soft: blackworms in rinsed clusters, chopped nightcrawlers for bite-size variety, source: Axolotl.org Diet Notes, OATA.
- Small crustaceans, shell-off: mysis shrimp, brine shrimp adults for enrichment not staples, source: RSPCA Axolotl Care.
- Low-fat fish pieces, boneless and skinless: salmon trimmings or tilapia cubes offered rarely, source: Merck Veterinary Manual Fish Nutrition Basics.
- Commercial extras, high quality: sinking carnivore pellets with 40–55% protein used as mix-ins, source: OATA Axolotl Care Sheet 2021.
Treat pacing and portions:
- Frequency, adult: 1–2 treat sessions per week alongside staples.
- Portion, adult: 1–3 bite-size pieces per session or 5–10% of the weekly ration by mass.
- Frequency, juvenile: 2–3 micro treat sessions per week that fit 50–60% protein goals.
- Portion, juvenile: pieces smaller than mouth width that vanish in 2–3 minutes.
Treat options at a glance:
| Treat type | Example items | Protein % | Fat % | Use frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft worms | Blackworms, chopped nightcrawlers | 55–65 | 8–15 | Weekly | Rinse to reduce fouling |
| Small crustaceans | Mysis, adult brine shrimp | 50–65 | 5–10 | Weekly | Brine shrimp for variety only |
| Fish pieces | Tilapia, salmon trims | 18–22 | 6–12 | Monthly | Offer tiny boneless cubes |
| Pellets mix-in | Sinking carnivore pellets | 40–55 | 8–18 | Weekly | Pair with earthworms |
Sources: RSPCA Axolotl Care, OATA Axolotl Care Sheet 2021, Merck Veterinary Manual Fish Nutrition Basics, Axolotl.org Diet Notes.
Practical Tips For Sourcing And Preparing Food
I keep sourcing simple, then I prep clean portions that disappear fast. I match supply to life stage, then I protect water with tidy handling.
Culturing Worms And Managing Supply
- Set: Use a lidded tote, 12–18 gal, with 1–2 mm air holes across the lid, for European nightcrawlers or red wigglers.
- Bed: Fill 6–8 in of rinsed coco coir, organic topsoil, and leaf mold, 1:1:1, at pH 6.5–7.5.
- Place: Keep 55–70°F, dark, low vibration, with 70–85% substrate moisture, no standing water.
- Seed: Start 0.5–1 lb worms per tote, then split when the bin reaches 2–3 lb biomass.
- Feed: Offer thin slices of squash, carrot, and soaked whole oats, 2–3 times weekly, in small zones.
- Buffer: Sprinkle fine crushed eggshell or agricultural lime, 1–2 tsp weekly, to stabilize pH.
- Quarantine: Hold new worms 14 days in a separate bin, with two substrate changes, to reduce pathogen transfer risk (Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center care guidance, University of Kentucky, https://agsc.maizegdb.org).
- Rinse: Purge soil by placing worms on damp paper towels for 30–60 minutes before feeding.
- Rotate: Alternate earthworms with blackworms or pellets weekly, for amino acid balance and consistent intake (Merck Veterinary Manual, Amphibians Nutrition, https://www.merckvetmanual.com).
- Store: Keep blackworms in a shallow tray, 40–50°F, under dechlorinated water, with daily rinses and light feeding of spirulina powder.
Table: Weekly worm planning per axolotl
| Life stage | Target feeds/week | Earthworm segments/feed | Blackworms/feed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juvenile 3–6 in | 5–7 | 1–2 small segments, 0.5–1 g | Pinch, 0.3–0.6 g | Fast growth, frequent small feeds |
| Subadult 6–8 in | 4–5 | 1–2 medium segments, 1–2 g | Small tuft, 0.6–1 g | Monitor body shape, no bulge |
| Adult 8–10+ in | 2–3 | 1–2 large segments, 2–4 g | Tuft, 1–2 g | Keep portions gone in 2–5 min |
Thawing, Portioning, And Hygiene
- Thaw: Place frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis in a fine net, then submerge in 50–60°F dechlorinated water for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain: Drain meltwater completely to cut phosphate and improve water quality.
- Hold: Keep thawed food under 40°F for up to 24 hours in a covered glass jar, discard after that window for safety (USDA Food Safety, Frozen Foods, https://www.fsis.usda.gov).
- Avoid: Skip microwaves and hot tap water, to prevent protein denaturation and bacterial spikes.
- Portion: Offer pieces no wider than the axolotl’s mouth, with total food gone in 2–5 minutes per feed.
- Weigh: Use 0.1 g accuracy for consistent dosing, then log intake with date and weight.
- Target: Feed roughly 1–3% of body weight per session for juveniles, 0.5–1.5% for adults, adjust by body condition and stool quality.
- Rinse: Swish earthworms in saline, 0.9%, for 10–20 seconds to reduce mucus and improve acceptance.
- Separate: Use a feeding tub for messy items, then net out leftovers immediately, to limit ammonia spikes.
- Sanitize: Rinse tongs and nets in hot water, then dip in aquarium-safe disinfectant, 1–2 minutes, then air dry, to lower cross-contamination risk (AVMA cleaning guidance, https://www.avma.org).
- Store: Keep pellets in an airtight container, 50–70°F, low humidity, use within 6–9 months for vitamin retention.
| Task | Temperature | Time | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thaw frozen worms/shrimp | 50–60°F | 10–15 min | Even thaw, low nutrient leach |
| Purge earthworms on towels | Room temp | 30–60 min | Cleaner gut, less fouling |
| Blackworm rinse and change | 40–50°F | Daily | Lower die-off, safer feed |
| Discard uneaten food | Tank temp | 5 min | Reduced ammonia, clearer water |
Monitoring Health And Adjusting The Menu
I track visible cues and simple metrics to keep my axolotl diet plan aligned with growth and water quality. I tweak portions or items based on body shape, appetite, and waste.
Signs Of Deficiency Or Overfeeding
- Watch body shape, then adjust portions by 10–20% if trends persist over 2–3 feedings. Examples: ribs showing, sunken belly, or thin tail base signal underfeeding, while bulging coelom or fat pads behind legs signal overfeeding.
- Watch color and gills, then rotate iron-rich worms and high-protein pellets if pallor appears. Examples: pale gills, reduced capillary branching, or dull skin tone indicate anemia or low protein intake (AZA Amphibian TAG, 2013).
- Watch energy and strikes, then increase frequency for juveniles or offer smaller prey if lethargy appears. Examples: slow responses, missed suction strikes, or food refusal after 24–48 hours suggest underfueling or item size mismatch.
- Watch buoyancy and feces, then split meals or reduce fat if issues repeat. Examples: floating after feeding, regurgitation, stringy mucus stools, or foul-smelling diarrhea point to excess fat or rancid feed (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2024).
- Watch skin and fins, then improve water changes and feed cleanliness if stress signs persist. Examples: curled tail tip, frayed fins, fungus tufts on toes or gills, or cloudy eyes often follow heavy waste loading, not just diet errors (RSPCA, 2022).
Tracking Weight, Growth, And Waste
I log weight in-water, length on a damp board, and waste after each feeding to link the axolotl diet to outcomes.
- Log weight weekly, then compare to targets. Examples: ≥2% weekly gain for juveniles, stable ±1–2% for adults unless conditioning.
- Log length monthly, then confirm proportionate growth. Examples: steady head width to body ratio, body condition score near 3 of 5.
- Log waste within 24–48 hours post-meal, then cut portion size by 10% if waste increases in volume or softness.
- Log water tests 2–3 times per week, then remove leftovers within 5 minutes if ammonia rises.
| Metric | Juvenile Target | Adult Target | Method | Action Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight change | +2–8% per week | 0–2% per week | Tare tub, weigh in-water | >5% loss in 2 weeks |
| Length gain | +1–2 cm per month | Minimal | Damp board, quick photo | No gain in 60 days, juvenile |
| Body condition score | 3–3.5 of 5 | 3 of 5 | Visual rib and tail base check | <2.5 or >3.5 |
| Meal duration | 2–5 minutes | 2–5 minutes | Time to clear prey | Leftovers at 5 minutes |
| Stool quality | Formed, dark, cohesive | Formed, dark, cohesive | Siphon and inspect | Mucus strings, diarrhea |
| Ammonia, nitrite | 0 ppm, 0 ppm | 0 ppm, 0 ppm | Liquid tests | Any detectable |
| Nitrate | <40 ppm | <40 ppm | Liquid tests | >40 ppm |
| Temperature, pH | 14–18°C, pH 6.8–7.6 | 14–18°C, pH 6.8–7.6 | Calibrated tools | Outside range |
- Adjust menu with small, deliberate changes, then recheck logs after 2–3 feedings. Examples: swap fatty items for earthworms, choose sinking carnivore pellets at 40–50% protein and 8–12% fat, split one large meal into two smaller feedings.
Sources: AZA Amphibian TAG Husbandry Resource Guide, 2013. Merck Veterinary Manual, Amphibian Nutrition, 2024. RSPCA, Axolotl Care, 2022.
Conclusion
Feeding an axolotl is a simple practice when I stay curious and consistent. I treat every meal as a chance to learn. Small tweaks and steady notes show me what truly works for my little water dragon.
I aim for clean habits and calm confidence. If growth looks steady and the tank stays clear I know I am on track. When something shifts I adjust with patience rather than chasing quick fixes.
I hope this guide gives you a clear path and a little peace of mind. Share your wins and questions with me. I am always refining my approach and I love hearing what helps your axolotl thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivores. Feed them earthworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and high-quality sinking carnivore pellets. Chopped nightcrawlers are excellent. Offer clean, bite-sized portions that are easy to swallow since axolotls use suction, not chewing.
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Juveniles: small meals once or twice daily. Subadults: once daily or every other day. Adults: 2–4 times per week. Each feeding should be a portion they finish in 2–5 minutes to prevent waste and water issues.
How much should I feed at each meal?
Offer a portion about the size of the axolotl’s head or enough they consume within 2–5 minutes. If food remains after 5 minutes, remove it and feed a bit less next time to protect water quality.
What macronutrient targets should I aim for?
Juveniles: 50–60% protein, 10–20% fat. Adults: 40–50% protein, 10–20% fat. Prioritize high animal protein, moderate fat, and clean delivery. Rotate protein sources weekly to cover amino acids and micronutrients.
Are pellets good for axolotls?
Yes—choose high-quality sinking carnivore pellets with animal-based proteins and moderate fat. Avoid plant-heavy or floating pellets. Use pellets as a staple alongside worms and shrimp for variety and balanced nutrition.
What foods should I avoid?
Avoid feeder fish, large or hard-shelled prey, insects with tough chitin, anything seasoned, salted, or processed, and items that foul water quickly. Skip freeze-dried foods as staples; they’re less nutritious and can cause bloating.
How do I keep water quality stable while feeding?
Feed small, clean portions that disappear in 2–5 minutes. Remove leftovers immediately. Test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature regularly. Use a separate feeding tub for messy foods like worms to protect the display tank.
What water parameters should I monitor?
Check ammonia (should be 0), nitrite (0), nitrate (keep low with water changes), pH (stable), and temperature (consistent within the species’ comfort range). Sudden spikes often mean overfeeding or leftover food.
Should I use live, frozen, or fresh foods?
Frozen/thawed and fresh options are safest and cleanest. Live foods can introduce pests or disease and may be messy. Rinse frozen foods, thaw fully, and offer bite-sized pieces for easy suction feeding.
How do I tell if I’m overfeeding?
Watch for leftover food, cloudy water, rising ammonia or nitrate, bloating, soft or frequent stools, or a thick, sagging body. If you see these signs, reduce portions, increase gaps between meals, and recheck water quality.
What are signs of nutrient deficiency?
Slow growth, weight loss, poor appetite, pale or frayed gills, lethargy, or weak body condition. Improve variety (worms, shrimp, quality pellets), meet protein/fat targets, and ensure clean feeding to aid nutrient absorption.
How can I adjust the diet safely?
Change one factor at a time: portion size, feeding frequency, or one food type. Recheck weight, body condition, and water readings after 1–2 weeks. Keep a simple log to track growth, appetite, waste, and parameters.
What’s a budget-friendly feeding plan?
Use earthworms or chopped nightcrawlers as staples (cheap and nutritious), rotate with frozen bloodworms or mysis, and include a quality sinking carnivore pellet. Buy in bulk, portion and freeze, and feed in a tub to reduce waste.
How do axolotls eat without chewing?
They use suction to pull food in. Offer soft, slender, or chopped pieces that slide down easily. Avoid large, hard, or spiky items. Target portions they can swallow in one or two gulps to prevent choking and mess.