The Axolotl may not a common pet, but it is very unique. The axolotl is a type of salamander, native to Mexico. It's scientific name is Ambystoma mexicanum. The common pet or laboratory Axolotl refers exclusively to A. mexicanum, although in Mexico the term Axolotl is used in reference to several species of Ambystoma, and is considered an edible food source!
The Axolotl is neotenic, meaning that it doesn't routinely undergo metamorphosis from the larval to adult form, as happens with most other salamanders. Instead, the larval form (with gills) becomes sexually mature and reproduces, maintaining a strictly aquatic life style. Under some circumstances, the Axolotl can undergo metamorphosis into a terrestrial from, although this can be stressful on the animal.
The Axolotl has amazing regenerative abilities - if injured, even to the point of losing a body part, the Axolotl will heal readily and even regenerate lost bits. They are fairly hardy creatures that can be expected to live up to 10-15 years with attention to proper care, particularly with respect ot water quality. Their skin and gills are very sensitive and quite soft, so handling is not recommended any more than is necessary. Because they can exchange air through moist skin, they can survive outside of water for short periods, as long as their skin is not allowed to dry out.
Juvenile axolotls can be cannibalistic towards each other, so they are best raised in separate enclosures. Adults can potentially be housed together but watch for cannibalistic tendencies. Of course, if a body part gets bitten off by a tank mate, an axolotl can regenerate it over time.
A Tank for Axolotls
Axolotls can get quite large, so I would recommend at least a 15-20 gallon tank, although the tank doesn't have to be full - just a bit deeper than the length of the axolotl is okay. Most owners will find a filtered aquarium easier to maintain; without a filter their water will need frequent changing. However, the filtration rate should be fairly slow and avoid powerful filters that create strong currents. A siphon can be used to vaccuum the bottom of the tank, and a 20 percent water change should be done weekly. If you are not usind a filter, you will have to do a 20% water change every day or every other day. Never do a full water change as this creates a situation where the water chemistry changes too drastically.
Tap water should have any chlorine or chloramines (added during the water treatment process) removed using commercially available solutions. Never use distilled water. The pH of the water should be 6.5-7.5.
Gravel
If gravel is used on the bottom of the tank it needs to be coarse gravel. Fine gravel might be ingested during feeding. Some keepers simply leave the bottom of the tank bare, although others believe this may stress the axolotls a bit since they can't get a foothold on the bottom that way.
Temperature and Lighting
The tank should be kept in a cool room away from bright sunlight. The water temperature should be kept cool,
between 57-68 F (14-20 C), and never above 75 F (24 C). No special lighting is required, and in fact a place to get out of the light may be appreciated, such as a half flower
pot or aquarium type castle.
Feeding Axolotls
In the wild, axolotls feed on snails, worms, crustaceans, small fish, and small amphibians.
In captivity, they can be fed brine shrimp, small strips of beef or liver,
earthworms (wild caught worms can carry parasites), bloodworms, tubifex worms, or commercial fish pellets (e.g. salmon or trout
pellets). If feeding these fresh items it is best to feed a variety to get a better balance in the diet. You can also get special axolotl feeding pellets from the Indiana University Axolotl Colony. Uneaten food should be cleaned from the tank daily.
Terrestrial Axolotls
Axolotls do occasionally undergo metamorphosis to take on the terrestrial
form. The conditions under which this would happen naturally is poorly
understood. They can be induced using changes in water characteristics,
or by supplementing with certain proportions of thyroid hormone.
Of course the terrestrial form of the axolotl has a completely different
set of care
requirements. Trying to induce metamorphosis is not recommended,
as this can place undue stress on the creature, and can significantly shorten
its life span.
Axolotls are used fairly extensively in laboratory settings, primarily to study their regenerative capabilities, and are relatively easy to breed in captivity. Unfortunately, wild axolotls are now considered endangered, suffering from the effects of exploitation, pollution, and introduction of non-native predators.
Resources
For more detailed information on Axolotls, there are several good resources
on the Web
