Axolotls are carnivores, meaning they eat mostly meat. They eat a variety of fresh prey, including insects, fish, and other small animals.
Axolotls have a specially adapted digestive system that allows them to digest their prey quickly. They have a short gut, so their food moves through the digestive tract fairly quickly.
In addition, axolotls’ stomachs have a huge amount of mucus—much more than other types of salamanders do. The mucus helps food move through the gut rapidly and traps things that would otherwise take a long time to digest, such as bones from fish or hard insect carapaces.
Axolotls’ sharp teeth and wide mouths help them eat most of the things that they would typically eat in the wild. If they don’t have any food available, they will usually fast for a few days until prey is more easily accessible again.
However, axolotls are not strictly carnivorous—they can also eat small amounts of vegetation if necessary. For example, they may eat some algae that grows on rocks in their habitat or the small amount of vegetation that grows in the water.
List of foods an axolotl eats:
Live Food List
Axolotls have a varied diet. They thrive on live prey like worms, tadpoles, freshwater shrimp, and insects. Because they are carnivores, axolotls can also eat small portions of raw, fat-free meat. Some examples of live foods include:
Worms
Axolotls love live worms, particularly earthworms. The movement of worms excites axolotls, triggering their instinct to snap at prey. Nightcrawlers are a popular choice for their high nutrient content. Always ensure the worms come from organic sources free of chemicals. Raising your own worms is a convenient and cost-effective option.
Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp are an excellent treat for axolotls. They can be fed raw and clean or prepared in a broth to enhance appeal. These shrimp provide essential nutrients and are a great addition to an axolotl’s diet.
Daphnia
Daphnia, tiny aquatic crustaceans, are a favorite food for juvenile axolotls. These live organisms are readily available and make a perfect snack for small axolotls.
Midge Maggots
Non-biting midges (Chironomidae) and their maggots are commonly consumed by axolotls in the wild. They’re an excellent live food option, particularly for smaller axolotls.
Tadpoles
Axolotls enjoy tadpoles as a nutritious meal. Tadpoles are especially common in the diet of younger axolotls and are readily available in suitable habitats.
Frozen Food List
Frozen foods are also a great option for axolotls. They include various choices like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small fish. Ensure they are fully thawed and properly prepared before feeding.
Bloodworms
Bloodworms, derived from midge fly larvae, are an easy-to-serve frozen food. They are especially beneficial for young axolotls but should only be an occasional treat for adults, as they are less nutritious compared to other worms. To feed, thaw them and use tweezers to place the worms near your axolotl.
Brine Shrimp
Brine shrimp (Artemia salina) are a common frozen food for juvenile axolotls. Their small size and high nutrient content make them a great meal.
Minnows and Smelt
Small freshwater fish like minnows and smelt are excellent high-protein frozen food options. Thaw them before serving and cut them into manageable pieces to avoid choking hazards. These are particularly beneficial for larger axolotls.
Goldfish
Goldfish, a type of minnow, can also be offered occasionally as a frozen food option. Like other fish, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and properly prepared.
Pellet Food
Pellets designed for carnivorous fish are a convenient and mess-free food option for axolotls. High-quality sinking pellets ensure your axolotl receives a balanced diet. Soaking the pellets before feeding can make them easier to eat.
Food You Should Not Feed Your Pet Axolotl
These foods are not very nutritious or can be dangerous for your axolotl.
Animals with Crusty Exoskeletons
Be cautious of what you feed your axolotl. Crustaceans like crabs and shrimp have hard exoskeletons that can be difficult to digest and may get stuck in your axolotl’s gills, potentially causing suffocation. These animals are also not nutritious enough for an adult axolotl and should be avoided.
Feeder Fish
Feeder fish, often sold at pet stores, might seem like an easy option, but they are not recommended. These fish are often treated with chemicals to prevent disease, which can harm your axolotl. Additionally, they may carry bacteria and parasites like tapeworms or flukes, which could make your pet sick. Feeder fish also lack the essential nutrients that axolotls require.
Raw Meat
Raw meat, including chicken, beef, or pork, should never be fed to axolotls. It can harbor harmful bacteria that may cause illness. Furthermore, raw meat is high in fat, which can lead to obesity and other health issues in axolotls.
Fruits and Vegetables
While axolotls may nibble on vegetation in their natural habitat, fruits and vegetables offer little nutritional value to them. Feeding these to your axolotl is not necessary and may even cause digestive problems.
Avoid these foods to ensure your axolotl stays healthy and thrives in its environment.
Why Won’t My Axolotl Eat?
Axolotls might refuse food for several reasons:
- Water Quality Issues: Poor water conditions cause stress.
- Inappropriate Food: They won’t eat food that’s too large or unappetizing.
- Illness: Internal parasites or infections could be the cause.
- Temperature Problems: Water that’s too hot or cold affects their appetite.
How to Know When Axolotl Needs to Eat?
Axolotls show signs of hunger, such as:
- Becoming more active.
- Swimming towards you when you approach.
- Snapping at food or objects in the tank.
Young axolotls need daily feeding, while adults can eat every 2-3 days.
How to Get an Axolotl to Eat?
If your axolotl refuses to eat:
- Offer Live Food: Movement attracts their attention.
- Try Different Foods: Test worms, pellets, or shrimp.
- Feed at Night: They’re nocturnal and may eat better after dark.
- Hand-Feed: Gently offer food with tweezers.
How Many Minnows Should a 6-Inch Axolotl Eat?
A 6-inch axolotl should typically eat 1-2 minnows per feeding, two to three times a week. Ensure that the minnows are appropriately sized so they fit easily into the axolotl’s mouth. It is advisable to avoid feeding live minnows, as they may carry harmful parasites or bacteria. Instead, opt for frozen or thoroughly cleaned minnows available from reputable pet stores. Monitoring portion sizes will help prevent overfeeding and maintain your axolotl’s health.
How Does Mexican Axolotl Eat?
Mexican axolotls are obligate carnivores, relying on animal protein for survival. Their diet includes small fish and aquatic invertebrates like water fleas and other zooplankton.
Axolotls have a unique way of eating. They open their mouths wide and create a powerful suction to draw in both their prey and surrounding water. This suction is so strong that it can even pull small fish out of a handler’s grasp. Once inside their mouth, the food is quickly swallowed and processed by their efficient digestive system.
While axolotls are excellent at consuming meat, they are not well-suited for digesting plant material. Their feeding method, known as ram feeding, and their wide mouths make them efficient predators in their aquatic environment.
When Can Axolotl Eat Bloodworms?
Axolotls can eat bloodworms at various stages of their life, but they are especially beneficial for juveniles under one year old. Juvenile axolotls rely on small, easily digestible foods, and bloodworms provide an excellent source of protein to support their growth.
Adult axolotls can also enjoy bloodworms, but it’s essential to feed them in moderation. Bloodworms can be fatty, and overfeeding may lead to health issues. Always ensure the bloodworms are fresh or frozen, as dried varieties are not as nutritious. To prepare them, thaw the bloodworms and use tweezers to place the food near your axolotl for easy consumption.
How to Get Axolotl to Eat Dead Food or Pellets?
Axolotls can be trained to eat pellets or dead food by:
- Wiggling the Food: Mimic movement with tweezers.
- Soaking Pellets: Soften them before feeding.
- Using Scents: Dip pellets in shrimp juice for added appeal.
How Much Does an Axolotl Eat?
One common question is how much an axolotl needs to eat. Axolotls typically eat two to three times a week. During feeding, they use their wide mouths to snap up food and their tongues to drag it back into their throats.
An axolotl can eat any food small enough to fit in its mouth. For larger items like chunks of raw meat or big pieces of krill, cutting them into smaller portions is essential to avoid choking or digestion problems.
The diet of an axolotl should be balanced, including both live and frozen foods. Overfeeding or feeding only meat can lead to health problems. A varied diet will ensure your axolotl gets all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and thrive.
How Many Brine Shrimp Do Axolotls Eat?
Axolotls generally eat as many brine shrimp as they can within a few minutes. If they leave some behind, reduce the portion size during the next feeding. Brine shrimp are a high-protein food rich in essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, making them an excellent choice for axolotls.
For convenience, brine shrimp are available at most pet stores and online. Ensure the shrimp are free of added salt, which can harm your axolotl’s delicate system. To prepare frozen brine shrimp, thaw them using warm water or microwave them briefly. Use tweezers or tongs to place the food near your axolotl, ensuring they can easily access it. Regular feeding with brine shrimp will keep your axolotl healthy and satisfied.
At What Age Can an Axolotl Eat Nightcrawlers?
Axolotls can start eating nightcrawlers when they reach a size of 4-5 inches. At this stage, their jaws are strong enough to handle the larger prey, but it’s important to cut the worms into smaller, manageable pieces to prevent choking or digestion issues.
Nightcrawlers are an excellent source of protein and nutrients for growing and adult axolotls. Before feeding, ensure that the nightcrawlers are clean and free from any harmful chemicals or parasites. Using frozen and thawed worms can also reduce the risk of introducing parasites into the tank. If you’re unsure about feeding nightcrawlers, consult with a veterinarian or aquatic pet specialist for advice.
How Do You Train an Axolotl to Eat Off a Plate?
Training an axolotl to eat from a plate requires patience and consistency. Start by placing a small plate in the tank and adding food to it. Gently move the plate closer to the axolotl to catch its attention. If the axolotl doesn’t take the food immediately, don’t force it. Remove the plate and try again during the next feeding time.
With repeated attempts, your axolotl will start associating the plate with food. Over time, it will learn to take food directly from the plate. This method is particularly useful when feeding an injured axolotl or one that has difficulty catching free-floating food. Once the axolotl is comfortable eating from the plate, you can continue using it or remove the plate altogether and place food on the substrate instead
What Happens if My Axolotl Eats Dirt?
If your axolotl accidentally eats dirt or gravel, monitor them closely for any signs of distress. While many axolotls pass small amounts of dirt without issue, it’s important to address potential problems immediately.
What to Do:
- Inspect the Tank: Check for sharp gravel or large debris that could harm your axolotl. Remove any unsafe materials and thoroughly clean the tank.
- Observe Behavior: Watch for signs of distress, such as labored breathing, a swollen stomach, difficulty swimming, or unusual behavior. If these symptoms appear, further action is needed.
- Provide Nutritious Food: Feed your axolotl soft, protein-rich foods like earthworms. Consider using a calcium supplement with vitamin D3 to support their recovery.
- Seek Veterinary Care: If the axolotl shows no improvement or exhibits severe symptoms, consult a vet. They may administer fluids to counter dehydration or perform x-rays to check for blockages in the digestive system.
Prevent future issues by using fine sand or a bare-bottom tank as a substrate. Avoid materials like gravel, which can pose a choking or ingestion hazard
Can an Axolotl Choke on Food?
Food is vital for every animal, including axolotls. While their specially adapted digestive systems help them process meat effectively, axolotls can still choke if food is too large to swallow.
Axolotls have a gag reflex similar to humans. If food gets stuck in their throat or mouth, they may cough it up or spit it out. However, choking incidents can occur, particularly if the food is too big or hard to handle. Proper food preparation is essential to prevent this.
To minimize the risk of choking, always cut food into small, manageable pieces. Avoid feeding items with sharp edges or hard shells that could get lodged in their throat. Ensuring the right food size and consistency is crucial for their safety and well-being.
Why Do Axolotls Eat Each Other?
If you’ve had an axolotl for a while, you may notice that your pet can display cannibalistic tendencies. So why do axolotls eat each other?
Axolotls are naturally cannibalistic, particularly during their younger stages. They eat smaller fish and sometimes even their own kind. Hunger is the most common reason axolotls cannibalize each other. When they are underfed, they may see other axolotls as a convenient food source.
Another reason is aggression. Axolotls may attack others in their territory or due to stress. Factors such as overcrowding, changes in water temperature, or new additions to their habitat can increase stress levels, making cannibalism more likely.
Sometimes, cannibalism occurs accidentally. Axolotls have poor eyesight and may mistake a fellow axolotl’s limb for food. Fortunately, axolotls can regenerate lost body parts, but it’s essential to monitor their behavior.
To prevent cannibalism, ensure your axolotls are well-fed and housed in a spacious, comfortable environment. If you notice aggressive behavior or injuries, consider separating them into individual tanks or consulting a pet care expert for advice.
FAQs
Q: How often should I feed my axolotl?
A: Young axolotls need daily feeding, while adults eat every 2-3 days.
Q: Can axolotls eat frozen food?
A: Yes, thaw frozen food before feeding.
Q: What’s the best pellet brand for axolotls?
A: Choose high-protein pellets designed for carnivorous fish.
Q: Should I hand-feed my axolotl?
A: Hand-feeding can be helpful but isn’t necessary for all axolotls.
Q: Are mealworms safe for axolotls?
A: No, their hard shells are hard to digest.