Status: Critically Endangered

Did You Know: It is estimated that there are fewer than 100 adults in the wild.

Fun Fact: There are over a million Axolotls being taken care of as pets.

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Feeding Your Axolotl

Updated: Mar 3, 2025

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Feeding Your Axolotl

Axolotls are unique amphibians with specific dietary needs. Providing the right nutrition is essential for their health and longevity. This guide will walk you through what to feed your axolotl, how often to feed them, and some common feeding mistakes to avoid.

What do Axolotls Eat?

Axolotls are carnivores and thrive on a diet rich in protein. In the wild, they eat small aquatic creatures like worms, insects, and tiny fish. In captivity, their diet should include:

  • Live or Frozen Foods: Earthworms, bloodworms, blackworms, and daphnia

  • Pellets: High-quality sinking pellets designed for carnivorous aquatic pets

  • Occasional Treats: Soft-shelled shrimp, brine shrimp, or small pieces of lean fish

  • Avoid feeder fish (risk of parasites), hard-shelled crustaceans, and processed human food.

How Often Should You Feed Your Axolotl?

  • Juveniles (under 6 months): Daily feeding

  • Sub-adults (6-12 months): Every other day

  • Adults (12+ months): 2-3 times per week

Overfeeding can lead to obesity and poor water quality, so always remove uneaten food after 30 minutes.

Best Feeding Practices

  • Use Tongs or Hands: This prevents accidental ingestion of substrate.

  • Feed in the Evening: Axolotls are more active during dusk and night.

  • Monitor Behavior: If your axolotl refuses food, check water parameters and ensure they’re not stressed.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

  • Feeding Large Pieces: Axolotls swallow their food whole, so cut large items into bite-sized pieces.

  • Using Floating Food: They prefer food that sinks to the bottom.

  • Ignoring Water Quality: Excess food can rot and spike ammonia levels, harming your axolotl.

Final Thoughts

Providing a varied diet ensures a healthy and happy axolotl. Stick to high-quality foods, feed them appropriately, and always keep their tank clean. For more feeding tips and a full nutrition breakdown, check out our Axolotl Care Page.

Happy feeding! 🦎💦

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