The axolotl: management and care, description, feeding

This is a fantastic animal – a dream of every aquarist. The axolotl, maintenance, and care which is simple, is a neotenic Salamander larvae. Dragons axolotl (so often called these lizards) in the course of rapid urbanization are disappearing in the wild. However, they very successfully breed in captivity, which allows you to save their number.

The Lizard is the animal itself is of scientific value because of its awesome features to regenerate a tail, gills, and even limbs. Currently contains quite a lot of them in home aquariums.

Life in nature

In the natural environment axolotl live in the system of lakes and water channels in Mexico city. Almost the whole life they spend in the water without going on land. Amphibian the axolotl prefers deep places in lakes and channels, where a lot of aquatic vegetation. During reproduction of the lizard fix eggs on the weeds, and then fertilize it. Lake Xochimilco is famous for its floating gardens - a strip of land located between the channels, where the local population grows flowers and vegetables.

In this system of lakes and canals and the animal the animal itself. Translated from the Aztec language the name of this lizard is translated as a water monster. Before the invasion of the Spaniards, the Aztecs were often eaten. This meat is considered medicinal, and flavor it resembles an eel. In our time, the axolotl is listed in the Red book. This species is threatened with extinction. Their natural habitat - ten square kilometers, while it is fragmented, so the exact number of these lizards living in nature, quite difficult.

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Description lizard

Home of the axolotl is the larva of ambystoma that lives only in Mexico. Its length can range from 90 to 350 mm from the tail to the tip "smiling" faces. Usually the males noticeably larger than females. Ambystoma are of two types - neotenic (the larva live in water and have external gills) and land that is fully developed and has smaller gills.

Adult (sexually Mature) the axolotl in length can grow to 450 mm, but this size is about 230 mm. Specimens larger than 300 mm are rare. These lizards grow much faster than other neotenic larvae of the Salamander, and reach sexual maturity already in a state of larvae.

The Main feature of this lizard — a large external gills, which are three process sides of the head. There are small teeth, but they are designed for holding prey, not tearing her down.

Color of the body of the axolotl is very diverse - from white to black, various shades of gray, brown and brown. It should be noted that in nature, lizards, bright colors are rare because they are more vulnerable.

The Mexican axolotl has almost no bones, especially for young individuals. The basis of their skeleton is cartilage, their skin is delicate and very thin. So without a pressing need (for example, when cleaning the pool) to touch them should not be. If you need to catch your pet, use a dip net of soft and thick fabric with small bins or plastic/glass container.

The life expectancy of the axolotl reaches twenty years, but in captivity for more than ten years they do not live.

The animal itself: the maintenance and care

To Contain such an exotic pet at home is easy, but there are moments that affect their life expectancy. The first (and most important) is the temperature of the water. Axolotl — that amphibians are cold-blooded, so the temperature – this is the strongest stress for them. At first glance it may seem strange that these lizards native to Mexico and high temperatures can not stand. This is explained quite simply. The fact that their habitat is at high altitude, where the temperature is much lower than in other parts of the country.

The Future owners of the axolotl need to know what water temperature is above 24 degrees is very uncomfortable for the inhabitants of the aquarium. If this temperature is hold for a long time, it can cause illness and even death of your pet. Is considered the best temperature is below 21 degrees. If you know that you will not be able to contain the animal itself at the desired temperature, do not start it, not to condemn to the torment.

Choose a primer

Another important detail that is sometimes underestimated - the substrate. Often aquarists color, shape and size of soil choose in its sole discretion. But for the Mexican lizards of this factor is very important. For example, in the aquarium without soil the axolotl feels very uncomfortable. This causes unnecessary stress and may even provoke the appearance of ulcers on the tips of the feet.

Gravel is also not ideal for the animal itself, as he quite often swallows. This leads to blockage of the digestive tract and death of the animal. It is believed that the ideal option for keeping this lizard is sand. He allows her to freely crawl along the bottom.

Aquarium Decoration

This is largely a matter of taste, although certain rules should be followed. Small (young) individuals can be kept insmall tanks (50 liters). Adult lizards require a larger volume (100 liters for one or two individuals). If you want to have more, the volume of the aquarium should be at the rate of 50-80 liters per axolotl.

The decor of the aquarium should not have a sharp Burr and the edge – they may injure the delicate skin of your pet. In addition, take care of the shelters. There should be more than the number of contained species.

Requirements

Filtration of water for these strange lizards is slightly different from that required aquarium fish. Axolotl love powerful filter, but the slow current. Important and purity of water, so owners have to choose a middle ground between efficiency and power. More likely in this case is the internal filter with a sponge - it is quite powerful, but does not create strong currents.

How Frequent are water changes required by the axolotl? The maintenance and care of these lizards suggests a partial weekly water change. Only in the case of these exotic Pets it is necessary to monitor the water parameters as they feed on protein food and is quite sensitive to the cleanliness of your home. You should not overfeed them and you should promptly remove uneaten food.

Compatibility

Aquarists with experience know how important this factor is. However, most owners contain the axolotl separately, and there are a number of reasons. External gills of these lizards make them vulnerable to attack fish. Even the most calm and slow-moving aquarium fish are unlikely to resist the desire to bite them. The result - luxurious appendages are transformed into pitiful scraps.

In addition, the axolotl is active at night, so sleeping fish become their easy prey. Pretty hard to find a middle ground between sizes (so the fish was not eaten) and aggressiveness (not to hurt the animal itself).

But there is an exception that allows you to contain lizards with fish. This goldfish. They are so slow, what with good feeding they do not even try to injure the axolotl. Besides goldfish also requires low water temperature.

Feeding

The animal itself, the price is slightly lower than other exotic species of lizards are not very picky with food. The main thing to remember is that before you a carnivore who needs protein-rich foods.

The Kind and size of food depends on the individual. For example, many of them happily eat sinking feed designed for predatory fish that is produced in the form of tablets or granules. In addition, you can give them fish fillet, cut worms, shrimp meat, frozen feed, mussels, live fish. However, the last option specialists not recommended, since fish can be a source of infection to which the axolotl is very located.

The Rules of feeding are no different from those that exist for fish — do not leave leftover food in the aquarium, as a protein feed immediately rot and spoil the water. Not to be as feed to give the meat of mammals, the axolotl can not digest included in the protein formulation.

The Axolotl: the price

The Cost of such an unusual inhabitant of the aquarium depends on several factors – age, color (light colored lizards are more expensive), size. The average price varies from 500 to 750 rubles.

This amazing inhabitant of the aquarium – Mexican axolotl. The maintenance and care of it will not be easy, and a pleasure to watch him compensate for all the hassle.