Is An Axolotl Cold Blooded?

axolotl

Axolotls are amphibians animals.  The surprising part is that they can regenerate their body parts. They have certain water conditions they can cohabit with, while certain and different water conditions stress them. 

As a new pet owner determining the right water parameter and quality can be challenging. Axolotls are amphibians which means they have both gills and lungs. However, they are most likely not to get out of the water.

Yes, Axolotl is an Ambystoma mexicanum and a cold-blooded amphibian animal that can practically regenerate its limb, gills, and tails when eaten by other axolotls. They do not go through the metamorphosis stage due to thyroid issues. The thyroid produces hormones that the axolotls already lack in its system. That doesn’t stop them from reproducing and giving birth even though they don’t grow. The axolotl is cold-blooded.  Living in another environment could lead to illness for your axolotl.

What Is The Best water temperature for my axolotl?

The axolotl is easy to care for in captivity. Provided you follow all the water temperature and parameters needed for your axolotl.

 Axolotls are cold water animals from Mexican. Axolotls being cold-blooded, cannot regulate their body temperature, which makes them rely on cold and freshwater. It is best to regulate the water; cooler water will slow their metabolism, and it takes longer to digest their food at this temperature. High temperature increases metabolism and makes it consume more food and produce more waste in the water. If your axolotls are consistently exposed to sunlight and high temperature, there is a probability that they won’t live long.

Now, the ideal water temperature for your axolotl should be 59- 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Axolotls are accustomed to a freshwater environment. Keeping your axolotls in soft and distilled water will be dangerous to your axolotls. 

How Do I Maintain My Axolotl’s Water Temperature During Summer?

 You can maintain the temperature for your axolotls during summer by maintaining your room temperature and keeping your tank in a cool environment and away from sunlight.

  • Keep on your Ac or your fan: Turning on your fan and aac will allow your room temperature to maintain a cool, safe atmosphere for your pet.
  • Turn off your aquarium lights: Aquarium lights during summer will keep your axolotls off balance, or get a light that produces minimum heat.
  • Aquarium chillers: Aquarium chillers help keep the water cool and allow you to set your desired temperatures.
  • Ice cubes or ice bottle: it is advisable to keep ice cubes in the tank to maintain the temperature for your axolotls. A frozen bottle also works. This is the best alternative for you if you want to save and manage your cost
  • Cooling aquarium fans: The fan helps regulate and maintain temperature by reducing the temperature by 4-6 degrees. Aquarium fans are suitable when directly fixed to blow into the water’s surface.
  • Cooling Unit: A cooling unit is another alternative for ac. In case you don’t want the ac on every time. The cooling unit could be fixed in your axolotl tank.  

What Is The Minimum Water Temperature For Axolotls?

Axolotls are cold-blooded amphibians as stated earlier. The minimum water temperature that your pet will survive in is 50 degrees Fahrenheit or 10℃. This temperature is not ideal for your pet, and the chances are slim that it might happen, as most pet owners keep their tanks in their rooms.

If the water drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, getting a tank heater for your pet is advisable. This situation is rare for captivated axolotls, but it happens to axolotls in the wild, and they can adapt to such situations by developing a thick skin. Axolotls are faced with stress and might sometimes lose their slime in these situations.

What Is The Maximum Water Temperature for Axolotls?

The maximum temperature for your pet is 72  degrees Fahrenheit ( 22 degrees Celsus). This situation is bound to happen during the summer and autumn periods. Anything higher than this will cause stress and make you prone to diseases that might lead to death.

High temperatures will make them produce more waste that will throw off the pH balance and water quality. Your axolotls can manage if it is a short time change. If the temperature continues for a long period,  it will lead to death, stress, loss of appetite,  and hyperactivity.

What Are The Benefits of Keeping Your Axolotl In Cold Water?

Testing your axolotl’s water every time will help you determine the water conditions and find solutions.  In case your pets are in danger. Test the ammonia levels and remove any uneaten food by your pet. 

  • It keeps your pet out of danger.
  • It reduces stress.
  • Reduce your axolotl’s need for food.
  • Bacteria and fungus reproduction are slow in cold water temperature
  • The cold water helps them regenerate their body parts faster 
  • Keeps your axolotls healthy
  • The immune system functions normally

Most breeders have testified that their axolotls grow larger during winter than in summer.

Is it Possible For The Water To Be Too Cold For My Axolotls?

 Yes, the water can be too cold for your axolotls. A rapid temperature change can slow down digestion in your pet, which can be fatal. Axolotls need time to adjust to temperatures. Rapid change will cause sudden demand. They cannot easily slow down metabolic functions in a rapid change situation.

The sudden change thickens their blood, and the heart struggles to pump blood to the right places. Axolotls begin to run out of oxygen resulting from seizures or heart failure. The sudden change will cause shock to your pets and might lead to the death of your pet.

Can Axolotls Live In 75 Degrees Water?

70 degrees can still be considered great for your axolotls, but 75 degrees will put your pet through stress and might even lead to fatigue. If the water changes to &5 degrees, your pet will show signs of stress, loss of appetite, swelling, floating, or even death.

Do Axolotls Need a Heater?

No, axolotls do not need a heater. Axolotls are cold-blooded and tend to thrive in a cold environment. Your water temperature will not go below 10 degrees celsius because the tanks are kept at room temperature. A chiller is advisable rather than a heater.

During cold, you can expose your tank to light or put on the aquarium light rather than buy a heater for your tank.

Do Axolotls Need a Heat Lamp?

No, heat lamps are not a good idea for your pet. Most amphibians and reptiles use it doesn’t make it suitable for your axolotls.

Axolotls are not supposed to come in contact with direct lighting, and a heat lamp is not recommended for heating water for your pet.


Conclusion

Conclusively, Axolotls do well in cold water. If your pet has been suffering from high water temperatures, see your veterinary doctor and be sure to balance your water parameters and conditions. A stand-by chiller in your tank is also a plus for your axolotls.

Written by Justin Michaels