CAUTION!!!

Axolotls are illegal to own in California, Maine, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. In New Mexico, a permit is required to own an axolotl, but it’s illegal to import them from other states.

Like many species of salamander,axolotls have the remarkable ability to regenerate parts of their bodies. This includes limbs, eyes and even parts of their brains. Research labs around the world are trying to understand this incredible trait, which is one reason there are so many captive axolotls.

Basic Requirements

Min. aquarium size:15 gallons recommended for the first axolotl, +10 for any additional axolotl (go bigger if you can heres why)
Temperature range:15 to 21C (afanor othercooling methodis required for those summer heat waves!)
Filtration:aproperly cycledfilter withbiological mediaand gentle flow is a must
Substrate:keep it bare or seethis articlefor safe options
Maintenance:25 to 50% water changes weekly (rinse sponges every time, using old aquarium water)
Diet:seethis articlefor options
Decor:at least one place to hide and one floating item to provide cover and shade (nothing small enough to be eaten!)

Testing Cheat Sheet

This is the chart that comes with theAPI Freshwater Master Test Kit. Ive added emojis to help you keep track of which parameters are safe and which arent. For precise values, see the parameters list below.

Precise Parameters

Min. aquarium length:24 (60 cm)
Floor space:2 ft2for the first axolotl + 1 ft2per additional axolotl
Water volume:15 gal for the first axolotl + 10 gal per additional axolotl recommended (min. 5 gal per axolotl for short-term tubbing)
Temperature range:15-21C acceptable, 16-18C preferred (breeding range), 4-23C tolerated (short periods only towards the ends of the range)
Ammonia:0 ppm (can tolerate 0.25 ppm for short periods or in ammonium form)
Nitrites:0 ppm (can tolerate up to 0.5 ppm for short periods)
Nitrates:0-10 ppm ideal (can tolerate up to 110 ppm, short periods only for anything higher)
pH:7.4-7.8 (can adapt 6.5 to 8.0 its usuallysafer not to try to adjust pH)
General hardness (GH):7 -14 (125.3-250.6 ppm)
Carbonate hardness (KH):3-8 (53.7-143.2 ppm)
Oxygen saturation:70 to 100% recommended (can tolerate lower, susceptible togas bubble diseaseif higher)
Salinity:salt is not required but 20-40% Holtfreters or Johns solutions are recommended (can tolerate up to 15 g/L salt for short periods)