Discovering suitable companions for your axolotl can often seem like a daunting task. Axolotls, also known as Mexican walking fish, are cool creatures that thrive in specific environments and require unique care.
This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the best possible tank mates for axolotls along with their dietary requirements and how they interact with these aquatic species. Let’s dive into the world of axolotls and find them some friendly underwater roommates!
What Is the Ideal Environment for Axolotl?
Axolotls need a cool and clean place to live. The water in their tank should be cool, about 60-72 degrees Fahrenheit. They do not like hot or warm water. It is best to put sand on the bottom of their tank.
This is good for them and it looks nice.
Their tank needs plenty of room for them to move around. Floor space matters more than how deep the water is. You can put live plants in their tank but make sure they don’t take up too much space.
Axolotls also need places where they can hide and rest.
A tool called an aquarium filter keeps the water clean for axolotl’s health. But avoid strong filters that make fast currents as these are hard for axolotls to swim against.
Are Axolotl Good Tank Mates?
Axolotls need right friends in their tank. They are kind and do not fight. But they may eat small pets like little fish or shrimp. So, you must pick the tank mates with care.
Some good choices are white cloud minnows and pearl danios. These two types of fish move fast and axolotls cannot catch them easily. Mini snails are also safe as they have shells to hide inside.
Still, it is best if an axolotl lives with one more of its own kind. They should be of same age and size. This helps keep fights away.
What Are the Best Tank Mates for Axolotl?
Zebrafish, white cloud minnows, and pearl danios are good friends for axolotls. These fish swim fast and live in cool water just like axolotls. More small friends for your pet could be neon tetras, corydoras catfish, or shrimp such as cherry shrimp or ghost shrimp.
They all enjoy the same type of home.
Other animals that can live well with axolotls are snails. Malaysian trumpet snails, ramshorn snails, nerite snails and apple snails are safe to keep with an axolotl. They help clean the tank too! Guppies and Endler’s Livebearers are also a great choice because they like cool water as well.
1. Zebrafish
Zebrafish are considered suitable tank mates for axolotls. They have a fast swimming ability, which allows them to avoid being eaten by the axolotls. Axolotls usually do not see zebrafish as food, making them a good choice as companions in the aquarium.
2. White Cloud Minnows
White Cloud Minnows are small and beautiful freshwater fish that are native to China and Vietnam. They are known for being easy to care for, making them a great choice as tank mates for axolotls.
The best part is that White Cloud Minnows are cool-water fish, which means they can thrive in the same temperature range as axolotls. These peaceful fish pose no threat to axolotls since they don’t have any sharp or aggressive tendencies.
Another advantage of White Cloud Minnows is their adaptability to different water conditions, making it easier to maintain a suitable environment for both the minnows and axolotls in the same tank.
3. Pearl Danios
Pearl danios, which are related to zebra danios, have a shimmering appearance with soft colors. While they can swim well, it doesn’t automatically mean that they will be safe in an axolotl tank.
However, pearl danios can make excellent tank mates for axolotls. No data is available regarding specific details or considerations when keeping pearl danios with axolotls.
4. Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras may not be the best tank mates for Axolotls. These small fish are easily outcompeted for food by larger and more active swimmers like Axolotls. Additionally, Neon Tetras prefer softer water conditions, while Axolotls thrive in harder water.
Furthermore, Neon Tetras can potentially carry parasites that could harm the health of the Axolotl. It’s important to consider these factors before introducing Neon Tetras into an axolotl tank.
As an alternative, Black Skirt Tetras may be a better choice as they can make great companions for Axolotls.
5. Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are often suggested as potential tank mates for Axolotls. However, it’s important to know that Cory Catfish can actually be harmful to Axolotls. This is because they have sharp spines that can injure the Axolotls’ delicate skin.
Additionally, Cory Catfish are bottom-feeders and prefer to occupy the lower parts of the tank. For these reasons, it is recommended to avoid using bottom-dwelling fish like plecos or cory catfish as tank mates for your Axolotls.
6. Bristlenose Plecos
Bristlenose plecos are not suitable tank mates for axolotls or shrimp. They can cause harm to both the axolotl and the shrimp, so it’s best to avoid keeping them together. However, some people have managed to keep golden bristlenose plecos with axolotls for nearly a year without any issues.
It’s important to monitor their interactions closely and be prepared to separate them if any problems arise.
7. Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp are peaceful and can get along well with other tank mates of a similar size. However, it’s important to note that some cherry shrimp may not survive in an axolotl tank due to their small size.
If you want to add shrimp to your axolotl tank, consider choosing species like ghost shrimp, fancy shrimp, cherry shrimp, algae shrimp, or Amano shrimp. Just make sure to choose them carefully and ensure compatibility with your axolotls to avoid any aggression issues.
8. Ghost Shrimp
Ghost shrimp are a good choice for tank mates with axolotls. These shrimp have transparent bodies, which helps them hide well in the tank, especially if there are plants. They make interesting companions for axolotls and can be added to the tank without any trouble.
Ghost shrimp can also be aggressive when attacked, but they won’t cause any harm to the axolotls. So, if you’re looking for suitable companions for your axolotl, ghost shrimp are a great option to consider.
9. Amano Shrimp
Amano shrimp are great tank mates for axolotls. These bottom-feeding scavengers can help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and algae. Even though they are small, they are safe to be kept with axolotls as they won’t harm them.
Amano shrimp have similar requirements and behavior to axolotls, making them compatible companions. They also offer the added benefit of controlling algae in the tank, which benefits both the axolotls and the overall aquarium ecosystem.
10. Malaysian Trumpet Snails
Malaysian trumpet snails are commonly kept as tank mates with axolotls. These snails have sharp shells and they can live for about 1-2 years. Malaysian trumpet snails are great cleaners for the tank because they eat algae, dead leaves, and fish food leftovers.
They also serve as scavengers, helping to keep the tank clean and free of debris. With their beneficial cleaning habits, Malaysian trumpet snails make a good addition to an axolotl tank.
11. Ramshorn Snails
Ramshorn snails are considered suitable tank mates for axolotls. These small cold water snails, especially the baby ones like juvenile bladder or ramshorn snails, can coexist peacefully with axolotls.
Their softer shells make them safe companions. However, it is important to note that larger ramshorn snail species and apple/mystery snails may not be ideal tank mates for axolotls as they can cause problems.
Overall, if you’re looking for compatible critters to keep with your axolotl in their aquarium, consider adding some ramshorn snails to create a harmonious environment.
12. Mystery Snails
Mystery snails are often suggested as potential tank mates for axolotls. These snails are peaceful creatures and can coexist peacefully with axolotls in an aquarium. However, it’s important to consider the size of the snail when choosing it as a tank mate for axolotls.
Axolotls may try to eat larger snails like apple or mystery snails because they are too big for them to consume comfortably. So, if you’re considering adding mystery snails to your axolotl tank, make sure they are not too large for your axolotl to handle.
13. Nerite Snails
Nerite snails are a great choice as tank mates for axolotls. These small aquatic creatures, measuring around one inch in size, can coexist peacefully with axolotls. Unlike other tank mates, nerite snails are resilient and able to handle the conditions of an axolotl tank.
They require minimal care and help to clean the tank by eating algae and other debris. Additionally, nerite snails contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem in the tank. So if you’re looking for suitable companions for your axolotl, consider adding some nerite snails to their environment!
14. Japanese Trapdoor Snails
Japanese trapdoor snails are great tank mates for axolotls. They are peaceful creatures and can help keep the tank clean by eating algae, plant debris, and uneaten food from the substrate.
These snails come in different sizes, ranging from golf ball to baseball size. They are known for their efficiency in clearing up general detritus in the tank. The choice of tank mates for Japanese trapdoor snails depends on the compatibility with other species and the conditions of the tank.
15. Apple Snails
Apple snails are peaceful snails that can be kept in the same aquarium as young axolotls. They are considered one of the best tank mates for axolotls because they are compatible and help keep the tank clean.
Adult apple snails can safely coexist with young axolotls, making them an ideal choice for a community tank setup.
16. Guppies
Guppies are often considered suitable tank mates for axolotls. However, it’s important to note that guppies can carry diseases that can infect axolotls. They may also chew on the gills of axolotls, causing harm.
Additionally, smaller juvenile axolotls may choke on guppies if they mistake them as prey. It’s crucial to consider these factors before introducing guppies as tank mates for your axolotl.
17. Endler’s Livebearers
Endler’s livebearers are small, colorful fish that come from Venezuela. They have a vibrant appearance and are full of energy. The good news is that they can be kept with axolotls without any issues.
You won’t have to worry about aggression or compatibility between these two species. However, keep in mind that Endler’s livebearers can breed rapidly, so if you have guppies as tankmates for your axolotl, they might become a tasty treat at a faster pace than other fish.
What Fish Should Not Be Kept With Axolotl?
Axolotls should not be kept with certain fish species. It is important to avoid keeping goldfish, bettas, cichlids, piranhas, pacus, sharks, checkered barbs, frail gouramis, green swordtails, and zebra loaches with axolotls.
These fish can either pose a threat to the axolotls or may be at risk of being eaten by them. Axolotls have a tendency to eat smaller fish and may mistake long fins for food. To ensure the well-being of both the axolotls and other tank inhabitants, it is best to keep axolotls in a species-only tank or choose compatible tank mates that are not seen as prey.
Separated feeding and careful monitoring may also be necessary when keeping axolotls with other fish species.
1. Goldfish
Goldfish are not suitable tank mates for axolotls. They have different living requirements and can cause problems in the tank. Axolotls may mistake goldfish as food and try to eat them, which is not safe for either species.
Goldfish are larger and more active than axolotls, which can lead to stress for the axolotls. Additionally, goldfish produce more waste than axolotls, which can negatively impact the water quality in the tank.
It is better to keep same-sized axolotls together rather than with goldfish.
2. Bettas
Bettas, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are not suitable tank mates for axolotls. This is because betta fish are naturally aggressive and territorial. Keeping them in the same tank as an axolotl can lead to stress and harm to the axolotl.
Axolotls have a peaceful nature and may become targets of aggression from bettas. It’s important to prioritize the well-being of your axolotl by avoiding any potential conflicts with incompatible tank mates like betta fish.
3. Cichlids
Cichlids are not good tank mates for axolotls. This is because cichlids can be aggressive and may harm the delicate gills and fins of axolotls during aggressive encounters. Additionally, cichlids are more active eaters and may outcompete axolotls for food in the tank.
It is important to carefully consider compatibility and monitor the tank size when keeping cichlids with axolotls.
4. Piranhas
Piranhas are aggressive and territorial fish, which makes them unsuitable as tank mates for more peaceful or docile species like axolotls. Placing piranhas with axolotls can result in attacks and harm to the axolotls.
It is recommended to keep piranhas in a separate tank with suitable tank mates that can handle their aggression.
5. Pacus
Pacus are not recommended tank mates for axolotls. Axolotls prefer to live alone and do best in a tank without other fish or amphibians. Pacus are large, aggressive fish that can potentially harm or even eat an axolotl due to their size and feeding habits.
Therefore, it is important to avoid keeping pacus with your axolotl to ensure the safety and well-being of both species.
6. Sharks
Some types of axolotls can live peacefully with sharks in the same tank. It is best to keep a male and female axolotl together as tank mates, but other combinations may also work. Axolotls do not see sharks as food and they can coexist without any issues.
However, it’s important to note that the article does not provide specific information about which types of sharks are suitable for keeping with axolotls or how they behave together.
7. Checkered Barb
Checkered Barb is a suitable tank mate for Axolotls. They are compatible in terms of tank mates and have similar temperaments, allowing them to coexist peacefully in the same tank.
The Checkered Barb is a small fish that prefers to swim in schools, which can make your aquarium more lively and interesting. These fish thrive in cool water environments, just like Axolotls do.
With their vibrant colors and active behavior, Checkered Barbs can be a great addition to your Axolotl tank. Remember to provide enough hiding places and live plants for both species to ensure they feel safe and comfortable in their shared environment.
8. Frail Gourami
The Frail Gourami is a fish species that can potentially be a tank mate for axolotls. They are known to coexist peacefullywith axolotls and do not show any specific negative behaviors towards them.
However, it’s important to note that individual temperaments may vary, so close observation is recommended when introducing Frail Gouramis to the same tank as axolotls. Providing plenty of hiding places and ensuring the tank size is appropriate for both species can help promote a harmonious environment.
9. Green Swordtail
The green swordtail is a popular choice as a tank mate for axolotls. With its distinctive long, sword-like tail and peaceful temperament, it can grow to around 6 inches in length. The green swordtail’s social nature makes it compatible with axolotls, as they both have similar water temperature and pH requirements.
10. Zebra Loach
Zebra loaches can be considered as tank mates for axolotls. However, it’s important to note that zebra loaches are bottom feeders and may have spines, which can cause harm to the axolotl.
While they are generally non-aggressive, zebra loaches can become opportunistic feeders when there is food present. Therefore, caution should be taken when keeping them together and close monitoring is necessary to ensure the safety of the axolotl.
How to Introduce New Fish to a Axolotl Tank?
Having an axolotl as a pet can be fascinating, but finding the right tank mates for them can be a challenge. Did you know that white cloud minnows are peaceful fish that can make excellent companions for axolotls? In this blog post, we will explore the best tank mates for your axolotl and how to introduce them to your tank. So if you want to create a harmonious aquatic environment, keep reading!
Feeding Axolotl: Dietary Requirements and Impact on Tank Mates
Axolotls have specific dietary requirements that are important for their health and well-being. When it comes to feeding axolotls, it’s crucial to provide them with a diverse diet.
This includes small fish, live or frozen food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms. Axolotls can also be fed using round-nosed forceps or drop-in food specifically made for them.
When introducing tank mates to an axolotl tank, it’s essential to consider the impact of feeding habits on the overall compatibility. Tank mates should ideally share similar dietary requirements and living conditions as axolotls.
For example, white cloud minnows are suitable companions for axolotls because they have a peaceful nature and lack spines or shells that could harm the delicate skin of axolotls.
To ensure the safety of both your axolotl and its tank mates, it is advisable to quarantine new additions such as minnows and guppies for at least 30 days before placing them in the same tank.
This helps prevent potential health issues from spreading among the inhabitants of your aquarium.
Overall, providing a proper diet for your axolotl while considering its impact on tank mates is crucial for maintaining healthy aquatic life in your aquarium. By understanding their dietary requirements and choosing compatible tank mates with similar needs, you can create a harmonious environment where all inhabitants thrive.
Axolotl Behavior With Different Tank Mates: What to Expect?
Axolotls have unique behavior when it comes to tank mates. They prefer to be alone and can get stressed if they have other animals in the tank with them. However, adult axolotls can coexist peacefully with each other and make good tank mates.
It’s important to note that male and female axolotls can be kept together, but same-gender axolotls can also be kept together. Mixing axolotls with clawed frogs is not recommended as they may become aggressive towards each other.
When forced to share a tank, axolotls can become territorial and violent towards one another. Therefore, it’s best to keep axolotls in separate tanks or only house compatible species together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to find suitable tank mates for axolotls. Fish such as white cloud minnows and guppies can coexist peacefully with them. Additionally, small shrimp like ghost shrimp can also make good companions.
It’s important to consider the size of the tank and the specific needs of all the animals involved to ensure a happy and healthy aquatic community.
FAQ
Can Axolotl Live Alone?
Axolotls can live alone in a tank and actually prefer it that way. They do not get lonely or bored, as they are naturally solitary creatures. In fact, having tank mates like fish or other animals can often stress them out.
It is best to keep axolotls alone in their own tanks to ensure they have a comfortable and stress-free environment. As long as the axolotl has enough space to swim and hide, they will be happy living on their own.
So if you’re considering getting an axolotl as a pet, remember that they thrive when given their own space!
How Many Axolotl Can You Keep Together?
You can keep multiple axolotls together as long as they are similar in size. It is important to prevent cannibalism, so avoid mixing larger and smaller axolotls. Same-gender axolotls can be housed together to prevent breeding.
However, it’s crucial to monitor their behavior closely to ensure they coexist peacefully. Adult axolotls generally get along well if they have the same diet and living conditions.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can create a harmonious tank environment for multiple axolotls to thrive together.
What to Do if Your Axolotl Is Aggressive?
If your axolotl is aggressive, there are a few things you can do to address the issue:
- Separate the aggressive axolotl from its tank mates: If your axolotl is showing signs of aggression towards its tank mates, it’s important to remove it and create separate living spaces.
- Provide more hiding places: Aggressive behavior may occur due to a lack of hiding spots in the tank. Adding more hides or plants can help create a sense of security for your axolotl and reduce aggression.
- Check water quality: Poor water quality can lead to stress and aggression in axolotls. Regularly test the water parameters (such as ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels) and perform necessary water changes to maintain optimal conditions.
- Adjust feeding schedule: Overfeeding can contribute to aggressive behavior in axolotls. Ensure you are feeding your axolotl an appropriate diet and avoid overfeeding.
- Monitor for signs of illness: Aggression can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues or parasites in axolotls. Keep an eye out for any abnormal behavior or physical symptoms and consult a veterinarian if needed.
Can Axolotls Be Kept With Other Amphibians?
Axolotls can be kept with other amphibians, such as clawed frogs. Some people mix axolotls and clawed frogs in the same tank without any problems. However, it’s important to note that axolotls have delicate skin while clawed frogs have sharp claws, so there is a risk of injury if they are not properly introduced or if the tank is too small.
If you want to keep axolotls with other amphibians, make sure to provide a spacious and well-structured tank where they can coexist peacefully.
Can Axolotls Be Kept With Bottom-Dwelling Fish
Bottom-dwelling fish, like plecos or cory catfish, are not suitable tank mates for axolotls. These types of fish typically stay close to the bottom of the tank and can disturb the axolotl’s territory.
This can cause stress and potentially lead to aggression from the axolotl towards these bottom-dwellers. It is important to provide a comfortable environment for both species in order to maintain their well-being.
Axolotls require an ideal environment that allows them plenty of space to swim and explore. They also need hiding places and live plants to mimic their natural habitat. Bottom-dwelling fish would infringe on the axolotl’s turf, leading to stress and potentially aggressive behaviors.
It is crucial to research and choose appropriate tank mates for your axolotl based on their specific needs. Opting for peaceful cool-water fish like white cloud minnows, which do not pose any threat or infringe on the axolotl’s space, is a better choice than keeping bottom-dwelling fish with them.
Always consider compatibility when selecting tankmates for your axolotls.
What can I feed my axolotl?
You can feed your axolotl a variety of foods such as feeder guppies, feeder minnows, blackworms, daphnia, mosquito larvae and white worms. You can also use frozen foods like frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp or frozen tubifex worms.
How do I prepare an aquarium for my axolotl?
To set up an aquarium for your axolotl you need a water heater to control the temperature and a thermometer to monitor it. Also use a water test kit to check the water’s health and maintain the nitrogen cycle with good bacteria using biofilter.
What does cycling in an aquarium mean?
Cycling in an aquarium means creating a nitrogen cycle where beneficial bacteria break down toxins in fish waste into safer substances. This is part of routine aquarium maintenance that helps keep your pet healthy.
Can Axolotls be happy with other tank mates?
Axolotls prefer being alone but certain types of food such as white worms thrive well as tank mates alongside them under careful oversight.
Are there specific care requirements for Axolotls?
Yes! A healthy Axolotl needs optimal temperatures maintained by water heaters and thermometers; routine cycling to foster beneficial bacteria growth; nutritious diet which includes daphnia and mosquito larvae among others.