Ancient lore says that the Aztec god of fire and lightning turned himself into an axolotl to avoid getting sacrificed. These possibly divine amphibians may impress you even more with their measurable biology!
They are critically endangered, so breeding these cool creatures brings more into the world for people to enjoy. Read on to learn important tips for axolotl breeding so you end up with healthy larvae.
Age to Breed an Axolotl
If you get a pair of axolotl babies for breeding, hold off on trying to mate them. Trying too early may cause frustration and potentially harm the female.
A male could potentially reproduce around six months of age. But waiting until at least 12 months will yield better results.
Wait even longer for the female. Remember that her body must hold 300 to 1,000 eggs and then release them, which can cause stress and damage to an underdeveloped axolotl.
Axolotl Breeding Season
In the wild, these amphibians may breed up to three times each year. Big changes in weather from late winter to early spring typically bring on the mood.
In captivity, you do not need to wait for the weather to change. Simply create the right environment in their tank.
Keep their tank in a temperature controlled room without windows. Keep their tank full of cool water with low lighting and a flat rock.
Tank Setup
If you keep two axolotles, then you need to fill the tank with about 20 gallons of water. When you want them to breed, do a partial water change and add a small amount of ice.
Keep plants and some other natural decor in their tank. This is where the momma will deposit her eggs.
Breeding Nutrition
For an axolotle to go into breeding mode, they must receive an adequate food supply. This keeps their bodies healthy to produce larvae.
Give them a couple of buckets full of tropical fish. Once they fulfil their nutritional needs, themale should begin his courtship dance and the female will allow him to deposit his sperm.
Axolotle Egg Care
In the wild, the female will lay her eggs all over on different surfaces to give them the best chance against predators. Then she leaves them to their own devices.
In captivity, you want to remove the eggs carefully with an eyedropper. The adults may eat the eggs if you do not separate them.
Place them in a well aerated 72 degree tank. Nature will do the rest.
Caring for Larvae
After about 15 days, your eggs will hatch into larvae. Feed them about one to two times each day.
Live daphnia will provide them with proper nutrients. You can sell them as juveniles or young adults once they require less care. Click for axolotl color types so you know how to price them.
Make Axolotl Breeding Profitable
Axolotl breeding can turn into a profitable business for you. Giving proper care for your amphibians will help.
Does caring for these exotic pets make you want to see the world? Find amazing destinations on our travel page!
