Several fish species would work well in an axolotl tank. Be careful when choosing them!
Before adding a fish to your tank, check its size and water parameters. These factors will determine if it is a good tank mate.
Axolotls should stick to smaller prey like worms, bloodworms, or shrimp. These items can be purchased from pet stores or even caught in the wild if you live near a body of water with an axolotl population. Live food is preferred over frozen as it provides more nutrients and helps keep your axolotl active and healthy.
If you want to feed your axolotl something larger than these items, consider cutting up pieces of fish that are small enough for them to swallow without choking or causing a blockage.
Can Axolotls Eat Angelfish?
No, typically. Axolotls can not compete with bottom-dwelling fish for food due to their slow metabolism.
Their dorsal and pectoral fins have sharp spines that could hurt your axolotl if they swallow it. These species also compete for food with your axolotl, which may lead to bullying.
Your axolotl may die if left alone. Luckily, there are other pets you can keep with them that will not harm them.
Nutritional Content of Angelfish
Angelfish are omnivores and can eat pellets, flake food, frozen treats, and live food. Before buying fish food, read the ingredient list to give your angelfish a balanced diet.
Instead of grains (mainly carbohydrates), dry foods should list meat (proteins and fats) first. Fish meal and shrimp meal blend with worms, krill (zooplankton), insects, clam, squid, mussel, oyster shells, beef or chicken hearts/liver, or seafood, are good options.
Young angelfish can store and feed on crushed commercial flakes. Angelfish fries will eat crushed flakes as soon as they hatch, but gradually introducing them to regular flakes is best.
Health Benefits and Risks of Angelfish
Understanding axolotl nutrition is crucial if you keep them as pets. They eat brine shrimp, live worms, and even beef or liver.
Feed axolotls frequently but only a little. If they need to eat more, slow their feeding or remove uneaten food.
Depending on their size and age, your axolotl may need two to three meals daily. Remove uneaten food from their tank because it can rot and poison them.
Axolotls are fed livebearers, especially juvenile guppies. Unfortunately, guppies breed quickly and may stress your pet axolotl.
Other Alternatives to Angelfish
Unfortunately, angelfish is not the only option. Axolotls love tubifex, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
These pellets and flakes can be mixed with live food for a balanced diet for your axolotl.
Adding floating plants to your tank is another option. Doing so can keep ammonia and nitrites out of the water.
Plants can also improve tank aeration by trapping ammonia and nitrites released by other animals.
Cory catfish with sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins should not be kept in axolotl tanks.
Conclusion about Eating Angelfish
Angelfish will eat other fish if they feel threatened or hungry. Therefore, never house angelfish with smaller fish like tetras or guppies.
Bettas and other fin-nibbling fish should also avoid angelfish because they may attack them. Angelfish may also become aggressive in a tank too small for them.
Feeding young angelfish brine shrimp helps them grow and survive. These creatures are also high in protein and will help fry grow quickly.
