Axolotls are visually impaired. Due to living in dark, murky water, they may not be exposed to much light.
Their superpower is regrowing their limbs five times! Scientists want to use this ability for human medicine because it’s useful.
Instead, they should spend most of their days in dimmed light. Axolotls in the wild eat insects, worms, and small fishes. For captive axolotls, it is recommended to feed them organic nightcrawlers, bloodworms, and blackworms. Axolotls can also eat live food, pellets, or frozen foods.
Eyesight
One of the most popular amphibians for pets, axolotls are attractive aquarium additions. First-time owners fall in love with their bright colors and cheerful disposition.
However, many owners wonder if their axolotls can see at night. Axolotls are nocturnal because they don’t undergo metamorphosis like other amphibians and don’t have eyelids.
Axolotls live in murky, dark waters and use their other senses to find food and predators. The lateral line detects movement, pressure changes, and other water information.
As a result, they have poor eyesight. However, their lateral line system aids in hunting and predation. Axolotls can navigate their underwater habitats and avoid predators.
Night Vision
Axolotls live in dark bottom waters at night. They use other senses to navigate and find food because they have poor eyesight.
They’re also sensitive to smell, which indicates water movement and vibrations. They can move and find food in the tank using these clues and their sense of touch.
Axolotls swim to the surface and gulp air when they’re hungry. Worms, insects, and small fish make up their carnivorous diet.
If you want a vegetarian or vegan diet for your pet, they can eat freeze-dried shrimp and other meat substitutes. Axolotls need whole foods to maintain their digestive systems.
Light Sensitivity
The most popular amphibian pet is the axolotl. Their feathery gills and striking colors make them irresistible.
They like the dark. Axolotl enthusiasts advise against tank lights.
Axolotls’ eyes are sensitive to light; without eyelids, they can’t protect them!
Albino axolotls are particularly affected.
When setting up your axolotl’s tank, remember these animals are more light-sensitive than pigmented ones!
Be aware of the light output of artificial aquarium lights when lighting your tank. Axolotls are light-sensitive, so changing the aquarium’s lighting can be stressful.
Feeding
Axolotls can eat in the dark, unlike most amphibians. They do this by sucking water in with their gills and mouths.
They eat tadpoles, worms, insects, and small fish. Like birds, they inhale gravel to grind food.
To avoid water contamination, remove uneaten food from their tank. They need two to three meals per week.
Axolotls need a varied, nutritionally balanced diet. Axolotls prefer wild-caught Daphnia, but they’re expensive.
Axolotls hatch from jelly-like eggs in the wild. They emerge with feathery gills and a tail after 14–30 days. They’ll have legs and look like miniature adults a month later.
