Consider the nutritional value and risks of live fish before feeding your axolotl. Also, consider which fish are safe to eat.
Small, soft-bodied fish are safe for axolotls because they have vestigial teeth that allow them to swallow live prey without damaging their gills.
Yes, axolotls can eat live fish! I’ve had an axolotl for a few years now, and they love to snack on live fish. When I first got my axolotl, I was worried about what kind of food to feed them. But then I found out that they love live fish.
I started by feeding my axolotl small goldfish from the pet store. They would snap them up in a second, and it was so fun to watch! After a while, however, I realized that the goldfish weren’t providing enough nutrition for my axolotl, so I switched to feeding him frozen bloodworms instead.
Live fish can be a great way to supplement your axolotl’s diet – make sure you are providing them with other sources of nutrition as well!
Can Axolotls Eat Live Fish?
Pet axolotls should not be fed live food. Because they are carnivores, eating live prey can spread diseases to other aquarium animals.
Instead, feed your axolotl pellets or freeze-dried foods that resemble its wild diet. This keeps their diet healthy and extends their life.
Bloodworms and large earthworms are the best ways to replicate an axolotl’s diet in your aquarium. Brine shrimp and daphnia (a tiny aquatic crustacean) can make your axolotl experience more realistic.
Nutritional Content of Live Fish
Axolotls can eat a variety of foods. They eat small insects, worms, fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates.
It is crucial to feed your pet a balanced diet. Live, frozen, and specially formulated pellets can do this.
Due to their high vitamin, mineral, and protein content, frozen bloodworms make great pet food.
However, it would help if you used a high-quality brand of axolotl food since some may contain harmful chemicals that could cause illness or death.
Health Benefits and Risks of Live Fish
Diet is one of the most important factors when choosing a pet. Small fish, insect larvae, and worms are axolotls’ natural prey.
Generalists do not have a food preference, so offering them a variety in your aquarium is beneficial. These may include pellets, flakes, and frozen or live fish.
Overfeeding your axolotl can be prevented by monitoring its food intake. Overfeeding can pollute the tank’s water and harm the fish.
Other Alternatives to Live Fish
Live fish can be replaced. Ghost shrimps are ideal for axolotls’ protein and other nutritional needs. Ghost shrimps also clean your tank of harmful biofilm.
Freshwater crustacean Daphnia is another option. These animals are easy to find and can be bought online or at pet stores.
They are a healthy snack for babies and adults without harming axolotls. Overfeeding can cause stomach issues, so they must be fed in small amounts.
Conclusion on Eating Live Fish
If your axolotl only eats live food, weaning them may be difficult. They are very picky about what they eat and may even think anything still is food!
Frozen or pellet foods may be your only option until your axolotl can eat other foods. This can be not easy, but it will help them get used to the new items you are offering.
Be sure to feed your axolotl the best live fish. This will keep them healthy and happy for years, improving their odds of surviving any illnesses.
