Axolotls are carnivorous predators that eat insect larvae, worms, snails, mollusks, and small fish in the wild.
Sucking aids digestion for these creatures. Gravel may help too.
Yes, axolotls can eat plants. I have a pet axolotl, and he loves to snack on some of his favorite aquatic plants. He’s particularly fond of water lettuce and duckweed. Whenever I put those in his tank, he goes crazy for them!
Not only does my axolotl love to eat plants, but they are also necessary for his diet. Plants provide him with essential vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and active. In addition, the plant matter helps keep his digestive system running smoothly.
I’m always sure to include various aquatic plants in my axolotl’s diet to ensure he gets all the nutrition he needs. He loves it so much that sometimes I even catch him munching away on his plants during the day!
Can Axolotls Eat Plants?
In captivity, axolotls eat live prey like worms, insects, small fish, and pellets.
Some captive-bred axolotls may eat aquarium plants to satisfy a hunger pang. This behavior rarely indicates malnutrition or a desire to become vegetarian.
Live plants can block an axolotl’s digestive tract, causing illness and medical treatment, so some keepers do not use them.
Selecting plants for axolotls requires extra care. This will keep your axolotl happy and healthy! Plants add filtration, block light, and keep axle healthy in axolotl tanks.
Nutritional Content of Plants
Axolotls’ natural diet includes aquatic plants. This can help them stay healthy by providing essential nutrients.
Plants filter water and block light for axolotls. Plants also absorb ammonia from bowel movements like sponges.
Axolotls do not seem to care what kind of plant they eat. So, some owners have seen them nibbling on live or artificial silk and plastic plants out of curiosity.
Health Benefits and Risks of Plants
Live plants are best avoided in axolotl tanks. There are several reasons to do so, though.
Live plants provide nutrients for your axolotls. Some are also attractive!
Certain plants can also improve water quality and filtration.
These plants allow your axolotls to breathe fresh air.
When adding a plant to your axolotl tank, the most important thing to consider is if it can handle the lighting and temperature. Keep aquarium temperatures between 15-20 degrees Celsius (60-68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Other Alternatives to Plants
You can feed your axolotl other things if it does not like plants. Fake plants make tank maintenance easier and keep the tank clean.
Floating crystal-wort is an aquatic plant that can be planted without a substrate to filter axolotl waste and uneaten food. It also removes ammonia and nitrogen from the tank, keeping your axolotl healthy.
Axolotls like this plant because it is hardy and does not need much light. You can also use the leaves to filter your tank by attaching them to rocks or driftwood.
Red worms are a great alternative to feeding your axolotl plants because they provide vital nutrients. Before giving them to your pet, prepare them since they are small.
Conclusion about Eating Plants
Axolotls do not eat plants because they are carnivores. Your axolotl may nibble at live plants while exploring your tank, but this is usually a sign of curiosity rather than a desire to eat them.
Vallisneria is a great plant for axolotl tanks because it grows well on the sand-only substrate and provides shade and cover. It also absorbs a lot of nitrate from the water, making it ideal for axolotls and helping clean the water. Java Fern, which is attractive, slow-growing, and low-maintenance, is another popular choice for axies. However, some owners have reported that their axels ate its thick fronds, which got stuck in their throats!
