These include aquatic "Mexican walking fish" that have been famous amongst aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. Axolotls are unique in their appearance and docile by nature, and therefore they are sought after as pets by many. However, one has to be very particular while bringing tankmates for axolotls, as its specific care requirements are most stringently observed in the aspects of tankmates.
Next are the characteristics of axolotls, and the factors to be considered for tankmates are stated, followed by the most docile fish species that shall not have problems co-existing with such amphibians.
Understanding Axolotls and Their Behavior
Axolotls are amphibians. They are native to Mexico. They spend almost all of their time in lakes that have very cold and still water. Axolotls are believed to have the characteristic of neoteny. They do not grow up into the adult form as most amphibians do; they remain in their larval form forever. Axolotls eat worms, small fishes, and other forms of water-insect species.
Axolotls are solitary animals. Unless bred to small and manageable tankmates, feeding them as adults will seldom be recommended or practical since they do prefer a quiet environment to find their own food source and have sensitive skin, skin so very fragile as a result of adaptation in these environments and which has taken millennia, added to that of equally flimsy gillwork, making any moderately aggressive or nipping fish far too hostile, thus requiring excellent care to bring home those tankmates.
Factors to Consider When Adding Fish to an Axolotl Tank
Temperature tolerance: Axolotls have to maintain themselves within a temperature range of 60-68°F or 16-20°C. Most tropical fish require warmer temperatures, so temperature compatibility is much more important.
Size of fishes: Tankmates should be large enough to look threatening but not so large that they can easily become prey.
Behavior: Aggressive behavior or fin nippers usually stress or hurt the axolotl to health issues.
Water Quality: Axolotls produce too much waste, so the water quality will take the hit. Choose species that do not mind small deviations of parameters and do not help to add waste either.
Fish That Live Good Along With Axolotls
There are still species of fish that might thrive with axolotls if the situation allows to be perfect. One example is:
1. White Cloud Mountain Minnow
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are docile, small fish and do well in cooler temperatures. These are some of the best choices to add to an axolotl tank. These fish are so laid back that they would hardly cause any stress and aggression.
Because of their small size, though, a nosy axolotl might even eat them.
2. Guppies
Guppies are another good axolotl tank mate. They are tropical, but they will survive the coarser temperatures axolotls like. Just avoid too energetic guppies for the sake of an irritated axolotl.
3. Zebra Danios
Zebra Danios are relatively sturdy fish that can accept quite wide ranges of temperature in water, even cool, such as an axolotl tank. Their movements should be quite brisk to prevent axolotls from considering them for lunch.
4. Ghost Shrimp
Not a fish, but ghost shrimp does pretty well as tankmates to axolotls. They're quite useful because they clean all the leftover food as well as algae. So, yes, axolotls will be eating ghost shrimp regularly; take it more as a functional aspect rather than as close buddies.
Fish Not to Place in an Axolotl Tank
No type of fishes can go well with axolotls. For all some can hurt or stress your axolotl as much with their behavior as through some environmental requirements of their kind. Here are the don't adds
to your list:
Betta Fish: the betta fish is ultra aggressive, and they won't just eat an axolotl but try to tear the delicate flesh of gills.
Goldfish: Goldfish though they prefer cold water, love pressing the gills of your axolotl constantly causing a lot of its own waste
Cichlids: They are territorial and aggressive and will cause much damage and stress to axolotls
How to Create a Peaceful Aquarium Environment?
Enough Space: The tank must be of sufficient size to accommodate axolotls and their tank mate, without being crowded. The minimum tank size for an axolotl is 20 gallons; then there should be enough space for fish.
Plants, caves, decorations-These are places which will provide some cover to the axolotls and fish, thereby causing lesser stress on both counts.
Monitor Behaviour: Observe the fish closely. At the first introductions, watch them closely for any signs of stressing out, aggression, injury start showing, separate axolotls from fishes
Regular Maintenance: Routine cleaning and checking ammonia, nitrates, as well as nitrites present would ensure good water conditions
Conclusion
Axolotls are rather interesting pets just for tankmates alone. Certain species of fish, such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Guppies, and Zebra Danios, will be relatively tranquil existing with axolotls if proper water conditions are met; compatibility will depend to a great degree upon water temperature, size, and behavior. Do not forget how much well-being your axolotl will depend on, so be prepared to make a few adjustments when necessary.
FAQs
Can axolotls be kept with snails?
Yes, for example, Mystery Snails. Snails are very great at cleaning the tank due to their algae-eating abilities; however, look out for sharp shells which can harm your axolotl.
Do axolotls need tankmates?
No, axolotls are solitary and do not require any tankmates. If you want to add some fish then do it for your pleasure, not for the axolotl.
What if my axolotl eats a fish?
Your axolotl eats a small fish and appears to be sick and unhealthy. Axolotls, as the species of animal, are by nature carnivorous animals and would not digest a small fish.
How many axolotls can I keep in one tank?
Yes, but do make sure you have enough space, and watch out for signs of aggression, which will begin about feeding time. Make sure there are enough hiding spots so it does not get to any kind of conflict.