That opens them up to bacterial infections and parasites.<\/strong><\/p>\nParasites usually get introduced into the environment due to food. Feeder fish are notorious for causing problems. In most cases, they don\u2019t cause an issue. But the moment your axolotl gets stressed due to environmental changes; those parasites take hold.<\/p>\n
The most common parasitic infections come from anchor worms.<\/p>\n
Bacterial infections can also affect your black axolotl. Bacteria can latch onto those delicate gill filaments. Infections can also occur in the mouth, eyes, and anywhere else on the body.<\/p>\n
Treating infections requires veterinary assistance and antibiotic medications.<\/p>\n
Fungal infections like mycosis can occur, too. Mycosis causes cotton-like growths to develop on the skin and body. It\u2019s usually a byproduct of poor tank conditions and requires careful treatment.<\/p>\n
Avoid using salt baths without veterinary assistance. Excess salt in their environment can cause issues due to the animal\u2019s permeable skin.<\/p>\n
Food & Diet<\/h3>\n
Black axolotls are natural carnivores and need a high-protein diet to stay healthy.<\/p>\n
Feeding these pets can be tricky. They have poor eyesight and can be picky about what they consume. You\u2019ll quickly find that these animals need movement and strong odors to be interested.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s possible to train younger black axolotls to eat commercial pellets. But even then, it\u2019s hit or miss.<\/p>\n
The best things you can provide are slow live foods. Good options include:<\/p>\n
Thawed frozen foods work, too. The smell is usually enough.<\/p>\n
Once you find the right mix of foods, your black axolotl will want to eat any opportunity it gets. However, you must stick to a schedule to avoid overfeeding. Adults only need to eat once or twice a week. Juveniles need three meals a week.<\/strong><\/p>\nIf your black axolotl has issues recognizing the food, try using tongs. Waving the food in front of the salamander is usually enough to get them to eat.<\/p>\n
Behavior & Temperament<\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t let the cute and quirky appearance of the black axolotl fool you. It\u2019s a known aggressor that can cause problems for other creatures in the tank.<\/p>\n
Axolotls are natural-born predators. They will consume fish, snails, or shrimp inhabiting the same environment. Not only that, but they have poor eyesight.<\/p>\n
As a result, they have the occasional habit of biting at anything that comes close. That includes other axolotls.<\/p>\n
The good news is that they are pretty gentle with owners.<\/strong> One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a black axolotl is seeing their personality emerge. After getting comfortable in their new environment, they will learn to recognize you.<\/p>\nYou may even start noticing your black axolotl interacting with you through the glass! They often respond to owners as they approach the tank. The animal\u2019s curious nature makes them a joy to raise, and it\u2019s not hard to create a personal connection.<\/p>\n
Tank Mates<\/h2>\n
Unfortunately, it\u2019s not a good idea to keep black axolotls with any tank mate. Some hobbyists have success with similarly sized creatures and large tanks. But there\u2019s still a major risk of issues.<\/p>\n
The aggressive nature of the black axolotl makes cohabitation difficult. Plus, the delicate gills are prone to injury. Any violence whatsoever puts every creature in the tank at risk.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, black axolotls don\u2019t mind living alone! Create a rich environment with plenty of things to do, and they\u2019ll be quite happy.<\/p>\n
Breeding<\/h2>\n
Breeding can be a challenge. But it\u2019s possible if you have a pair of black axolotls that grew up together.<\/p>\n
Well-acquainted males and females can live together, but this usually requires careful attention from a very early age. Introducing random mature specimens into the same tank can lead to aggression.<\/p>\n
However, a bonded pair can coexist peacefully and may breed once a year!<\/p>\n
To initiate breeding, set up a separate tank with silk plants. The plants are necessary because the female uses them to keep eggs safe.<\/p>\n
Condition them with plenty of high-protein foods. Some breeders recommend slowly lowering the temperature by about five degrees to what the normal tank is. Eventually, that will encourage the male to initiate spawning.<\/p>\n
Females lay upwards of 200 eggs, scattering them onto plants and other surfaces in the tank. After she lays her eggs, raise the temperature slowly. In about 15 days, the eggs will hatch.<\/p>\n
Remove the adults and allow the babies to develop on their own. Provide high-protein foods about three times per week to keep the young black axolotls healthy.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Closing Thoughts<\/h2>\n
Black axolotls can make great pets if you\u2019re willing to provide them with the right aquarium conditions. These fascinating creatures are a job to own, and aren\u2019t overly challenging to care for.<\/p>\n
If you want to learn more about these unique animals, let us know! We love chatting about them with our readers.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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