Axolotls are a type of carnivorous salamander with a unique appearance, making them highly popular among experienced aquarists. If you have or are thinking of keeping axolotls in your home aquarium, you may be wondering if you can house 2 (or more) together?
Axolotls aren’t social by nature and therefore don’t need the company of others to thrive in captivity. That said, it’s still possible to keep more than one axolotl in the same tank, provided they’re of similar size and the aquarium is big enough.
Now that you know it’s fine to keep a pair or small group of axolotls in the same tank, let’s explore this topic in more detail. We’ll discover what size aquarium you need for 2 or 3 axolotls, why you can’t keep axolotls of different sizes together, how tank conditions and food supply affect axolotl temperaments, and if axolotls are cannibalistic.
So, if you’re ready to learn more these distinct, exotic amphibians and how to care for them in captivity, then let’s begin!
How May Axolotls Can You Have in a Tank?
You can keep multiple axolotls together in the same tank, provided they’re of equal size and the tank is large enough to house them all. A single juvenile axolotl, for example, requires a 10-gallon aquarium minimum which will need to be upgraded as the salamander matures. Bear this mind when deciding how many axolotls to keep.
How Big of a Tank do I Need for 2 Axolotls?
A pair of juvenile axolotls can be kept in a 20-gallon tank which will then need to be upgraded to a 55-, 60-, or 75-gallon aquarium depending on their temperament and how big they get. This species is known to be aggressive with others of their kind, so they need plenty of space to remain peaceful. It’s not uncommon for stressed axolotls to bite the gills, feet, and tails of their companions in captivity.
Can You Put 2 Axolotls in a 10 Gallon Tank?
A pair of axolotls shouldn’t be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium as it’s simply too small for this species. A full-grown axolotl can reach lengths of up to 12 inches and weigh as much as 10 ounces. They require plenty of space in captivity since they’re active during the day and will become aggressive towards one another if they feel their territory is being encroached upon.
Can You Put 2 Axolotls in a 20 Gallon Tank?
You can keep 2 juvenile axolotls together in a 20-gallon aquarium, but you must be prepared to rehome them in a bigger tank once they reach adulthood. This type of salamander will become aggressive with others of its kind in captivity if overcrowded. In my opinion, anything less than a 60-gallon aquarium is too small for a pair or mature axolotls.
Can You have a Male and a Female Axolotl in the Same Tank?
It’s generally safe to keep a male and female axolotl in the same tank, provided they’re of like size. If one is significantly smaller than the other, then it’s bound to be attacked. The tank must also have enough space for each salamander to claim its own territory lest it become anxious or aggressive. Keeping the pair well fed will also help reduce tension and promote peacefulness in captivity.
Can You Keep 2 Male Axolotls in the Same Tank?
It’s typically okay to keep 2 male axolotls in the same tank – if they’re of equal size and the aquarium is big enough, that is. To prevent aggressive tendencies from taking over, a pair of juvenile males can be housed in a 20-gallon tank to start and then moved to a 55-gallon (or larger) version once they mature. If you don’t rehome them to a larger tank, they’ll become territorial and attack each other.
Can You Keep 2 Female Axolotls in the Same Tank?
It’s usually fine to keep 2 female axolotls in the same tank if they’re of similar age and size. The tank must also be big enough for each salamander to claim her own territory and have space to move about freely. A pair of juvenile females will do okay in a 20-gallon tank, but you must be prepared to upgrade to at least a 55-gallon aquarium once they reach adulthood.
Can You Keep 3 Axolotls in the Same Tank?
You can keep 3 axolotls together in the same tank if they’re all similar in size and the tank is very large. This species will become aggressive towards one another if overcrowded, especially during the mating season should you have 2 males and a lone female – which I personally don’t recommend. To prevent hostility, house 3 adult axolotls (2 females and 1 male or 3 females) in a 100-gallon aquarium minimum.
Do Axolotls Fight Each Other in Captivity?
Axolotls are notoriously aggressive towards others of their kind in captivity. They’ll attack and bite each other’s gills, feet, and tails if they feel their territory is being invaded. If one is smaller than the other, it will undoubtedly be bullied and attacked. To keep these salamanders peaceful in an aquarium, be sure they’re well fed and have plenty of space.
Are Axolotls Cannibals?
Axolotls are cannibalistic by nature. In the wild, these carnivorous salamanders are born into large families among aquatic habitats where both food and space are limited. Hence, they’ll often bite off and eat the gills, legs, and tails of their siblings for sustenance. Luckily, these amphibians have the unique ability to regenerate their limbs.
The axolotl’s penchant for cannibalism is why you must keep them well fed with high-quality pellet food and protein-rich edibles (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, etc.) should you intend to keep more than one together in the same aquarium. Make sure to feed them twice per day as juveniles and then reduce to once per day when the reach adulthood.
What Tank Conditions are Best for Keeping Axolotls Peaceful?
If you intend to keep a pair or small group of axolotls in the same tank, you must ensure the aquatic conditions are conducive to the needs of this species. Axolotls thrive in brackish water therefore, you’ll need to keep them in a half-salt, half-freshwater aquarium. A stable temperature of 60- to 65-degrees Fahrenheit is recommended with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.
Axolotls also need plenty of space to forage and explore. These salamanders are active and like to move about freely in their aquatic habitat. You’ll need a big tank – 60-gallon aquarium for 2 and 100-gallon aquarium for 3 axolotls. Providing areas of coverage (driftwood, artificial plants, plastic decorations – nothing sharp) is also recommended since axolotls are nocturnal and need places to hide from the light.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, axolotls can live alone and don’t require the presence of others to thrive in captivity. If you’re intent on keeping 2 in your home aquarium, you must ensure the pair is of like age and size. You must also keep them in a big enough tank (55-gallon minimum) to help stifle their natural aggression.
I trust this article has provided the necessary information you seek regarding keeping multiple axolotls together in the same tank. Thanks for reading and good luck with your aquarist hobby.
References
https://learnaboutpet.com/can-you-keep-more-than-one-axolotl-together/
https://axolotlnerd.com/two-more-axolotls-together/
Can You Keep a Male and Female Axolotl in the Same Tank? – PetHelpful
