How Big Is A Full Grown Axolotl – Detailed Care Guide

It is hard to deny the attraction of the Axolotls when it looks like a salamander but is much cooler and lives in the water. 

The excellent outlook makes a lot of fish lovers wonder how big is a full grown axolotl to see whether the “fish” is the best fit for their condition. 

Here we show you everything you need to know about the length and size of the Axolotl.

Please read to the end to get all the precious yet useful information from our walking fish expert.

How Big Is A Full Grown Axolotl? 

9 inches is the size the full-grown Axolotl can get. Despite their ability to reach lengths of up to 18 inches, most axolotls only achieve this typical size.

In some cases, they only develop to a maximum length of six inches. Still, other types of the same species can measure nine inches.

The environment in which Axolotl live or are housed will directly impact their size. They do not develop past their larval stage, unlike other salamanders.

This is due to their extraordinary capacity to maintain their larval stage for the duration of their lives.

This Neoteny feature allows them to survive in the water even when they grow up and get old.

How Long Will Axolotl Reach Its Maturity?

Around 6 months is the time they can step in their maturity, and it is also the time your Axolotl can get the full size.

They can thrive at quite different speeds depending on the environment and feeding.

These Axolotls must therefore be rapidly sold or divided into various tanks. They are solitary animals, so preparing their territory is a must. 

Typical Causes For Axolotls To Stop Growing

There are a multitude of problems leading Axolotls to stop developing. 

Genetics typically determines the size, albeit that isn’t always the reason. Some typical causes that you can adjust to ensure your fish growth:

• The aquarium size is too small for the Axolotl’s size. The amphibian does not have enough space to move or even live. The Axolotl will cease growing as it gets used to the size of the tank.
• Excess ammonia or not optimal water temperatures or pH levels can also stunt the Axolotl’s growth.
• Food: Right and balanced nutrition stimulates their development. In contrast, bad food limits the opportunity for Axolotls to get their full size.
• Overcrowded tanks can impact the growth of Axolotls when each species has to compete to get enough food or space to develop at each stage.

How To Make Sure Your Axolotl Reaches Its Full Size? 

Set Up The Tank

Tank Size

Baby Axolotls can expand their size by being relocated to greater tank size where they can swim.

Therefore, the priority thing you should do is provide ample space for your salamander. And it’s even more crucial when you own several young Axolotls.

For one Axolotl, get a tank at least 20 gallons large. Get a tank that is 40 gallons in size when you wish to keep 2 of them, and so on.

Some may say 10 gallons is the best size tank for a grown one. However, they do generate a substantial waste amount.

Thus, a 20-gallon tank size is ideal for your pet as it stays clean for longer.

Water PH

The ideal pH for Axolotls to develop at full speed is between 7.40 & 7.60. If your water pH ranges from 6.5 to 8.0, these animals are still tolerable.

The most crucial thing is always to maintain a constant pH. To do that, we recommend you buy a tailor design product to check the pH level to ensure your pet’s stability.

When you see the need for adjustment, you can change them back with a tool called changing water pH kits, or a simpler way is using salts. 

Either way, it will support Axolotls to develop better.

Water Conditions

Proper water condition is crucial to axolotls’ health, well-being & longevity. 

Temperature swings cause stress to your pet. You must guarantee the water temperature is between 15 and 23 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures out of that range are harmful to their growth. 

Some typical adverse effects you can easily observe in the condition are distress, fungal infections, stop eating, and even death.

Axolotls suffer greatly from the toxicity of ammonia in the tank, mainly caused by the excessively warm tank water.

On the flip side, too cool water can slow down the axolotl metabolism. Then, they end up sluggish and unwell.

Filtration System

In fact, due to their extreme sensitivity to unfavorable water conditions, axolotls require a good filtering system to be placed on their tank.

Still water is their favorite. That is why pet owners should maintain the water flow in the tank to ensure its comfort and development. 

A quality filter system is a big help in this matter. So, we recommend you try a canister filter combined with the spray bar. The duo is surely the best fit for your axolotls.

Substrate

Substrate plays an important role in Axolotl’s growth. 

Their birth habit is sucking water to eat. Therefore, the type of substrate you use will directly affect their health.

Axolotls are more likely to suffer major harm or even perish if they unintentionally consume substrate particles. Accordingly, avoid using gravel when constructing your Axolotl’s new house.

Rather, we advise you to add aquarium sand at the tank’s bottom. Axolotls love to dig into the sand and play around.

Therefore, this type of setup will make them happy and occupied. Sand also makes the tank simple to put hiding areas, decorations & plants.

Lighting

Axolotls grow without eyelids, which is why bright light is not their liking. At its core, they are pretty sensitive to strong light. 

Dim lighting (low light), like their natural condition, is much more preferred.

Even though they can adjust to living with strong light conditions gradually, it will lead to discouragement and fatigue.

Even worse, they stop eating. So, ensuring your pet’s ideal lighting is a must.

Diet

Axolotl is carnivorous. Insects, small fish, worms, etc., are their favorite.

Still, when you house them in the tank, the most nutrient-dense food source is organic nightcrawlers. Alternatively, you can go for blackworms & bloodworms.

Like other animals, axolotls enjoy being pampered. Some treats the owners can give them are prawns, frozen shrimp, lean chicken/bee, mealworms & tuna.

One noteworthy point about these pets is they usually eat until their stomach is full. It means if you give them treats the next day, they won’t respond and still be ok.

Juvenile Axolotls are slightly different in that these babies must be fed every day. They will also need smaller pieces of food to be easily consumed.

If your pet is in perfect health, it can be ready for fasting for up to 2 weeks. However, the younger axolotls that are developing shouldn’t go more than three days without eating.

Final Thoughts 

That is the full answer to the query of how big is a full grown axolotl.

Offering Axolotl the right diet and environmental conditions will ensure their development stages. Even better, you can speed up their growth to the fullest size.

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