Why axolotls make TERRIBLE pets (pls watch this before getting an axolotl) 

for the non-negative version of this video watch this -> ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-F-1DU-mxxGI.html also note that the lights are off in my tank since axolotls have sensitive eyesight. also also I feel like I tried to tell you guys why they're not great pets (for certain people) but as I was watching the video back I couldn't stop thinking about how cool axolotls are 😂 let me know if I succeeded in convincing you or not 😂

I've had my axolotl for 5 years and I love her with all my heart, but they are not for everyone! She was my first aquatic pet and definitely a steep learning curve. Your channel is an awesome resource!!

This is a very intelligent side of the conversation to focus on for anyone considering ANY live animal. It’s very easy to see how adorable they are but it really helps to understand some of the reality before considering one for a pet. Good job!

I have an axolotl. I named her Phoenix. The purpose of getting her was for her to sit around and look cute. She is much easier to take care of than a dog. I literally have to feed her twice a week and do one water change every two weeks (I have a lot of plants to help break down the waste). Works for me! :)

I’m considering an axolotl and this actually gave me more confidence that I would be able to give one a good home! I already keep frogs and a lizard so dealing with live food, long lives and picky environmental requirements goes with the territory. I still need to do more research before I decide but nothing in your video was a dealbreaker. I appreciate you laying out the downsides!

"won't thrive in a community tank" Axolotl: *eats it's roommates*

Thank you for sharing. My daughter has been begging for one for over a year, and I will rewatch this with her so she has the right expectations. I would rather have an honest assessment about what it’s like than run into this with only the good side of having an axlotl.

Even though I have multiple aquatic pets, tropical and cold, I researched axolotls for about a year before I got 2. I made sure I’d bought a chiller and that my tank was cycled etc. I have a leutistic and a copper. They’re both males and about 10” now. I do a weekly water change and poop scoop every day. They love earthworms and pellets.

Honestly you just convinced me to get one. I want a long living pet, that will just chill with me and I just wanted one to two and not a ecosystem.

Thank you for the video! I've been doing some preliminary research into possibly getting an axolotl, and it's good to hear all pros and cons as well as good care habits for these creatures before jumping out and buying one!

I’m looking into getting an axo after finding them at my local aquarium store and I really appreciate the video!! They’re totally for me, but this is the first time I’ve heard about the cool water temperature so it’s been really helpful and informative. It also helped my bf realize how much bigger the adults are than the babies 😂

Thank you for this. I wish all people researched things like this before getting a pet ❤️

Thank you for this! My wife and I have a whole zoo going on in our house! I'm doing research on Axolotl because a friend of a coworker might need to rehome one and this was very helpful! If this is a neglect/recue situation we will save the baby. If you have any more detailed information about care that would be very much appreciated.

I think the way you phrased it is great. People who want certain pets already know why they DO WANT them. It's much more humane to find out why you might NOT want them before you get one!

this doesn’t stop me i’m getting an axolotl and i’ll put all my heart and soul into taking care of it

I was obsessed with axolotls as a little one before they became such a big thing, and my parents definitely weren’t planning on getting me any until they heard that a family friend had purchased some a while back from a reptile show and was looking to sell. Long story short and several batches of eggs later, we now have five axolotls (divided among several tanks, of course.) I’m very lucky that my paternal grandfather is a fish breeder and knows everything there is to know about aquatic life, so he and my father were and are a massive help in caring for them. Axolotls are definitely not for the faint of heart or easily bored! But, for fish people with a lot of extra space, they’re a fun (albeit challenging) addition to the household.

Thank you I find videos like this helpful...there are always ups and downs to pets and its awesome to find out some of the down sides from actual pet owners to see if they would be a deal breakers...Mochi is adorable!

I loved hearing your side of things, it’s just crazy because I literally love my three Axolotl’s. Maybe because I enjoy them so much it never feels like maintenance but I can see how they they do need special care 😂

I would absolutely LOVE to have an Axolotl because I love aquatic pets. I love to sit and watch them swim and lounge and I don't really care to pet or hold them, but I think owning one would be extremely stressful for me because I would be constantly worrying about its habitat being perfect for it at all times. Maybe one day!

Her: Axolotls are terrible Also her: proceeds to put the cutest axolotl behind her

I've had mine for 13 years now. Love him and find him interesting. Had no problems looking after him.

I grew an obsession with salamanders when I was younger and I owned an Axolotl for just over 2 years. You really grow into loving them but they require strict care, cool water temperatures and good water quality (as they are amphibians, they need fresh water), no substrate, good diet, tank changes and more. I gave it to a friend and it lived to around 18 years. It was a nice large male wildtype axolotl, about 30cm long head to tail. I prefer a terrestrial barred tiger salamander but they are illegal in my country.

Thank you for the information. It’s definitely important to know the pros and cons of owning any type of pet. It’s nothing that should cause a thumbs down. It’s just information that should be known

I remember seeing this video a year ago before I got my first Axolotl safe to say it definitely teached me a lot. I own 3 at the moment and they are all doing very good.This video is very good for people maybe considering to get an axolotl.

This is an incredible video. Thank you so much for being honest about pet care. I think it is so important that people research and think through what they are getting into before getting a pet. (I adored my Betta. I think we'll still get an Axolotl)

Exactly the info I need today! Still want to keep an axolotl one day (in my list!) But I don't think I am ready for the commitment at the moment (financially, and time wise). Thanks so much. Auto sub!👏😍

Thank you for this, I was thinking of getting one but it’s good to hear all the pros and cons!!!

So cute 🥰@2:14 he's looking at you like "Hey! Hey you, you talking shit about me...you know you love me, I love you too my hooman" lol

Very informative and kind of a uplifting (to me) because all 'negative' points were stuff i researched or even find fun Like i LOVE watching animals just sit around and do nothing, i enjoy seeing natural behaviour

Great video, I feel many people should know this! I own a pacman frog, and they kind just sit there... They are a true rock, so I agree! It's kinda boring to own something that you can't really handle. (I can but they get stressed and have sensitive skin.)

Thank you so much for the info. I definitely think this is very informative for someone like myself who wants one but was not sure about what they all entail. I think I will do more research before deciding!

Axolotls are really easy to take care of. I have an axolotl and she is the cutest thing ever! It’s really easy to take care of her. We feed her once a day (she’s still a bebeh) and clean quarter of her water once a week (she’s in a tank now). However, they can become stressed easily. You need to have them at the right temperature and environment. I know she’s happy when she’s active and doing her happy starfish positions.

Very good points! Personally my axolotl (Loki) greets me everyday and is pretty active but I think I might of gotten lucky since when I got her (She was 3 inches) I didn’t have any other pets so I would hang out near her tank a lot. But overall I think that water changes and keeping cool temps is the main issue. Which you perfectly covered btw keep up the great work :) mochi is adorable

Hmm, thank you for your honesty because in the end, the death or suffering of any animal is heartbreaking. It seems to me that these axolotls would be difficult to keep in my home because I keep a warm room temperature at all times. Thanks again ☺️

i've been wanting an axolotl for well over a year, finally getting a tank set up for one. i've been reading so much about how to take care of the tank water since i'm extremely nervous to harm them 🥲 but this honestly was a good video to see, nothing here was a dealbreaker and i'm a little more confident in getting one!

I can't believe this. We've had our axolotl for over 3 years now. She will maintain eye contact as constantly as a person could want. If I point my finger, she will go where I want her for a photo op. She will stand up when I do, sit down when I do, stand on the bottom and lean against the glass with her front foot. She has beautiful smiles. She goes into her plastic bottle tube when she wants to avoid the currents. She likes to eat romaine lettuce as well as worms, even though the internet says she won't - but she ate $42 worth of plants in short order so now we keep some romaine lettuce in there for her. She waits a couple of days for it to break down before she breaks off pieces. We have pots for her to hide under, but she's almost always out in the open looking for attention. No, we don't hold or pet her, but she's very, very smart and loves people, including children. I consider her really strong in communication skills.

Turtle girl making videos of other animals Me: okay i'll allow it

Great video! Aside from that, what is the full length of your tank because I was planning to get an axolotl but I don’t know what sized tank it’ll be comfortable in

I notice your axolotls gills are curled, this is usually a sign of stress. Unless she/he was recently brought into the tank from a water change you should figure out why the axolotl is stressed. The axolotl may need a 20 gallon long tank because I have noticed in a video long ago that you said he stopped growing, this may be caused by the size of the tank.

Thanks for the advice! I'm still going to get an axolotl, as I don't mind the care and maintenence. I've already got multiple fishtanks at home, with one empty one for my new friend. Some of my fish have fairly long lifespans, and also have some unconventional diets.

I'd imagine that the boring level of an axolotl is comparable to a tarantula. Both are look but don't touch pets that I love

I’ve had Phinneas (my axolotl) for a while now and he is the best thing that has happened to me. He was there for me in my darkest hour (that’s really cringe sorry but it’s true😮‍💨). I spent three whole years researching and finally got him last December. He is so worth it

i’ve owned and fostered reptiles in the past and i’ve always wanted to research into owning an axolotl!! ty for the information as i want to be sure i research intensely before i even decide to go through w owning one :)

Thanks! I just set up a tank for one and it’s been cycling for about a day. I plan on letting it cycle for about to weeks before purchase of the lotl. We will make sure to change 25% of the water a week and get a cooler and all that stuff. Like I said, thanks turtle girl!

"Oh thats my axolotl, he doesnt do much." DO BEE DO BE DO BAHH

Nice summary of the difficulties! The cool water issue was the killer for mine, when summer temps push the water up into the tropical range where I am. I also found that the food/poo was quick to pollute the water at warmer temperatures - compared to typical freshwater fish food. Similar to keeping a carnivorous fish. Nice creatures and sad they are extinct from their original wild habitat.

Thanks so much for actually doing research BEFORE adopting an animal- and thanks so much for telling the "bad side" of owning axolotls... I have been interested in owning one for more than a year, and I've been doing hours of (mostly) daily research about them for the past 3-4 months. This just makes me more confident about adopting one! Where did you get your axolotl from? I'm planning on adopting from Axolotl Planet, which seems like a good breeder.

I’ve had mine for a year and the hardest part is tank maintenance

I think if you already were a fish tank owner and you have some/little experience with fish their care is not that surprising .. for me personally the hardest thing is keeping their tank cool which works until now very well but I haven't had them for that long ..summer is probably going to be lot of work but for me it's worth it as I do love them😂

"Axolotls need cold water" *Goes to grocery list and writes "bucket-o-ice"*

I deeply appreciate how informative this video is, it's really encouraging to see animal owners not only talk about the good but also the difficult parts of owning that animal. I really appreciate this video thank you 💗

I agree!!! I came across this video because I'm having issues getting my axies to eat. (I've watched your videos for a while now but Google brought it up when I asked a question) I've had them for over a year now and it's honestly been a roller coaster with feedings. They couldn't ever find the pellets and I always just found them rotting in the bottom of the tank so I moved to red wigglers (I was hoping to avoid having to cut up worms). Which they loved the reds for about a month but then they just wouldn't eat them anymore. So I switched to night crawlers and for the last about year I've been feeding night crawlers every couple of days. Recently I will only be able to get them to eat like one little piece at a time. I'm starting to get kind of worried. My baby Rufus has only ate like 2 pieces in the last week or maybe a little more. I'm wondering if there's something about these last couple batches of worms, should I raise my own? Should I try switching back to reds? Idk I'm at a loss. I LOVE my axies but they are stressful because of how picky of eaters they are. TIA.. Love your page! You've helped me a lot throughout the last year!

Thank you for the video! I'm writing an article for a client about Axolotls and this was informative. Have a great day!

Awesome video. Axolotls are still a fairly good candidate as a pet for me as I have experience with aquariums and I like pets that should be left alone and not handled. Only thing is that I would need either a chiller or an aquarium fan to cool the water. Btw in certain places axolotls are illegal in certain states because of the fact that they're related to tiger salamanders and might be a problem if they become hybrids ( I doubt it but most animals laws are stupid)

Thank you so much for the information. I have a quick question. I was thinking of buying an axolotl, Ive done my research and all and I feel like I would love to take care of one. But, I work 8 hours a day except weekends. Start at 7 am to 3:30 pm. Are we required to watch the axolotl 24/7, or can they be left alone for hours? Besides the water temp of course, I would keep an eye on that, maybe get a temperature checker that alerts my phone or something like that.

I have 3 axolotls in my tank and I used to have amnio shrimp and what I found out was after a month of them together they axolotls thought the shrimp where there own and they played and sat on eachouter heads and swam around together

Hello! I’ve been thinking of getting an Axolotl but I need to research first for a long time. I’m not sure where to start researching and I was wondering if you could help me with that. Thanks! :)

Axolotl are a friendly, interactive aquatic pet that will give you years of enjoyment if kept properly. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to care for once they are properly housed and fed. Then you can share your photos of your happy, meme-worthy salamander with the world.

I want to get 2 I have a 75 gallon tank and it will be planted how often should I charge the water and I will be spot cleaning

My daughter really wants an axolotl and has for about a year. She will be 8. We both have been watching your videos. Thank you so much for sharing all this super important information. ❤

TIL Axolotl are actually less work than I anticipated. I'm used to fish care, and wouldn't mind having something with that long of a lifespan - it's like my birds, in that sense, except a lot lower effort. Very nice educational content, thank you!

Just saw some babies in a pet shop. Like tadpole small. I honestly would have never assumed they need low water temps. Really good insight.

Your axolotl is very cute. It’s a pet I’m researching for a possible future companion, depending on my circumstances and location - this is helpful, thank you!

Thanks for an educational video. I've been on the fence about getting one and was concerned about the level of maintenance needed.

I love my baby!!! Here is my theory: water temperature is the number one most important thing. Ive bought an air conditioner that keeps my room at 65 and my Lucy’s gills are the fluffiest I’ve ever seen.

Thanks I am asking for an axolotl for my birthday and have been obsessed with them. I still love them and want to get one but thank you for clearing things up 🙂

Axolotls are amazing pets loved watching mine Mine was about 12 inches long was an old boy I took him off a guy leaving the country my mum kept ones like yours. Mine was completely black. Which was rare apparently. As long as you change water regularly and fed them right like you say. They last for a very long time. When mine went I was so sad I couldn't get another. He lived in a 4ft tank

ive had my little mew for a year and a half now, i love her sm and im getting another axolotl tommorow! nut there not the best for everyone!, they are EXTREAMLY hard to take care of, tank, suplys ect

Yeah. They're so cool, but there's endless footage of happy healthy ones/nature documentaries. I think that'll fill the void for me. Getting one and killing it would be the worst.

As a person who have animals like frogs, spiders, reptiles ect, it makes me feel good that some inresponsible people that were going to buy Axolots are not going to do it anymore. Thanks for that vid! ❤

hello, i was wondering, now its summer, what would be the best way to cool up a tank without a axolotl tank coolor?

Thanks for this video! I've been thinking of getting an axolotl for a little bit now, but I'm trying to gather as much info as I can before deciding on it. I've had a fish tank for a few years now with a betta, a bunch of cories and some snails and shrimp, so axolotls seem quite a lot more complicated.

The best point made here is that axolotls need low 60s temp. I don’t recommend having them if you don’t have a chiller. Axolotls not only thrive in cold temperature but stable temps as well. Both are important. On the side, that axolotl she used in the video is highly stressed. When those gills are curling toward the head, that’s not a good thing.

I have 4. I have mine for 2 years and let me tell you I wasn't prepared for them at first. After the first year I was good. Yes I'm about to go bigger in my tank with a 175 set up!.

The only reason people get axolotls problaby was because minecraft raised awareness for them because before minecraft released them into the game you haven't really noticed them as much

We’ve just got an Axolotl, Vivian ( my 7 year old named her) we’ve only had her for a week now she’s only a couple of months old, definitely understand the high maintenance etc but we are totally in love! Also we are used to live feeding and importants of cleaning and temp as we also have a Leo gecko Kioko who’s just turning 2 :)

It's always good to know the potential downsides of any pet anyone contemplates getting.

Great video, TurtleChic. I think the popularity(for the short-term...like news), is many states and countries are banning their sale, captivity & breeding. Some states classify them as invasive species. That alone, attracts people to get'em. Much like in the past with Snakeheads. The one inch Axolotls in a local pet shop were selling for $50.00!! And many have no clue how to properly care for them. They just have the desire to own one. Scientifically, pharmaceutical companies, are fascinated with the Axolotls ability to regenerate when injured. I know of a ten-inch Axolotl, in an aquarium with a 18-inch Arrowana, and two tiger Oscars. And one more thing TurtleGirl: The reason RU-vid, does not show the Dislike numbers anymore, is due to many channel owners(me being one), stating that many were simply striking the Thumbs-down icon, without even viewing the video. Or viewing only a minute or less of the entire video. It is the same for the Thumbs-up. Many subscribers of channels, simply strike the thumbs-up on many videos, without watching the video, or the entirety of the video. And there exists methods of adding more likes/unlikes to videos, than actual views. RU-vid, itself is responsible for what goes viral & what only gets a dozen views, despite it being a great video. That's social media culture. Everyone is addicted to likes/dislikes, how many views they get. How many subscribers. It's a numbers infatuation. Me? I just post, because I like to record everything. I don't care about numbers.

i have a diamondback terrapin and a bunch of brown algae do you have any tips to get rid of brown algae and also I would love to have an axolotl but its illegal in california

I've got two axolotls, one metamorphosized and now is fully terrestrial. I'm a bit worried about him because I heard axolotls who complete their evolution don't generally live long but I'm doing my best to try and keep him healthy. It's been 2 months since he transformed so far he's eating and moving around well, and I have to keep making adjustments to his tank. Probably a tad more difficult than looking after a regular axolotl.

It is actually illegal to own an axolotl. You must have a certificate stating that you got it from a certified place and it was not taken from its natural habitat in Xochimilco. In Mexico it is a highly protected species and if you do not have the certificate you can go to jail and pay a fine equivalent to three thousand dollars for trafficking in endangered species.

Thanks for the video, boring is my #1 worry. My child wants one bad but I've owned plenty of saltwater & freshwater fish and if they don't have personality I find taking care of them a chore, something like my Oscar who had a ton of personality I looked forward to taking care of. It's an overlooked aspect of an aquatic pet and something.I had concern about.

I had two axolotl for about 5 months now and I love them so much. I think they are great pets for me, but they may not be as great for other people (and also for some reason my axolotls kinda have personalities and they swim up to the glass when I come near, it’s super cute)

Thx I really want one and I've been trying to study. This is some good info.

I have had mine for a year and he is doing well. I kept my tank 1 foot off the ground on the top floor of my home but ended up moving my tank to the basement in the summer. I feed my axolotl earth worms, slugs, occasional cricket from the house, and cut strips of tilapia.

I love watching aquariums! I took care of my schools aquariums and terrariums and while they were definitely easier than an axolotl, I learned a lot and I think by reading up more on aquariums specifically for axolotl I‘ll one day get one. Just not yet, when I‘ll feel ready though

Watching this makes me glad that I have experience already with keeping tanks of fish and other pets of a similar nature. Thanks for making this so people can make sure they are doing proper things BEFORE they get one.

My beta fish isn’t boring though haha, he swims around everywhere, comes up to the glass when i walk by, plays with me when i clean, etc. I love him so much!

This ^^^ People don’t realize they have specialized care!

I have two Axolotls and absolutely adore them both. Mine come and greet me when I get home and I love watching them swim and play. Each to their own I guess.

Axolotls are definitely not for everyone! I love mine with all my heart but when people find out I own an axie and they say “oh I want one” I tell them how much of a pain they are to care for. I definitely tend to recommend against getting an Axolotl. I’ve had a few people find out about mine and then say “oh I’ve heard they’re tricky to take care of and I always agree.

hey do you know anywere i could give my axolotl ive had mine for the past couple of years but recently i dont have the time to take care of mine and i dont know were to give him thats going to be safe

As a big hobbyist, I found axos were the best pets for my elderly parents. My father loves to sit back and watch them next to his desk. They also live in a cold city, and know how to feed them simple foods, but I drop by with live foods all the time to help them out 👍 I also accidentally bred them once, ended up with about 100 babies, but way thrilled to have over 90% survive and that was amazing. For anyone breeding, if you have a solid source of live food that is key. I worked at a fish store with live black worms and as long as I changed water all the time n had a constant supply of black worms, I experienced 0 cannibalism, if they’re happily full of worms, in my experience they won’t even bother each other at all

I had 2 axoltols a few years back and this video is pretty on point why purchasing an axolotl may not be the best idea. I would say I spent more like 2 hours a week cleaning their tanks not to mention going to the store once or twice a week for worms and if you live alone and want to go on vacation you have to have someone come by to take care of them. They really do require some work for very little pay off (besides the fact that they’re adorable).

Thank you for both the views on axolotls!!! we are considering our daughter's request for one and your review has been most helpful

Great vid! It’s unfortunate that they’re basically extinct in the wild, I’m glad the pet industry has kept them from being lost all together, but we all know how vile the industry can be, too. Growing up with fish and fish tanks, i do not miss even WATCHING my parents clean them when i was a kid, and i know i sure couldn’t care for a lotl! 😭

Like my brother has always says aquariums are decoration. Fish are decoration not pets. They’re meant to just make your house look more colorful it’s basically a live painting.

I both love and hate your review, it is informative and i appreciate it! But i am OBSESSED with axolotls so it is a bit of a hard pill to swallow. Though there are some good points and arguments so keep up the good work! 😅

So I asked if I could get an axolotl and my parent said yes. And I wanted to know the downsides of owning an axolotl so I can be aware of why I should get one. So this video is actually very useful!

I haven’t had my axolotls for long but I absolutely love them! There last family didn’t take good care of them so I gave them a better home and don’t regret getting them.