Not Just an Ordinary Salamander

Today’s picture of the day is the axolotl. It is a type of salamander that may already be extinct. It was previously found in Mexico City. They can range from six inches to eighteen inches long. This amphibian lives in the water. You will usually find them in freshwater. They can only live in bodies of water that are very clean. They are grayish in color with blue eyes and big, black pupils. However, some can be white due to genetics. They are only considered albino if they have a white body along with white eyes. Axolotl do not blend in well because of their white bodies.

I, personally, would not mind having one of these amphibians as a pet. They are very interesting and look cool. It is not expensive to feed them considering they feed on worms, snails, small fish, and insects. In captivity, these unique amphibians can be fed brine shrimp and small strips of beef or liver. Although they have poison glands, Axolotl’s are not necessarily poisonous. If they were, they would not be endangered. 

If someone were to get an Axolotl as a pet, it is highly recommended to get a fifteen to twenty gallon tank. The tank needs to be in a cool room away from sunlight. Water temperature should vary from fifty-seven to sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. The pH of the water should be between 6.5 and 7.5. Gravel at the bottom of the tank needs to be coarse. This reason is due to the amphibian ingesting the gravel to help with digestion.