Hey, many new axolotl owners don’t even realize that they have one male and one female. They just check the tank one day and suddenly find hundreds of eggs! Often when people get axolotls, they are not yet mature, so it’s difficult to determine their gender.
This situation might seem a bit tricky, especially when you were not prepared at all. But don’t worry, in this article, we will explain what to do if your axolotls accidentally breed, and what things to keep in mind.
Also, we will share how to safely breed axolotls and explain about the breeding season. If you are beginners, this guide will definitely be useful to you. For more detailed info, you can also check here : Axolotl Breeding Guide – Fish Realm Hub
If Your Axolotl Accidentally Breeds, What to Do?
Dude, one morning when I looked into my axolotl tank, there were small jelly-like eggs everywhere. At first, I didn’t understand what they were. Then I found out that my male and female axolotls accidentally bred at night.
I had never planned for breeding, so I wasn’t prepared at all. The setup wasn’t right either, and I realized I couldn’t take care of so many baby axolotls. There was excitement on one hand, but on the other hand, I was a bit anxious too.
I quickly searched on Google to find out what to do next. I found out that the eggs should be safely removed. I used a turkey baster and gently collected the eggs. I put them in a Ziploc bag and placed it in the freezer for 72 hours. This way, the embryos don’t fully develop, so there’s no pain involved.
When the eggs froze well, I put them in the trash. This step wasn’t easy, but I think it was for the best. Now I have learned the lesson that even if you don’t have a plan, you can still breed axolotls, so you should always be a little prepared.
Often people wonder what the gender of their axolotls is, but get confused. If you’re also thinking about how to sex an axolotl, then definitely read this article to identify the gender of axolotls. Here you will find all the info and a complete guide.
Instructions
When my axolotls suddenly bred, I had to do something immediately. I picked up a turkey baster and very softly collected the eggs. Sometimes, when some eggs got stuck in the corner, I would gently remove them by hand.
Then I placed all the eggs in a Ziploc bag and put it in the freezer for three days.The advantage of this process is that the embryos don’t develop, so no one feels any pain. After three days, I either threw away the frozen eggs or put them in the compost bin, whichever was easier.
This method is not only safe, but also respectful, and it happens quickly.I thought you might face such a situation too, so I wanted to share my experience. Sometimes, such little tips can be very useful in the future.
First Things First, Separate the Parents
If you are wondering whether it is okay to keep male and female axolotls in the same tank, the short answer is no, especially if they have already bred. It is essential to separate them as soon as the opposite sex axolotls accidentally breed.
Otherwise, breeding will continue repeatedly, and the female can become so weak that she could even lose her life. The best approach is to keep separate tanks for both. However, if you don’t have an extra tank, you might need to rehome one of them.
The idea of using a divider seems right, but it is actually not very reliable. Axolotls do not breed like mammals, the male releases sperm on the bottom of the tank (known as spermatophores), and the female picks it up through her cloaca.
If there are small holes or gaps in the divider through which water can cross, then the male’s spermatophore can also reach the female – breeding can occur even without direct contact. Therefore, always use a solid barrier without any gaps.
Additionally, install separate filtration systems on both sides, so that axolotls remain completely separate from each other.
Responsible Way to Cull Axolotl Eggs
When my axolotls suddenly bred, I was really shocked. Seeing so many small eggs in the tank in just one night left me unsure about what to do next. At first, I didn’t even realize the responsibility that came with this.
In captivity, meaning at home, there are no natural predators, so the risk of overpopulation is very high. I had neither the time, nor the space, nor the knowledge or money to take care of so many babies. At that moment, I realized that if you truly care about the well-being of animals, the best option is to cull the extra eggs quickly.
Allowing all of them to hatch means risking neglect, abandonment, and a painful life for the animals later on. I have seen stories from New Zealand where rescues have been completely overwhelmed due to thousands of unwanted axolotls.
Axolotls naturally lay up to a thousand eggs at a time, as in the wild, only a few of the young grow up to be adults. However, this method does not work in a tank. Here, there are no predators, nor is the environment tough, so each egg has a chance to develop.
This causes overpopulation, which can lead to deformities due to nipping in the tank, spread of diseases, and an overall stressful environment. I had to learn that to be a responsible owner, I need to manage eggs beforehand to avoid any unnecessary suffering.
Ethically, taking action early is much better than realizing later that you cannot care for them, which feels worse.
Culling does not mean that a person is being heartless. It is actually a way to keep the population safe and respect the natural limits of parent axolotls.
Conclusion
In the end, keeping an axolotl is enjoyable and also teaches responsibility. Just always be a little prepared, identify the gender, and if breeding ever occurs, handle it calmly. By being responsible, you can keep your pets happy and also remain tension-free.
FAQs
Do axolotls breed by themselves?
Yes, axolotls can breed naturally, especially when the weather gets cooler. I have personally seen that when the water in my tank starts to cool down, and then gradually the temperature rises again, the axolotls mate on their own and a few days later, I find eggs I don’t have to do anything. If your axolotls are healthy and it’s their breeding season, this process happens by itself. A clear sign is that your axolotl’s size or shape changes suddenly, which usually indicates that they are about to lay eggs.
How to stop axolotls from mating?
If you truly want to prevent your axolotls from breeding or laying eggs, the most effective way is to keep the male and female in separate tanks. I have personally experienced that just placing a divider is not enough, sperm can still float in the water and fertilize eggs, even if both are in the same tank.If keeping two tanks seems difficult, the best option is to rehome one of them, otherwise, there’s a chance they will breed again.
How do axolotls breed?
The male axolotl moves forward and leaves a packet of sperm on the ground, which is called a spermatophore. After that, he guides the female so that her cloaca aligns directly over the spermatophore, and then the female takes it inside her body.
Can axolotls breed asexually?
Axolotls often breed in the usual way, but some females can produce babies without fertilization by a male. This process is called parthenogenesis. It is quite rare, but it makes the biology of axolotls even more interesting.
