Keeping an axolotl happy and healthy starts with feeding it the right food. These cute water creatures aren’t like regular pets—they have special needs, especially when it comes to their diet. If you’re new to axolotls, it can be confusing to figure out what they should eat.
Will axolotls eat fish? That’s a common question, and we’ll cover that too. I’ll also show you how to make a worm farm at home, which has been a big help in keeping my axies well-fed without spending too much.
In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned from taking care of my own axolotls, using simple words and real experience. You’ll find out which foods are best, which ones to avoid, and how to make feeding time safe and easy.
Why Nightcrawlers & Worms Are Best for Axolotls – Answer
Feeding your axolotl the right food is key to keeping it happy and healthy. Worms like nightcrawlers and earthworms are the best because they match what axolotls eat in the wild. They’re full of protein, easy to digest, and help them grow strong. You can also feed pellets sometimes, but worms are the safest and most natural choice.
Some worms, like Canadian Nightcrawlers, can be too big, so you might need to cut them in half. If you’re not sure where to get fresh worms often, you can make a worm farm at home and store them in cool, moist conditions.
Try different types like red wigglers, gray worms, or Eisenia fetida, and always remove uneaten bits to keep the tank clean. Feeding worms the right way makes your axolotl active, healthy, and excited during mealtime.
Why Worms Are the Best Food for Axolotls
When I was figuring out the best food for your axolotl, I tried a few things, but nothing worked as well as nightcrawlers. In the wild, axolotls naturally eat worms and small creatures, so feeding them nightcrawlers feels like giving them a piece of their real home.
These worms are full of high protein, which is super important for a healthy axolotl diet. I also noticed that my axolotl digests them easily—no leftovers floating around or upset stomach. Ever since I started using nightcrawlers, my axolotl looks more active and happy, and feeding time has become way simpler too.
The Power of Earthworms in an Axolotl’s Diet
When I first started keeping axolotls, I quickly learned that earthworms are one of the safest and most nutritionally complete options out there. These worms come in many varieties, but the most popular types to feed your axolotl are nightcrawlers, red wigglers, and gray worms.
These belong to the Lumbricidae family, and they’re not just a random pick—many of them are even backed scientifically for their nutritional value. For example, Lumbricus terrestris has 56.1%–60.7% protein (dry), 4.4% fat, and 1.52% calcium with 81.1 moisture content.
I always make sure the worm I offer is longer than 7.5 cm (3 inches) so my adult axolotl gets a good bite without struggling.
Some days, I try mixing it up. I’ve tested Aporrectodea caliginosa, Allolobophora chlorotica (with 62.2% protein, 1.77% fat, 1.72% calcium), and even Eisenia fetida (Red Wiggler), which can have up to 70.42% protein, though they’re a bit slimy. Perionyx excavatus gives a range from 46.57% to 60.25% protein and 8.03%–9.18% fat, and Eudrilus Eugeniae is another solid pick with 56.4% protein, 7.9% fat, and 85.3 moisture.
These worms meet all dietary needs, with >45% protein, high calcium, and are high in calories. Some also provide ash, fiber, and different calories per gram—like 2.99 or even 4. After trying different types, I’ve found each worm type has its pros, but all are nutritionally appropriate when chosen wisely.
Common Names for Worm Species and Their Identification
I got really into learning about different worm varieties, especially earthworms, because they’re one of the healthiest choices. I read a detailed description online that said proper identification is super important—not all worms are the same.
The guide explained that identifying worms primarily consist of observing their color and counting the segments. These methods may sound basic, but they work well. One tip that helped me was watching how my axolotl reacted to each type.
The methods below might seem simple, but they really help you choose the right worms and avoid any that might cause issues. Honestly, knowing these small things made feeding time way better.
Lumbricus terrestris
One of the best foods I’ve found for my axolotl is the Nightcrawler, also known as Canadian Crawlers, and sometimes even sold as bait worms or fishing worms. These worms are usually around 10-25 cm in length, and I’ve noticed their reddish or cream color makes them easy to spot when prepping meals.
Some sellers also call them tiger worms, but what really matters is the structure—look for about 32-35 segments before the clitellum; that’s how I always confirm their type. The segments are a good clue if you’re ever unsure what kind of worm you’ve picked up in a batch.
Feeding these to my axolotl has been super effective because they’re clean, meaty, and don’t cloud the tank.
Aporrectodea caliginosa / Allolobophora chlorotica
Another good option I’ve used is the Gray worm, often called the British worm or even field worm by some sellers. These worms are usually around 4-10 cm in length and have a pale, grayish-pink color, which makes them look a bit dull but they’re still healthy for axolotls.
If you’re trying to spot the right type, just count around ~25 segments before their clitellum—you’ll see the segments clearly in most worms of this kind.
Eisenia hortensis
The European Nightcrawler, also called Dendrobaena hortensis, Dendrobaena veneta, or just Dendra, is another great worm I often use for feeding. These worms are usually 12-20 cm in length and have a brown-red color, which makes them easy to identify.
They have around 25 segments before their clitellum, and you can clearly see these
segments when the worm is stretched in your hand.
Eisenia fetida:
I’ve had great results feeding my axolotl the Red Wiggler, also known as a compost worm, manure worm, banded worm, or even trout worm—some people call them brandling worms too. These worms are usually around 5-7 cm in length and have a deep, rust-red color, which makes them stand out.
They’re easy to spot because they have about ~25 segments before their clitellum, and the segments are very visible in their soft bodies.
Eudrilus eugeniae
If you’re looking for a larger worm, the African Nightcrawler is a great pick. These worms grow around 20-30 cm in length and have a unique grayish-purple color. What helps me tell them apart is the ~13 segments before the clitellum—those segments are easy to see in their long body, which makes them easy to identify and super useful when choosing food for bigger axolotls.
Perionyx excavatus
The Compost worm, especially the ones in a red wiggler ‘variety pack’, including blues and Indian Blues, are a fun and useful option I’ve tried for younger axolotls. These worms are usually 6-8 cm in length and have a bluish red color, which is pretty unique. What helps with identification is that they have about 12 segments before the clitellum, and these segments are clearly visible in their soft body.
Nightcrawlers: The Gold Standard
I’ve tried a bunch of foods for my axolotl, but honestly, nightcrawlers are the best thing I’ve found. They’re full of nutritional benefits, especially protein, which helps my axolotl grow fast and stay healthy. At first, I wasn’t sure how to feed them, but it’s actually simple—I just rinse them well and cut them into small pieces using scissors so my axolotl can eat them easily.
If the worm is too long, I cut it into bite-sized bits, and that works great. I’ve used both store-bought and fresh nightcrawlers (I sometimes catch them after it rains), and both work fine, but fresh ones do wiggle more, which seems to make feeding more fun for my axolotl.
How Often and How Much to Feed
When I started feeding worms and nightcrawlers to my axolotl, I had no clue about the right amount or timing. What helped me was learning that baby axolotls need to eat daily in tiny pieces because they grow fast, while juveniles also eat every day but can handle slightly bigger portions.
For adult axolotls, I feed them every 2–3 days, usually one or two worm pieces depending on size. At first, I overfed mine, and he started ignoring food and looking bloated—classic signs of overfeeding. Now I just give enough that he finishes in a minute or two, and he stays happy and healthy.
How to Store and Keep Worms Alive
When I started using worms and nightcrawlers for my axolotl, I didn’t want to keep buying new ones every few days, so I learned how to store them at home. I keep them in a small container with holes in the lid for air, and I use damp newspaper as bedding.
It’s super important to keep them cool—like in the fridge or a cold spot—because heat makes them die faster. I also make sure the bedding stays moist but not soaking wet. Later, I even made a simple DIY worm bin using an old plastic box and added a mix of soil, cardboard, and veggie scraps to keep them fed and alive longer.
Now I always have fresh worms ready for my axolotl without any stress.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
There were times when my axolotl refused to eat worms or nightcrawlers, and it really worried me. I found out that sometimes they just don’t like the taste of certain worms, especially if they smell weird or are too big.
Cutting the worms into smaller pieces helped a lot. Another problem I had was worms burrowing into the tank substrate before my axolotl could grab them—so now I feed him on a bare spot or use feeding tongs.
Also, if you leave worms in the tank too long, they can start to smell bad or rot, which messes up the water and can stress out your axolotl. I’ve learned to remove any uneaten worms quickly to keep things clean and safe.
Conclusion
Feeding worms and nightcrawlers to my axolotl has honestly been the best choice I’ve made. They’re full of protein, easy to digest, and match the axolotl’s natural diet perfectly. From cutting them into small pieces to storing them properly and not overfeeding, I’ve learned that small things make a big difference.
Just keep the worms fresh, clean up uneaten bits, and watch how your axolotl reacts. Every axolotl is a little different, but if you follow these simple best practices, feeding becomes easy and fun. A healthy axolotl starts with the right food and a little bit of care.
FAQs
Can axolotls eat nightcrawler worms?
When I first got into keeping axolotls, I kept hearing people recommend earthworms as the best thing to feed them. After trying a few options, I found that nightcrawlers were not only the easiest to find but also the most nutritionally rich. They’re part of the Lumbricidae family, and while that sounds very scientifically technical, most people just know them colloquially as red wigglers, gray worms, or regular garden worms. These varieties are often the safest and most complete food available for axolotls that are longer than 7.5 cm or about 3 inches. They don’t just fill your axolotl’s belly—they help it thrive.
What worms are best for axolotls?
For grown-up axies, the most recommended foods are nightcrawlers and earthworms—they’re what most people choose to feed. I’ve noticed they’re not only filling but also super easy for axolotls to digest. Some specialised axolotl pellets can work too, especially if worms are hard to get depending on where you live. Others stick to worms only, but I like mixing it up with some pellets when I can’t find fresh worms.
Are nightcrawlers too big for axolotls?
Most of my axolotls absolutely love worms, but not all types are the perfect size. While some are around 3″ long and easy to eat, Canadian Nightcrawlers can be HUGE. I’ve found it hard for my axie to swallow them unless I cut them up first. Plus, buying these worms by the dozen from a local bait store is pretty expensive, and they’re usually bigger than needed.
Can I feed earthworms to an axolotl?
Yes, you definitely can—and should! Axolotls require earthworms as a staple part of their diet because they offer proper nutrition. I feed them regularly to my axie, but if the worm is too large, I make sure to cut it into at least half so it’s easier to swallow, especially for small ones just growing up.
