Many new axolotl owners are curious about the Axolotl diet and ask the common question—can Axolotls live with fish in the same tank? These fascinating little creatures, often called Mexican walking fish, are loved for their unique appearance and docile nature, which makes them great pets.
But when it comes to tank mates, it’s strongly recommended to keep your axolotl alone. Even though they seem peaceful, they’re still hunters at heart and may try to eat small aquatic animals around them.
Mixing them with other fish can risk the well-being of both your axolotl and the others. So, if you’re wondering What Food is Best For Your Axolotl?, it’s smarter to skip live fish and focus on safer, proper foods made just for them.
Will Axolotls Eat Fish? – Answer
Axolotls are carnivorous and often see fish as food, which can lead to biting, stress, or injury. I found out that some fish can carry parasites or diseases that could hurt my axolotl. So, will axolotls eat fish? Yes, they can—but it’s not that simple. Even though adding tropical fish might seem fun, these species might bring hidden health risks.
Also, axolotls need cooler water, while fish often need it warmer, making it tough to create the right setup for both. That’s why it’s always best to keep axolotls alone, in a tank that fits their specific needs and keeps them safe and happy.
Axolotls are Carnivorous
Axolotls are carnivorous creatures with a strong instinct to hunt, whether they’re in the wild or in captivity. Their natural diet includes worms, small insects, and small fish, which means they often see any moving fish in the tank as food—not tank mates.
Even when a fish is too large to eat, an axolotl may still attempt to bite or nip, which can lead to stress, potential harm, or injury for the other animal. In home tanks, they are usually fed bloodworms, brine shrimp, and specially formulated axolotl pellets to keep their carnivorous nature satisfied without putting other animals at risk.
Fish May Harm Axolotls
Some people wonder, will axolotls eat fish? The answer is yes, They can, but there’s a bit more you should know. While it’s tempting to add tropical fish in the tank, these species may carry parasites or diseases that are harmful to axolotls.
I’ve seen cases where certain fish constantly nip at the gills or fins, and that can cause real stress or even injury. It’s known that this kind of setup might not be the best for your pet. Even if the fish doesn’t hurt them directly, it could still be a significant source of anxiety, and therefore, it’s just smarter to keep axolotls alone.
This helps prevent all the issues that may arise. So if you’re thinking of tankmates, ask yourself: is it worth the risk to your axolotl? Because the fish which seem peaceful at first can actually do more harm than good to your axolotl, and that’s not a chance I’d take with mine—or yours either.
Optimal Water Conditions Differ
If you’re wondering will axolotls eat fish, it’s not just about the eating—maintaining the right environment matters too. Axolotls prefer cooler water, usually between 60-70°F (15-20°C), but tropical fish require warmer temperature, which makes it challenging to care for both in the same tank.
I’ve learned that even small changes can lead to stress or even illness, especially when the setup isn’t suitable for either one. Most people don’t realize that what works for fish might harm axolotls, and vice versa.
So even if your axolotl doesn’t eat the fish, just mixing them while thinking it’s fine might cause unexpected problems.
Conclusion
Even though it may seem tempting to add fish to your axolotl tank, it’s strongly recommended to keep axolotls alone. From what I’ve seen, these creatures are carnivorous and can view small fish as food, which could be harmful.
Some fish also carry diseases or parasites that are risky for axolotls. Plus, their needs differ—the optimal water conditions just don’t match. A tank that caters to the specific environment of axolotls is always best.
It’s not just about what they eat, it’s about keeping them happy and safe. So, ensure the health and well-being of your axolotl by making choices that actually work for them, even if it is tempting while setting up a beautiful tank.
FAQs
Will axolotls eat my fish?
Yes, axolotls can and will eat fish, especially smaller species that might be easily consumed. They are natural carnivores, and their diet includes not just fish but also worms and invertebrates. Even some fish that seem large enough to be out of reach for an axolotl might still be targeted, particularly if they move quickly or fit in the axolotl’s mouth.
Do axolotls live with fish?
From what I’ve seen and learned, axolotls and fish don’t always get along. It’s not a recommended thing to keep them together because axolotls are opportunistic and act like predators. They may try to eat the fish, especially the small or slow ones. On the other side, certain types of fish might nibble on the gills of the axolotl, which hurts them badly. Some people have successfully done it, but it’s not a safe practice for everyone, and definitely not universally okay. So even while it might work for a few, I wouldn’t risk it with my pet.
Will axolotls eat guppies?
From my own experience, I noticed that axolotls will definitely try to eat guppies if given the chance. Since they’re carnivorous, they see smaller fish like guppies as prey. It’s not recommended to keep them together, as guppies are warm-water fish, while axolotls prefer cooler temperatures. This mismatch can cause stress in guppies, making them more susceptible to illness. Plus, a small axolotl might even choke on a guppy if it tries to swallow it whole.
What are the downsides of owning an axolotl?
One of the downsides of owning a pet axolotl is that they’re not like regular salamanders—they’re fully aquatic creatures and need special care. They’re very sensitive to water chemistry, so you’ll spend a lot of time checking temperature, levels, and picking the right types of filters. The tank setup also takes effort because everything has to be just right for them to stay healthy.
