If you’ve recently acquired an axolotl and notice that it isn’t growing, you may wonder what the cause could be. Axolotls are supposed to grow steadily, so if your axolotl is not increasing in size, there may be a few possible explanations. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of stunted growth in axolotls.
Why isn’t my axolotl growing?
Are you concerned about why your axolotl isn’t growing as fast as it should?
While you have a long-living pet, they usually grow over time and develop at different rates.
This depends on the size and age of the axolotl, its environment, and its diet.
- Firstly check the temperature and humidity of their tank – these need to be suitable for an axolotl’s well-being.
- Are they being fed enough healthy food? (See Below)
- Additionally, give them plenty of stimulation by providing rocks and plants in their habitat to explore; this is important so their brains can remain active.
- Finally, keeping their tank clean from mess or uneaten food is essential for any pet’s growth.
After implementing these suggestions, consult a vet for professional advice if you are still worried about your pet’s growth rate.
Inadequate Nutrition and Diet
One of the most common reasons an axolotl isn’t growing is inadequate nutrition and diet. The axolotl’s diet should consist mainly of live food, such as small insects and worms.
Feeding your axolotl too much food can also lead to slow or stunted growth, as well as other health problems such as obesity.
Be sure to feed your axolotl only what it needs, typically 2-3 times per week, depending on its size and age.
Water Quality Issues
Another significant factor in stunted growth for an axolotl is water quality issues.
An unhealthy environment can lead to stress for your pet, which can impede its ability to grow appropriately.
To ensure a healthy environment, maintain clean water with a sound filtration system and keep the temperature at a stable 18-24 degrees Celsius (64-75 degrees Fahrenheit).
Being mindful of these factors will ensure that your pet has a safe and healthy home.
Genetic Factors
Genetics can also play a role in stunted growth, especially if you purchased your axolotl from a breeder who uses genetic line breeding practices.
Line breeding involves mating two animals with similar characteristics or traits to produce offspring with desired attributes or characteristics.
While this practice might produce exciting results, it can sometimes have negative consequences such as slow or stunted growth due to genetic abnormalities caused by the close interbreeding of animals over time.
Sizes of Axolotles and their ages
Axolotls are a unique species of aquatically living salamanders that are known to reach a maximum size in adulthood of 10-15 inches.
That being said, typical axolotls may only reach up to 8-10 inches when fully grown and will live for about 1-15 years, depending on their care and the conditions of their environment.
As axolotl owners, it is essential to understand how changing environmental factors can affect the size and lifespan of your pet.
Consequently, proper care should be taken to ensure optimal growth and health for your critter friend.
Conclusion.
It’s important to understand that there could be several reasons why your axolotl isn’t growing correctly, including inadequate nutrition and diet, water quality issues, or even genetic factors from line breeding practices used by breeders.
Suppose you suspect any issues with your pet’s health or growth rate. In that case, it’s recommended that you contact an experienced vet for advice on how best to proceed with treatment options for your particular situation so that you can provide the best care possible for your beloved pet.
