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Sand Hoppers as Axi Treat?

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Chlorophilian

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Could the sand hoppers (Taltridae sp.) found on ocean beaches be fed to an axolotl without mishap? Has anyone done this? Are there any issues with jaws or exoskeletons?
There are heaps of them at my beach most of the year, and I was thinking they might make a great snack for winter.
 
Azhael

Azhael

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The problem is they are a salt water species. They are therefore unsuitable as part of the diet of a fresh-water animal. The salt contents as well as other elements/compounds are inadequate.
If you could get your hands on fresh-water amphipods (like Gammarus, Hyalella....), those are excellent options. Other fresh-water crustaceans are also fantastic additions to a varied, healthy diet.
 
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Thanks for letting me know. :happy:
If the salt content is a problem, how are brine shrimp able to be properly digested?
 
Azhael

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Well, salts are not a problem in terms of digestion, but rather in maintaining homeostasis. Also, some elements like iodine can result in issues with metamorphosis.
Brine shrimp is widely used because it´s convenient but many people, me included, prefer to avoid them and use fresh-water foods like Daphnia. As far as salt-water foods go, though, brine shrimp are probably less of a problem given that they are not cultured in sea water, just salty water (which doesn´t contain a lot of the stuff sea water does) and their tiny, tiny size as nauplii. It´s still better to stick to fresh-water foods...
 
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    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
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    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
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    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
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  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
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