Why all the axolotls

desertiguana · Aug 15, 2011

I have noticed that a large number of the enthusiasts on this site are axolotl keepers. Lately I've been trying to decide what happened to all of the the plethodon or ensatina keepers. Even the number of posts on tiger salamanders are low.

I don't anything against axolotl's I was just wondering why people gravitate to them. Any thoughts would be nice. Cheers!!!

SpaceCadetHayde · Aug 15, 2011

I've never owned a 'lotl but I do tend to prefer aquatic species and that might be a reason so many gravitate towards them. Also, consider the large number of Aussie members who only have one species of caudate available to them.

Minniechild · Aug 16, 2011

Agreed! Only 'lotls for us aussies, and they're a lot of us. I suppose there's also more issues with axies, which means more people come on with problems, more joys etc. With other species those highs and lows may be much more smooth than with mexicanums.
I have noticed that Andersonis are popping up more often (I WANT ONE!!!!!!!)

yellowpebble · Aug 16, 2011

yeah, it depends where your from and the laws of the country/state. Axies are the only legal salamander here, and there are a lot of Ausie forum goers. Also they are popular in pet stores and seem like an easy and interesting option for anyone with aquarium experience. I thnk they are also considdered less "gross" to people with the heby jeebies over anything slimy or scaley or cold blooded. Them being seen as 'fish' helps their popularity I think.

Also, I think their just generally a more common pet. They aren't considered as out of the norm as a newt would be. Its like asking why do more people own a pet dog than a pet pig? They are just more popular and accepted unfortunatley... I dont think theres anyhing cooler/cuter than caudates

dipsydoodle · Aug 16, 2011

I've had my newts for 2 years and I've just recently got axolotls. They have really cute little faces and are more active than the newts.

Although the newts have really cute little arms and legs and little toes (which is why I was drawn to them from the start).

I like both

Molch · Aug 16, 2011

I did notice this about axie versus newt people:

- axolotls all have names; newts rarely do.
- axolotls seem to inspire cartoon avatars. Haven't seen an anime marmoratus yet

i have a feeling that maybe axie people tend to be right-brainers while newt people are left-brainers. And those who keep both? I dunno...they might be those rare kinds who have an entire functioning brain...

The Banana · Aug 16, 2011

Woo right-brainers!

Least I'm not a lefty.

dipsydoodle · Aug 16, 2011

Molch said:
I did notice this about axie versus newt people:

- axolotls all have names; newts rarely do.
- axolotls seem to inspire cartoon avatars. Haven't seen an anime marmoratus yet

i have a feeling that maybe axie people tend to be right-brainers while newt people are left-brainers. And those who keep both? I dunno...they might be those rare kinds who have an entire functioning brain...

LOL!

My newts and axolotls have names

. I has a brainnnnnnnnnnnnn

emz · Aug 16, 2011

Ha ha im left handed but right brained then. Sort of makes sense as the right side of the brain controls the left! But more seriously i always wanted to own an axolotl ever since i heard about them and saw them in my classroom in science. Maybe others did too. I do like newts too but didnt know anything about them or had seen any until coming on here. And lastly i do like the aquatic nature of axolotls and assume they are easier to keep. Oh and axolotls are lucky as they are very appealing to look at.

zoezakella · Aug 16, 2011

Molch said:
I did notice this about axie versus newt people:

- axolotls all have names; newts rarely do.
- axolotls seem to inspire cartoon avatars. Haven't seen an anime marmoratus yet

i have a feeling that maybe axie people tend to be right-brainers while newt people are left-brainers. And those who keep both? I dunno...they might be those rare kinds who have an entire functioning brain...

LOL I'm a "both" then and my axies and newts have names

Cant imagine having any pet in my house without a name

dipsydoodle · Aug 16, 2011

zoezakella said:
Cant imagine having any pet in my house without a name

My MTS snails, sulawesi snails, and shrimp don't have names. One of the snails does. My apple snails have names but its based on their colour so not original at all

Azhael · Aug 16, 2011

I actually think the reasons are much more basic...axolotls are very widely available, much more so than any other species. Among newts you see the same trend, the more common, the more people have them (H.orientalis, P.granulosus and various Paramesotriton, most of all).
Personally i have very little interest in axolotls other than from a "scientific" point of view because they are a watered down version of what caudates mean to me. I love caudates, among many other things, because they make me think of beautiful wild places and the sound of water and rustling leaves xD A leucistic axolotl does none of that....it just screams artificial to me.
Anyway, i know most people disagree and i´ll probably get a verbal wallop for that

Star · Aug 16, 2011

Haven't read the entire post so sorry if I'm covering what someone else has said

axolotls are advertised, so to speak, as a perfect starter amphibian so I guess people start with them then fall in love?

I had worked with them in college then saw one in a local pet shop and mum got me her as an easter present, since then I've become fascinated by them, plus dad says aquatic animals aren't pets.... I'd love more caudates but unfortunately at the moment with a partner that lives over 300 miles away and work mixed with uni I wouldn't want to take any more on because I wouldn't have enough time for them (plus I was given another warning yesterday about my pet collection

) plus, I think I spotted further up, they are more readily available than most other caudates at the moment.

desertiguana · Aug 16, 2011

I have to agree with that. I am more of a woodland terrarium type of guy.

frogman · Aug 16, 2011

I find axies quite attractive to keep. They are an enjoyment to feed and they are super cute and cool.

Jennistophales · Aug 16, 2011

I chose axolotls firstly because they are relatively easy to keep - no heat, no light, weekly water changes (Assuming the tank is cycled properly, of course), and a simple diet that can cost you a one-time fee. I am also very attracted to aquatic animals. (Marine Biology major here) Plus they have such prominent personalities - They're very much like dogs, in my opinion.

Also, I'm a student and I can only have fish in the dorms. Axolotls pass as fish to the RA's, thankfully.

Besides, how could you say no to their derpy little faces?

Star · Aug 16, 2011

Jennistophales said:
I chose axolotls firstly because they are relatively easy to keep - no heat, no light, weekly water changes (Assuming the tank is cycled properly, of course), and a simple diet that can cost you a one-time fee. I am also very attracted to aquatic animals. (Marine Biology major here) Plus they have such prominent personalities - They're very much like dogs, in my opinion.

Also, I'm a student and I can only have fish in the dorms. Axolotls pass as fish to the RA's, thankfully.

Besides, how could you say no to their derpy little faces?

I love the pics you chose to back up that last statement

desertiguana · Aug 16, 2011

Jennistophales said:
I chose axolotls firstly because they are relatively easy to keep - no heat, no light, weekly water changes (Assuming the tank is cycled properly, of course), and a simple diet that can cost you a one-time fee. I am also very attracted to aquatic animals. (Marine Biology major here) Plus they have such prominent personalities - They're very much like dogs, in my opinion.

Also, I'm a student and I can only have fish in the dorms. Axolotls pass as fish to the RA's, thankfully.

Besides, how could you say no to their derpy little faces?

But ther not fish!!!

Minniechild · Aug 16, 2011

Agreed, not fish. But who are we to complain when the rules go in our favour?

As to them being shadows of their ancestors- so are humans

Why all the axolotls

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