Axolotl necessities and some questions about them

[Fisher0415]

I recently got two axolotls in the mail and for the first two days they didn't move very much and yesterday they started moving around a lot. Not too much but a lot more active then what they were. My first question is, how much are juvenile axolotls supposed to move around?

And a next thing, do they require a light? I know they don't like light because they don't have eyelids, but do they absolutely have to have one or can they go without?

 

[Hayleyy]

They are fine without a light, you really only need it so you can see when feeding/cleaning the tank. The room light should be enough for that

 

[tinasvfx]

my axie isn't a juvenile, but she chills out for most of the time unless I'm spending more than a normal amount of time in my room - cleaning, etc ... she likes to make herself known and show off or explores after a tank clean. I have a pretty low light for her that I rarely turn on unless it's for show/cleaning.

 

[fancynewwhatevr]

I've moved twice with my axie and both times he was so still for the first couple days afterward I was worried about him. I think they just get a little traumatized during moves. My guy was really active as a juvenile, always swimming around. He's gotten a lot more chill the older he gets.

 

[Biev]

It really depends on the axolotl. Some of them are more inquisitive or playful than others. They all mellow out as they age, though.

Personally I like to use a light so I can grow plants. The plants provide plenty of shade, and my lotls like to play and hide in them. I think it's good environmental enrichment, but you can certainly do without.