Can axolotl breeding be prevented?

[terence]

I have two axolotls that I have been raising since their hatching. There are growing older and reaching the point of sexual maturity. Since they are brother and sister, I do not want them to breed (they might have already even been slightly inbred). Is there any way to prevent or discourage breeding aside from separating them into different tanks?

 

[joan]

You could buy a tank divider and just seperate the tank into two halves. But no, other than physical seperation, there's really no way to prevent it.

 

[frank]

By keeping the water temperature stable during the year the chance that they will breed is reduced. (only reduced not taken away)

-correct me if I'm wrong_

 

[terence]

That is what I thought. I think I will have to separate them. Thanks a bunch for your help!

 

[cynthia]

Terence - You could also let them breed and then dispose of the eggs. You don't have to let the eggs develop.

 

[michael]

If your main concern is inbreeding don't worry. Usually their aren't any genetic problems with line breeding in axolotls.

 

[nathan]

if you had no flat surface would that prevent it?

(Message edited by archino on July 02, 2005)

 

[anne-marie]

Hell, no. Didn't in my case.

 

[nathan]

but wouldn't the female pick up stones that are stuck to the package