I've read on buy-axolotls.com that if axolotls cannibalistic until they are six inches, and that the behavior cannot be reversed if the habit is continuous ( dont know how reliable this site is) . i currently have two young axos that are 2 inches and 3 inches, from time to time i do see them nib at each other but nothing too serious ( they get along pretty well majority of the time). i am wondering if i should put one in a separate tank to prevent them from being cannibalistic
Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal
Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!
-
Axolotls are illegal in California. Please read this thread for detailed information and links to the actual laws: https://www.caudata.org/threads/axolotls-are-illegal-in-california-here-are-the-relevant-laws.30779/
-
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!
Cannibalistic stage
- Thread starter Goon
- Start date
AxolotlChris
New member
That information is not correct.
Axolotls are always cannibalistic, although the word 'cannibalistic' makes people think of detrimental, continuous behavior. Axolotls hunt generally by sensing movement of their prey, in the wild they are fairly solitary and not needing to be in groups. You can imagine when put in a tank in close quarters with other Axolotls accidents could happen, when one passes another it could be hungry and mistake it for food and snap. This is where limbs are lost.
My girl friend has had up to 6 in a tank at once, they are all adults all 1-2 years old. They have all been in the tank together for years. I've watched them myself on the odd occasion grab another's leg while feeding on pellets from the bottom of the tank, its never resulted in loss of limb, they release fairly quickly as the other Axolotl pulls away.
While I rear larvae, I have to separate the smaller ones so they don't become a bigger ones dinner. Then this allows even growth since larger juveniles can go through the food source a lot faster when left to feed themselves.
I think juveniles tend to suffer from loss of limb more because their limbs are not as thick and sturdy as an adult, and often people keep Axolotls of different size together which makes it a lot easier for a limb of a smaller Axolotl to be damaged.
Its down to feeding habits to stop these accidents happening. You can spread out the food, feed Axolotls in different areas. Also making sure the Axolotls are always well fed, stopping any temptation for them to snap at each other. Also the longer Axolotls are in a tank with each other, the more aware they are of their tank mate(s).
Axolotls are always cannibalistic, although the word 'cannibalistic' makes people think of detrimental, continuous behavior. Axolotls hunt generally by sensing movement of their prey, in the wild they are fairly solitary and not needing to be in groups. You can imagine when put in a tank in close quarters with other Axolotls accidents could happen, when one passes another it could be hungry and mistake it for food and snap. This is where limbs are lost.
My girl friend has had up to 6 in a tank at once, they are all adults all 1-2 years old. They have all been in the tank together for years. I've watched them myself on the odd occasion grab another's leg while feeding on pellets from the bottom of the tank, its never resulted in loss of limb, they release fairly quickly as the other Axolotl pulls away.
While I rear larvae, I have to separate the smaller ones so they don't become a bigger ones dinner. Then this allows even growth since larger juveniles can go through the food source a lot faster when left to feed themselves.
I think juveniles tend to suffer from loss of limb more because their limbs are not as thick and sturdy as an adult, and often people keep Axolotls of different size together which makes it a lot easier for a limb of a smaller Axolotl to be damaged.
Its down to feeding habits to stop these accidents happening. You can spread out the food, feed Axolotls in different areas. Also making sure the Axolotls are always well fed, stopping any temptation for them to snap at each other. Also the longer Axolotls are in a tank with each other, the more aware they are of their tank mate(s).
That website is a very dodgy website with a load of poor information and advise. I would advise steering clear of advice given there. Although they are more likely to snap at each other as juveniles, there is not really a canabalistic stage as such. Axolotls often snap at anything that moves and are opportunistic. Movement from another axolotl can sometimes trick them to think some sort of food is there. Making sure they are well fed. What are you feeding them and how often?
AxolotlChris
New member
Your feeding the right type of food, just make sure to feed them both not close to each other. As they are so young you can feed a lot per day so keep feeding till they aren't interested anymore. They will be fine