Question: Do (did) axolotls really only eat a couple of times per week in the wild?

[Karayna]

The advice if only having to feed adults every other day, or every three days, seems to be accepted and never questioned. But do (did, as they're probably extinct) axolotls really eat that infrequently in the wild? I'd imagine they would find small insects comstantly.

Where does the feeding info come from, originally? Are there studies on their eating behavior? Why is it better to wait days than feeding small portions every day instead?

 

[Amyglistens]

Hi ya, I think you'd have to take a lot of things into consideration, such as in the wild axolotls would be using up a lot of energy searching for food and would not be as successful at catching it compared to being hand fed in a tank. An axolotl in a 10 gallon tank would express a lot less energy then one in the wild therefore needing less food.
However I honestly think it depends on your individual axolotl. The feeding guidelines are just that ... guidelines, and working out the best feeding patten for your axi is all part and parcel of being a great axi owner.

 

[Karayna]

You're absolutely right. ☺ I was just concerned since my own axies are hungry all the time (and my adult female was quite thin when I got her, so I've been feeding her small nightcrawler portions twice per day). Yet none are overweight, so I was just wondering why people suggest feeding so seldom. My guys would try to eat me. ?