how old is my axolotl

[sarah87]

i have had an axolotl for just over 6 months now how can i tell its sex and age

 

[pinkangel729]

well when it is mature it will have black tips to its toes, you can tell if it is male or female by the lump behind the back legs, the bigger the lump is usually a sign of a male, a smaller lump is female.

If you can get a pic of the back legs area we could help you out

 

[b00f]

check this out

http://www.axolotl.org/biology.htm

 

[Darkmaverick]

Hi Sarah,

It is best to try sex them when they are about 1 and a half years of age. That would give you a clearer idea as axies have different rates of maturity and some male axies may not exhibit the characteristically larger cloaca until much later.

Meanwhile to be safe it is best to use a tank divider or house them separately if you do not want breeeding to occur.

Dark toe tips in light coloured axies and white toe tips in dark coloured axies indicate sexual maturity.

Other than the cloaca difference, males tend to be slimmer and have less rounded looking abodomen. Their heads are also slimmer and pointier than the females. Obviously if the axie lays eggs you know its a female and if it deposits spermatophores, it is a male.

To estimate the age, you can measure the length of the axie from head to tail. The size of the axie can give a rough guide to its age.

Cheers.

 

[sarah87]

my axolotl is about 5 inch long

 

[Darkmaverick]

Hi Sarah,

That is still a juvenile axie and has room to grow. I would estimate it to be less than a year old.

Has it displayed signs of sexual maturity yet? (Look at toe tips)

Cheers

 

[sarah87]

she has grey fingertips on all fingertips she hasnt grown much since i got her a matter of an inch or so. does this help with ageing her

 

[blueberlin]

Hi Sarah,

At 5 inches and with colored toes, I would estimate your axolotl to be 5-7 months old.

-Eva

 

[AxieLover21]

Mine is 17.3cm (6.8inches)

light to tips (leucistic)

any idea? i'm guessing 3 months??