Question: Re-introducing two axolotls to each other... Any tips?

[mothEar]

About six months ago my axolotls were starting to outgrow their tank and got in a fairly nasty fight. They've been in separate tanks now for six months, and both are now very healthy but I'm nervous about reintroducing them. However the new tank is a good size for two axolotls and I'd like them to share it.

Both of the lads are roughly the same size, but one has always been a bit chunkier and faster than the other.

If anyone has any tips on (re)introducing axolotls then it'd be great to hear them.

Should I get a divider to begin with? Do I need to keep them apart at feeding time? (I hand feed them with sinking pellets, and they normally go and hoover up any they've missed.)




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[emmaspugs]

When you first had your axolotls how big were they? Axolotls tend to act aggressive to each other until they grow to 6 inches (unless of course you have a giant tank). If they were older and they were with each other for a good time I would suggest not to try to introduce them because it can stress them out and can become violent. If you do try at an adult stage you would need a big tank (double the amount of the minimum gallon-age per axolotl) about 40 gallons would be good. Use a heavy mesh divider to separate them and when introduce feed both. Remember to change hiding place and scenery occasionally and if you have a light turn it off. When they are there look for signs of gill curl slime coat shedding.

If they were young and were only there for a brief time it should be okay if you introduce them but proceed with caution and if there are signs of gill curling, slime coat shedding, etc. do the same with the divider.

Good luck:

 

[mothEar]

When you first had your axolotls how big were they? Axolotls tend to act aggressive to each other until they grow to 6 inches (unless of course you have a giant tank). If they were older and they were with each other for a good time I would suggest not to try to introduce them because it can stress them out and can become violent. If you do try at an adult stage you would need a big tank (double the amount of the minimum gallon-age per axolotl) about 40 gallons would be good. Use a heavy mesh divider to separate them and when introduce feed both. Remember to change hiding place and scenery occasionally and if you have a light turn it off. When they are there look for signs of gill curl slime coat shedding.



If they were young and were only there for a brief time it should be okay if you introduce them but proceed with caution and if there are signs of gill curling, slime coat shedding, etc. do the same with the divider.



Good luck:

Thanks for your advice! They're both just hitting the 6 inch mark - the smaller one is maybe a little less than 6 inches and the larger one a tiny bit more. I'll get a divider and see how they get on.


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[xxianxx]

As long as they are of a similar size just put them in the same tank, they are not territorial and aggressive behavior is generally down to them trying to eat each other when they are smaller