Question: When do they start breeding?

[mifuneaxie]

I was thinking of purchasing two young axolotls (like 5-6")(when they become available) and was hoping they would both be the same sex. However, seeing as that is a fifty-fifty chance, I was wondering when they would start breeding if they were different sexes. Do they actually wait until they're sexual mature? That's just a guide for when they can start breeding safely, right? I don't really want a pregnant axie (not experienced enough), and it seems difficult to wait and purchase a second axolotl of a certain color and sex.

So if I have two axies and they happen to be different sexes, but I can't tell what sex yet, would they breed? Is this hazardous to their health? I know excess breeding is bad and that's why different sexes should be kept apart, but it seems many people here have different sexed axies kept together without any problems.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Greatwtehunter]

For the most part male axolotls will be very noticeably male when they are ready to breed but there is a chance that it will stay femine looking. If you happen to get a pair and you absolutely do not want them to breed then the best thing to do is either get a divider or a second tank.

If you want to keep them together then there is no sure fire way to prevent them from breeding. Usually a dip in tank temperature for a few weeks will be all that is needed to trigger them to breed. Keeping the tank at a constant temperature of 16-18C, in theory, would reduce this chance.

 

[mifuneaxie]

So if the tank stays above 16*C, then the chances of breeding are diminished greatly? And they won't really breed until you can tell if the males are male? Most of the time this is how it works?

Thanks for answering my questions!

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Keeping the temperature above 16c isn't as important as how constant the temperature remains. The less change in temps the better.

Most of the time you will be able to tell an axolotl is a male before it breeds.

 

[Darkmaverick]

Axies can still breed even if the tank temperature is kept constant at the optimal temperature range of 16-18 degrees. However, a drop in temperature is a strong stimulus for breeding especially for the male axies. For hobbyists wanting to induce breeding in their axies, a dip in temperature can help.

To avoid breeding, it is best to house male and female axies separately. A tank divider can help but is not a foolproof plan.

 

[Greatwtehunter]

Axies can still breed even if the tank temperature is kept constant at the optimal temperature range of 16-18 degrees.

That's why I said this....

If you want to keep them together then there is no sure fire way to prevent them from breeding.

and....

Usually a dip in tank temperature for a few weeks will be all that is needed to trigger them to breed. Keeping the tank at a constant temperature of 16-18C, in theory, would reduce this chance.

 

[Darkmaverick]

You are correct Justin. I just wanted to reinforce your point for hotchikitsu that the constant water temperature is not a deterrant to axies breeding.

I was worried that hotchikitsu interpreted that chances of breeding are diminished greatly if the water temperature is a constant 16 degrees or above. Some axies will still breed like there is no tomorrow throughout the year regardless of water temperature.

 

[mifuneaxie]

Thanks for the replies! I understand that the same constant temperature won't stop them from breeding and that it's best to keep sexes apart if you don't want eggs. Thanks again!