I’ve Got Worms

14/12/2025

Do Axolotls have bones???

Yes, axolotls have bones, but their skeleton starts mostly as cartilage, which gradually ossifies (turns into bone) as they age, and they possess an amazing ability to regenerate lost limbs, including the bone, nerves, muscle, and skin, perfectly and without scarring.

Key Points About Axolotl Skeletons:

Cartilage First:

In their early stages, axolotl skeletons are primarily made of cartilage, similar to many other amphibians, say researchers from the University of Chicago.

Bone Development:

Over time, this cartilage mineralizes and turns into bone, a process that continues as they get older, researchers note.

Regeneration:

Their most famous feature is their regenerative capacity, allowing them to regrow entire limbs, complete with fully functional bone, muscle, and nerves, multiple times, scientists explain.

Bone Healing:

While they regenerate limbs exceptionally well, studies show axolotls aren't great at healing large, non-union bone fractures (gaps in bone), though they can heal smaller fractures, say researchers.

So, they have bones, but their unique skeletal development and unparalleled regenerative abilities set them apart from most other vertebrates, highlighting unique aspects of vertebrate skeletal development, say researchers.

14/12/2025

Interesting facts:

Axolotls are amazing, eternally youthful salamanders from Mexico known for their incredible ability to regenerate lost limbs, parts of their heart, and even brain, staying in a "forever baby" stage (neoteny) with feathery gills. They have a permanent smile, are named after an Aztec god, live in the canals of Mexico City, and are critically endangered, despite being popular in research and as pets.

Superpowers & Biology

Regeneration:

They can regrow legs, tails, spines, and even parts of their heart and brain without scarring, making them vital for science.

Neoteny (Forever Young):

They remain aquatic larvae their whole lives, keeping their feathery external gills and dorsal fin, though they also develop lungs and can breathe air.

Unique Gills:

Those feathery things on their heads aren't just for show; they're their external gills, but they can also breathe through their skin and lungs.

"Smile":

They have a permanent, charming smile due to their mouth shape.

Origins & Culture

Aztec Roots:

Named after the Aztec god Xolotl, who was said to transform into an axolotl to escape sacrifice.

Mexico's Icon:

They're cultural heroes, appearing on the 50 peso bill and in art.

Home:

Wild axolotls are only found in the canals of Xochimilco near Mexico City, as their native lakes were drained.

Diet & Behavior

Suction Feeders:

They don't chew much; they gulp water and suck in worms, insects, and small fish.

Cannibalistic Tendencies:

Young axolotls in captivity sometimes nip off each other's limbs, possibly driving their regeneration.
Conservation Status

Critically Endangered:

Pollution, habitat loss, and invasive fish like carp and tilapia have pushed them to the brink in the wild.

17/10/2025

Is it bad to have too much O2 in an axolotl tank?

Excess oxygen saturation of > 100% have been implicated in gas bubble disease in fish, and are likely to occur in axolotls. The lower requirement for oxygen by axolotls are not published, possibly because they can cope taking surface air into their lungs

17/10/2025

Alternatives to using sweet potato in your tanks

Alternatives

If you have trouble with sweet potatoes, consider using other plants like pothos, which are a popular alternative for nitrate reduction and require less light

Today i will attempt to grow a sweet potato plant in my aquarium which will serve as a free DIY Nitrates filter. Welcome again to Fishaholic and to tackle is...

17/10/2025

Did you know:-

You can put a sweet potato in an axolotl tank to help with nutrient control, but you must grow it with the roots submerged and the leaves and vine growing out of the water. The sweet potato will absorb excess nutrients, and the axolotls may enjoy playing in the roots, but the tuber itself can rot or cause issues if it gets submerged, so it's best to use the vines or sprout a new potato from a piece of the tuber. It's important to provide adequate light for the plant to thrive.

How to prepare and grow a sweet potato plant

Start the sprouts:

Place the sweet potato in a cup with water, or a container in the tank, with only the bottom submerged. Use toothpicks to help it stay in place if needed.

Provide light:

Place the container near a window or provide a grow light so the sprouts can grow leaves and roots.

Move to the tank:

Once roots and leaves have formed, you can either place the whole sprout in the tank or cut off a piece of the vine to root in the water.

Monitor the plant:

Watch for yellowing leaves, which can indicate nutrient imbalance, and consider removing the potato if it starts to rot.

Benefits and considerations

Nutrient uptake:

The plant's roots will absorb excess nutrients like nitrates from the water, helping to keep the tank clean.

Hiding spots:

The roots can provide hiding places for the axolotl.

Rot potential:

Submerging the entire sweet potato can cause it to rot, which can negatively impact water quality.

Axolotl destruction:

Axolotls may destroy plants or roots, so you may need to use the vines instead of the full plant to avoid damage.

13/08/2025

Breeding Axolotls: fun facts :

Axolotls typically reach reproductive maturity and can breed after their first year of life, around 6 months to 1 year old. However, some breeders and experts recommend waiting until they are at least 18 months or even 2 years old to breed, as this allows them to fully mature and reach their full size, which can improve breeding success and reduce the risk of health issues for the female.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Sexual Maturity:

Axolotls can show signs of sexual maturity, such as developing male or female reproductive organs, around 6 months to a year old.

Breeding Age:

While capable of breeding at this age, it's often recommended to wait until they are older, ideally 18 months to 2 years, to ensure they are physically prepared for the breeding process and to reduce potential risks to the female.

Breeding Season:

In the wild, axolotls typically breed once a year between March and June, coinciding with stable water temperatures.

Female Health:

Breeding can be physically demanding for the female axolotl, and repeatedly breeding her too early or too often can negatively impact her health and growth.

Full Size:

Axolotls reach their full size at around 12 months or more, with females being larger than males.

Signs of Readiness:

A female axolotl ready to breed will appear plump and round in the rear section of her body when viewed from above

08/08/2025

Can I hold you?

Handling axolotls can cause them stress, which may weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to disease. Reducing physical contact helps maintain their well-being and longevity

08/08/2025

How long can Axolotls live:

Lifespan: In the wild, axolotls generally live 5-6 years but can reach 15 years in captivity. Breeding: Axolotls reach reproductive maturity after their first year of life

08/08/2025

WHY CANT WE TOUCh AXOLOTL’S:

Axolotls may look like their salamander cousins, but they are not. Because of that, touching, petting, or handling them can be dangerous for them. Oils or other substances from your hands can easily seep into their systems through their sensitive skin

24/07/2025

Im a little shy, but I’m gorgeous!