Housing

Many sources recommend that the morphed axolotl be kept in a habitat akin to that of a tiger salamander. While there is no harm in using tiger salamander care as a guide, some differences should be noted. Most morphed axolotls still have a strong attraction to water. Some of them have even go back to the water permanently! This is referred to as the NGA (no-gill aquatic) morph. They even regrow part of their tail fin in this case.

Great care should be taken to provide them with access to both substrate to burrow into and a deep pool to swim in. A paludarium style build is highly recommended. If you can't provide this, be sure to offer them a large dish or tub to soak in when they feel the need.

Because of these unique needs, it is recommended to house the animal in at least a 40 gallon habitat so that they adequate space can be given to both land and water.

We recommend 1/4 of the enclosure to be aquatic.

Axolotls are a member of the mole salamander family. They spend quite a bit of their time buried in soft earth or hiding out in pre-made caves or burrows. It is common to see them peeking out of the mouth of a cave or buried beneath the soil with just their nose sticking out. A mix of organic topsoil, organic raised garden bed soil, and a little sand make a great bedding choice for these guys, moistened just enough that you can pack it into a damp ball without it dripping. Top off with moss and damp leaves to keep the enclosure slightly humid.

A drainage layer is an important feature to have on the bottom of your habitat to allow the soil to shed excess moisture.

**Note that we have received warnings from many researchers regarding the use of cocofiber. Many report that the moisture retention and composition of the substrate can breed harmful bacteria that contribute to bacterial infection and death in salamanders.

In the event that you end up with more than one metamorph, you might be wondering if you can house them in the same environment. In most cases, the answer is definitely yes! Morphed axolotls can be quite social with one another, engaging in greeting behaviors like sniffing, nose touching, and cheek rubbing. Many will even share the same burrow, and in at least one case, having more than one in the same feeding bin has encouraged a reluctant eater to take food. There are multiple reports of two or more salamanders following one another around their habitat.

Despite their social tendencies, care should be taken to make sure than every metamorph has their own place to hide if they want to spread out and be alone. You should always watch for nipping or bullying and make sure that every salamander is getting enough to eat and isn't showing signs of stress or injury.
 

It is not advised to house metamorphs of different sexes together, as breeding can occur if the right conditions are met. A seasonal transition into cold weather can trigger your salamanders to take to the water, where they will mate and produce fertile eggs. Many morphed axolotls are highly inbred already - Great care should be taken to freeze any eggs produced to prevent unhealthy offspring.

A question that we often get is, "Do morphed axolotls produce morphing babies?" Yes! The offspring will morph just like their parents.