Axolotls can be tricky to look after as pets – I know because I own 20

When Emma Honeyfield’s daughter Amber requested an axolotl for her birthday, the 37-year-old mother never expected it to snowball into a full collection of 20. The initial purchase of Stitch, the first axolotl, in September marked the start of a passion that has grown far beyond her original intent. Amber, eight, had always been a tough child to please, so Emma relented without hesitation.

The Care Challenges

Emma’s family is not the only one drawn to these peculiar creatures. Axolotls, which are critically endangered and native to specific lakes and wetlands in southern Mexico City, have become a popular pet choice. Their charming, perpetually smiling faces, coupled with their presence in hit games like Minecraft and Roblox, have fueled this growing interest.

“I went into it thinking it would be quite easy – and it’s really not,” Emma said, reflecting on the complexity of axolotl care. “Make sure you set everything up properly and do your research first.”

With wild populations estimated to range between 50 and 1,000 globally, experts stress the importance of understanding their unique needs. These animals can live up to two decades, demanding long-term commitment from owners. Emma, who now maintains four tanks, admits the reality has proven more demanding than anticipated. The tanks require a “fishless cycle” to cultivate beneficial bacteria, involving precise ammonia dosing and water testing.

Expert Warnings and Realities

Tara Costellow, director of the Axolotl and Reptile Rescue Centre in Evesham, Worcestershire, described them as “majestic animals” but cautioned that they can be “overwhelming.” A notable incident occurred when a 10-year-old girl discovered a nine-inch Mexican axolotl near the River Ogmore in Bridgend, marking the only documented wild sighting in the UK.

“Everyone’s kids wanted one – it was seen as such a big money-maker,” Tara said, noting the surge in demand after axolotl appearances in Minecraft. “But now, some owners are giving them up, and the centre received 160 axolotls from one overwhelmed owner.”

Kerry Allen, a 40-year-old from Dorset, has kept Kev, an axolotl, for several years. “I kept seeing them on social media and just loved them,” she said, calling them “an absolutely wonderful pet.” Despite her own limited enthusiasm for Minecraft, she believes the game may have sparked Amber’s interest in axolotls. The first purchase was from an aquatic shop, but subsequent ones came from a specialist breeder, costing more.

“Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation given to new owners about looking after them,” Kerry added. “Lots become quite poorly because pet shops aren’t always up to scratch on their care.”

Rescue Efforts and Conservation Concerns

Tara’s rescue center houses about 160 axolotls, alongside ferrets, snakes, and lizards. The surge in demand, driven by axolotls’ presence in popular media, led breeders to mass-produce them. However, this trend has also resulted in many axolotls being re-homed due to factors like children losing interest, moving away for education, or financial pressures.

“Touch wood I’ve never had a problem with him – he’s in great condition,” Kerry said, describing Kev’s growth from two inches to 12. “But there’s so many been sold with wrong information and they die.”

Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, highlighted the underestimation of axolotl care requirements. “People often overlook the dedication needed to maintain them,” he noted. Young axolotls must be kept separate for months due to their cannibalistic tendencies, complicating re-homing efforts. This underscores the importance of responsible ownership, especially as these creatures face threats in the wild.