Axolotls are popular exotic pets that face welfare challenges from inadequate water temperature management, improper tank setup, and the welfare implications of a species that is critically endangered in the wild.
Axolotl welfare in captivity is primarily threatened by thermal stress and inappropriate tank conditions. Axolotls are cold-water animals from highland Mexican lakes. Room temperature water in UK homes is typically too warm, causing chronic heat stress, loss of appetite, and increased disease susceptibility. Fungal infections are common in stressed axolotls. Gravel substrate causes impaction when swallowed during feeding. Cohabitation with incompatible species leads to fin nipping and injury. Good axolotl welfare requires chilled or cool-room housing, bare-bottom or fine sand substrate, low-flow filtration, and compatible companions of the same species.