Axolotls are Mexican aquatic animals which possess unique features that have attracted the interest of researchers and animal enthusiasts, these wonderful features have caused many potential adopters to ask so many questions about them and one is such questions is “How Long Do Axolotls live?”
Biological Features
Axolotls are otherwise called “Mexican walking fish” they possess external gill and aquatic larval structure throughout their lifetime.
They bypass the common metamorphosis process and retain their juvenile feature till the end of their lives. This process is called paedomorphism.
This paedomorphic ability makes them different from the rest of the amphibians and it combines with their ability to regenerate or regrow their body parts, organs and brain to give them the potential long lifespan.
Lifespan in Captivity
Axolotls live for an average of 10 to 15 years in captivity, however, some of them have lived up to 20 year and more.
Their lifespan in captivity is dependent on many factors such as good care, good living condition, balance diet and providing their basic needs.
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Factors that Influences their Lifespan
There are several factors that influences their lifespan, and it includes the following:
1. Quality of their Habitat
The quality of their habitat is one of the most important factor that affects their lifespan. Axolotls live in a cool and clean aquatic environment with adequate filtration.
Deviation from an ideal habitat condition can cause stress and health problems to Axolotls as they are very sensitive to changes.
A well-managed and spacious tank with good hiding place is suitable for the Axolotls, it will allow them to exhibit their normal behaviour which contributes to their long lifespan.
2. Nutrition
Nutrition is a great determinant of Axolotls’ lifespan. An excellent diet is made up of pellets that are high in quality, live food, frozen food and organisms like brine shrimps, earthworms are sufficient to provide them with the required nutrient to growth and be in good health.
However, overfeeding and provision of low quality food stuffs can cause health problem which will shorten their lifespan.
Good balance diet, good food quality and good ration is very important for their overall wellbeing.
3. Challenges in their Natural Habitat
There are many challenges that Axolotls face in the wild which are detrimental to their health and their lifespan.
These challenges include pollution, encroachment of non-native breeds and habitat destruction and these have reduced their population in the wild.
4. Genetics
Genetics is as a factor, plays a role that determines how long Axolotls can live. Some genes inherited from their parents can affect their ability to fight diseases and other health issues.
Good breeding methods focussed on improvement of their genetic diversity and health contribute to their resilience ability and vitality.
Conclusion
Adequate care, good habitat, balance diet, good breeding methods are great factors that will elongate their lifespan of Axolotls in captivity.
Great conservation plans are of importance to arrest the challenges axolotls face in the wild and to prevent them from going into extinction.