What happens if your axolotl is hitting the glass? Axolotls are beautiful and unique aquatics that have captured the hearts of lovers of aquatic. But when an axolotl begins to hit the glass of its tank, then it calls for concern and curiosity. Here, we will get to know the reason behind this behavior.
What are Axolotls?
Fascinating members of the salamander family are axolotls. Axolotls do not change from tadpole to adult form like most other amphibians do; instead, they maintain their larval characteristics all of their lives.
This implies that even when they achieve sexual maturity, they retain their aquatic lifestyle, long tails, and feathery gills.
What Do Axolotls Look Like?
Axolotls share little physical characteristics with their striped forebears, other than their ancestor, the tiger salamander.
Although nine inches is the more common length, axolotls can reach up to eighteen inches. Their weight can vary between 2 and 8 ounces.
Axolotls in the wild are often brown with dark mottling and sometimes silvery highlights. In captivity, axolotls are frequently bred to be pink and white.
The axolotl has a broad, flat head. Frequently, their mouths are inclined slightly upward, giving the impression that they are grinning.
Some people have brilliant blue irises on black eyes. The long, feathery gills on the axolotl’s head are one of its distinguishing features.
The head features three ruffled gills on each side. Frills can vary in color from a delicate pink to a vivid fuchsia in pale axolotls, and they are typically deep crimson or maroon in darker-colored axolotls.
Axolotls have four legs and webbed feet like other salamanders, but they differ greatly in their tail anatomy.
The axolotl tail is more akin to a tadpole tail than other salamanders’ thick, muscular tails because it never fully develops.
What Happens if Your Axolotl Is Hitting the Glass?
Pet axolotls, those cute salamanders with endless smiles, require little upkeep. However, you should be concerned if your axolotl keeps knocking into the glass of its tank.
Here’s a summary of potential causes and solutions for this behavior.
Curiosity and Exploration
One primary reason axolotls hit the glass of their habitat or tank, is because of their desire to explore and their natural curiosity.
They are known to explore their immediate surroundings and the glass could be a barrier for them to explore more.
They perceive the glass as an obstacle to be explored. This act is harmless and may just tell us that they are healthy and just being inquisitive about their surroundings.
Reflection Misinterpretation
The axolotl may find its reflection on the glass as being another axolotl, which causes it to react to that idea by hitting the glass of the tank.
During its breeding season, axolotls become more territorial and often reflect the behavior of hitting the glass more. In other cases, the glass can be perceived as a rival by the axolotl, leading to continual hitting.
Environmental Stress
Hitting the glass by an axolotl could also be a sign of environmental stress. Some factors that can cause this stress it include, insufficient hiding spots, inappropriate water parameters, or overcrowding.
These factors can contribute to the stress of the axolotl, prompting it to display abnormal behaviors. Constant testing of the water and well-spaced tank can help curb this environmental stress.
Boredom or Lack of Stimulation
Axolotls can be bored in an unstimulating environment. If there are no hiding spots or aquarium decorations, it may engage in glass-hitting behavior to kill boredom.
When a stimulating environment is provided, it can help stop some boredom-related behaviors.
Health Issues
Glass hitting can be a sign of a health issue that is yet to be known. They may showcase some abnormal behaviors like glass hitting when they are unwell and pain or discomfort can be manifested with this behavior.
If other symptoms like changes in appetite, unusual body posture, or lethargy come with glass-hitting; it is advisable to consult a doctor who specializes in treating amphibians.
How to Address Their Glass-Hitting Behavior
There are several ways to address this behavior of the axolotl. They include:
1. Checking and Optimizing Tank Conditions
Make sure that the water parameters, including its pH level, temperature, and ammonia levels are at the appropriate range for the axolotls.
Ensure to provide adequate hiding spots and well-designed tank layouts to help reduce stress.
2. Environmental Enrichment
Introduce a stimulating environment that includes decorations, plants, and objects for your axolotls. These items can engage their curiosity and help reduce boredom.
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3. Monitor Social Dynamics
If there are more than one axolotl in your tank, monitor their interactions. If there are some aggressive behaviors amongst them, consider separating them.
How Long Do Axolotls Live?
In captivity, axolotls usually survive 10 to 15 years, but with the right care, some can live up to 20 years.
Axolotls are left to fend for themselves after birth. Their parents don’t offer them any assistance. The sexual maturity of axolotls is reached after around six months.
Between March and June, when the water begins to warm, is when they usually breed. Axolotl females can deposit anywhere from 300 to 1,000 eggs at a time. After roughly two weeks, the eggs hatch.
What Do Axolotls Eat?
Carnivorous predators, axolotls typically hunt at night. They suck up worms, crabs, mollusks, insect larvae, and occasionally tiny fish using a suction technique.
To help break down and facilitate simpler digestion of their diet, they could also suck up gravel particles.
Axolotls may bump their glasses sometimes as a result of their poor vision, but frequent bumping can indicate worry or discomfort.
You may provide your axolotl with a happy and healthy habitat by keeping an eye on your water quality, tank configuration, and any potential stressors.
Recall that an axolotl that receives proper care is less likely to develop an interest in bumper cars!
Seeing a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets can help rule out any underlying health issues if the behavior persists despite your best efforts.
You can keep your happy buddy swimming calmly rather than furiously bashing against things with a little research and proper care.