The mosaic axolotl or Mexican walking fish is a salamander variant, a new addition to pet lovers’ collections around the world.
This innocent-looking aquatic species can grab your attention with its exceptional looks. Axolotls are exotic so it is no wonder why millions of pet lovers are after them.
The mosaic axolotl is a kind of mutant species, with a rare parting of black and white right in the middle of its body. The subtle gold smear gives it a charming look. You can learn about various types of pets you can consider, on this website: www.tonsofcats.com
If you want to have a mosaic axolotl as a pet too, there are some facts to consider before buying or adopting one.
What Is a Mosaic Axolotl?
When a regular axolotl experiences a mutation during its embryonic stage, its body is smeared with black, golden, and white flecks. The mosaic axolotl will develop red and purple gills along with multicolored eyes.
Usually, two different kinds of axolotl parents are used to breed a mosaic axolotl. The breeding attempt will not necessarily end in success. That’s why mosaic axolotls are very rare and one of the most endangered exotic animals in the US. Learn more about Taking On a Mosaic Axolotl as a Pet at www.dogs-info.net
Why Are Mosaic Axolotls So Rare?
Did you know that mosaic axolotls aren’t regular breeds? They’re actually a hybrid of two different axolotl parents. And that’s why you won’t find too many mosaic axolotls around your neighborhood or in pet stores.
Moreover, mosaic axolotls aren’t fertile breeders. Even if you try to increase their numbers by crossbreeding, the success rate is very low.
This might be the reason why mosaic axolotls need more care for preservation.
Top 6 Facts to Consider Before Bringing an Axolotl Home as a Pet
To acquire mosaic axolotls as a pet, you must consider a few important facts. You’ve got to read more about their diet, habitat, nature, etc. for taking proper measures before and after adopting this special salamander breed.
Let’s check these six facts to decide whether you’re truly ready to bring a mosaic axolotl into your home:
1. Will a Mosaic Axolotl Be a Good Pet?
From a beginner’s perspective, mosaic axolotls are an ideal pet. Their meek nature will help you form a beautiful friendship in no time. Besides, they look truly wonderful inside the tank among other colorful fishes and aqua plants.
Mosaic axolotls live long enough to give you a long-lived pet ownership experience without any significant issues. Although we’ve said that these special breeds require preservation, you don’t have to provide anything special for their survival apart from regular essentials.
Here are several good qualities a mosaic axolotl possesses:
- A sturdy and independent survival capacity
- A center of attraction in a room
- Capable of thriving in a freshwater tank
- Able to become friends quickly, although a bit sensitive about touches
- A unique pet with little fuss and maintenance
So, yes. If you’re looking for a friendly and cute pet, adopt a mosaic axolotl today.
2. Is Keeping Pet Mosaic Axolotls Legal?
You should know that mosaic axolotls are illegal as pets in some states, including New Jersey, Maine, Virginia, California, and others. This is because they are native to Mexico and classified as endangered species.
You must check exotic pet laws to verify whether your area is restricted from keeping mosaic axolotls. Otherwise, bringing one into your house may put you through legal hassles.
3. Surviving Essentials for a Pet Mosaic Axolotl
Bringing a mosaic axolotl comes with the responsibility of providing it with the essentials for its healthy survival. There are many pet-related technological innovations that can help you make life comfortable for your new pet.
Let’s check out the things you need to arrange for your pet mosaic axolotl:
- A fish tank of about 15-20 gallons capacity with an ergonomic lid
- Some land area since it’s a semi-aquatic salamander breed; consider having some gravel larger than its head
- Fill the tank with water between 56 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit
- The tank water should be a mix of aquarium and tap water conditioner
- A filter attached to the tank at a slow filtering speed
- A cool room temperature
- Keep the tank environment a bit duskier– no fancy lights required
- A hiding spot (such as a flower pot or artificial plant)
Apart from the above, make sure you don’t use distilled water in the tank. Also, a 20-25% water change per week is necessary to keep the tank water quality optimal.
4. What to Feed a Mosaic Axolotl?
If you’re satisfied with the habitat arrangement for your mosaic axolotl, it’s time to learn about its diet. Food habits between wild and domestic mosaic axolotls may differ. It’s the availability of certain foods you should be concerned with.
You can feed your pet mosaic axolotl the following items:
- Bloodworms
- Earthworms
- Beef liver strips
- Brine shrimp
- Fish pellets
Remember, depending on the age and size of your adopted mosaic axolotl, its diet will vary. So, consult a vet about what to feed your axolotl.
5. The Lifespan of a Mosaic Axolotl
On average, a mosaic axolotl can live up to 10-15 years in the wild. However, you can achieve a similar lifespan if you take good care of it at home.
It’s important to not only provide all the essentials for your pet mosaic axolotl but to keep the environment clean. A clean and hygienic tank can allow an axolotl to live up to its potential.
6. How Much a Mosaic Axolotl Should Cost?
On average, an axolotl shouldn’t cost you more than $60. Nonetheless, expect to pay between $20-80 depending on the size, age, and condition of the creature.
We wouldn’t suggest you buy a mosaic axolotl because there are many breeders who may sell you a different axolotl species instead of the actual mosaic axolotl.
Even if you do so, buy it from a well-known breeder. Check references before approaching the breeder. Another way to get a mosaic axolotl is to check with reliable animal rescuers.
Are Vitiligo Axolotl and Mosaic Axolotl the Same?
Many sellers might claim their vitiligo axolotls as the mosaic axolotls, but that’s a lie.
Vitiligo is a condition in axolotls that they may develop due to pigmentation loss. But the point is, this condition transforms the skin of the axolotl gradually, giving it a patched shed.
Due to this, the axolotl’s skin sometimes may look like a mosaic or marbled design to inexperienced eyes.
Since the demand for mosaic axolotls is growing higher, dishonest sellers are trying to slip vitiligo axolotls into enthusiast buyers’ hands at high prices.
Remember, mosaic axolotls are quite different from vitiligo axolotls. So, learn about mosaic axolotls in depth so no one can rob you of them in exchange for a regular axolotl.
Mosaic Axolotls Varieties
Marbled skin or split skin are the two main variations of mosaic axolotls.
The one with the marbled skin has random leucistic patterns in addition to melanistic spots all over the body. Marbled mosaic axolotls are of various colors. They have colorful spots spread all over their bodies.
On the other hand, the split mosaic axolotl looks like a half-skinned fish due to being equally divided into black and white or light pink.
Most pet lovers prefer marbled axolotls due to them being available in multiple colors. However, both varieties of mosaic axolotls are beautiful aqua pets.
Bottom Line
Axolotls are amazing aquatic pets. Mosaic axolotls have a special place in pet lovers’ hearts due to their exotic features and rareness.
However, you must consider the six facts we’ve shared in this article before adopting or purchasing a mosaic axolotl. Don’t bring these special species into your house on a whim only to abandon them later.
If you can locate an authentic source to adopt or buy a mosaic axolotl, make sure you verify its origin. Furthermore, you can consult a vet about its health condition before bringing it to your home.
