Dwarf Axolotl : 10 Interesting Dwarfism In Axolotl Facts

The axolotl, whose name means “water monster”, is a species of the amphibian family that lives mainly in Mexico in lakes over 2000 meters above sea level or volcanic craters filled with water. Individuals living in the wild were classified as critically endangered in 2006.

The axolotl however has the particularity of regenerating its damaged or destroyed organs, even a missing eye or parts of its brain.

Dwarf Axolotl is not only cute but very pleasing to watch and care for. They are popular due to their cute and exotic appearance. They are also very easy to handle and don’t require much care. Axolotls are lizard-like salamanders, who stay in the water.

In its albino variety developed from scientific breeding, the axolotl has become a widespread animal in pet stores devoted to amphibians. It is this variety that was seen at the Botanical Garden, which suggests that the specimens were abandoned by an unscrupulous amateur.

Petting an axolotl is a sweet experience as watching them grow is quite a journey itself. Though the Axolotl owners can’t hold their pets, they surely enjoy the view of Axolotl’s swimming. Being utterly unique pets, dwarf Axolotls are the most popular Axolotls among the Axolotls owners.

What Is An Axolotl?

The axolotl or “water monster” is an amphibian that retains its tail once an adult. It has long been likened to a tiger salamander but it is a species apart. It is native to Mexico where it is found naturally in lakes.

It has the particularity of being able to remain a larva throughout its life while being able to reproduce. If it remains in the water, its life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, while if it is gradually transferred to a vivarium, this lifespan rarely exceeds five years.

Another amazing feature of the axolotl is its ability to regenerate organs that have been damaged or even destroyed. A bit like the tail of the lizard! But he goes much further in his “repair”. He thus can “regrow” a lost eye or damaged parts of his brain.

It takes between 18 and 24 months to complete its growth. It then reaches a size that varies from 15 to 33 cm with an average of 25 cm. His eyes have no lids. It has six outer gills on either side of its head. They are generally compared to ferns. But axolotl also has lungs, and it can breathe through the skin. It has legs with four toes in the front and five in the back.

What Is A Dwarf Axolotl?

A dwarf axolotl is an axolotl that can’t grow to its full potential and often stays small throughout its life. A dwarf axolotl will grow max to 6 inches, not more than that. The dwarf axolotl is often considered popular among axolotl lovers as they are very cute and hard to find.

There are many species of dwarf axolotls and one of the most famous ones is the African dwarf frog axolotl. Dwarf axolotl doesn’t grow to the full potential of an average axolotl. On an average a dwarf axolotl will grow six inches at most in one year only.

Where To Buy A Dwarf Axolotl And How Much Does It Cost?

There are three types of the axolotl. The common form is black, grey, brown or bluish. The leucistic form is the one most often found in aquariums. It is characterized by its white color and black eyes. The albino axolotl is also white but with red eyes. This is the species that is considered to be domestic.

You can buy an axolotl in pet stores. The price varies depending on the size and color. An average size axolotl can range from 7 to 48 USD. However, dwarf axolotls may not be found that easily and it may cost a little more depending on where the axolotl is being bought.

How Big Do Dwarf Axolotls Get?

On average a dwarf axolotl can grow up to six inches and it will take around a year for them to reach that height. Comparing them to the average axolotl which can grow up to 9 inches but some of the axolotls also grow as long as 12 inches.

The body of the dwarf axolotl is like a long oval. It should be noted that owners often get confused between a dwarf and a short toe axolotl. However, dwarf and short toe Axolotls are different.

Can Axolotls Have Dwarfism?

Yes, Axolotls can have dwarfism. Two common conditions are the reason for abnormal growth in Axolotls. Dwarfism is the first condition where a dwarf axolotl remains half the size of the average axolotl. In Dwarfism the head of the axolotl grows without any change but the body of the axolotl remains small.

Another condition is Mini axolotls. The growth of mini axolotl halts before reaching adulthood due to genetics, stunting due to malnutrition.

Are Dwarf Axolotls Rare?

Axolotls are an endangered species that is often not found in most pet stores. Many countries even ban pet axolotls as they are a rare species. So dwarf axolotl is also rare to find. They are not too rare but it can be hard to find dwarf axolotl to pet. So it is very unlikely that you will get a dwarf axolotls for sale.

How Long Do Dwarf Axolotls Live?

It is said that dwarf axolotl lives as much as any normal axolotl lives. However, that is not the truth. Axolotl’s life span can depend on axolotl to axolotl. Many dwarf axolotl owners have experienced that a dwarf axolotl doesn’t live more than 3-4 years. A female dwarf axolotl may live even less, around 2 years.

Can Axolotls Stay Small?

Yes, many genetic and malnutritional conditions lead Axolotls to stay small for their lifetime. Dwarfism and mini Axolotls are two different conditions with different symptoms and reasons that can cause Axolotls to stay small.

If talking about axolotl being proportionally small, it is a mini axolotl condition, where axolotl doesn’t grow more than six inches in its lifetime. However, dwarf axolotls have a normal size heads but small bodies.

Dwarf Axolotl Vs Mini Axolotl

Axolotl Short Toe Syndrome

Sometimes axolotls also have a syndrome called short toe which is often confused with dwarfism. However there is a difference, as the name suggests, in short, toe syndrome, the axolotls have shorter legs and toes than an average axolotl.

Short toe syndrome is a very serious issue, which isn’t treatable and leads to a lot of pain in the pets.

Dwarf Axolotl Lifespan

Dwarf axolotl, due to their geometrical disability tends to live less than an average axolotl. Even though it is said that dwarf axolotl lives as much as an average axolotl but that is not true with most of the axolotl owner experience. Most of the time it is observed that female axolotls don’t live more than two years, however dwarf male axolotls may live a little more.

What Does Axolotl Eat?

The axolotl is a carnivore. His favorite dishes are worms, insects, and small fish. In pet stores, the owners can find fish-based pellets but earthworms, bloodworms, small freshwater crustaceans can also be given. Axolotl owners’ can also give it chicken heart or flesh of freshwater fish. When it is less than 10 cm, it should be fed daily.

If the owners have an ordinary axolotl ranging from 10 to 12 cm, it needs five meals a week, then three meals when he measures 12 to 15 cm, two meals of 15 to 20 cm and only once a week when his height exceeds 20 cm. As a general rule, axolotl should be fed until satiety. When he’s not hungry, he just turns away from the food.

Which Aquarium Does Axolotls Need And How To Set It Up?

It must be remembered that once adult, the axolotl can reach almost 30 cm in length. It, therefore, needs a large aquarium from the start. He will spend most of his time at the bottom of the aquarium. If it is too often on the surface, it is a sign of discomfort. This stress is also very common. That is why he must have many possibilities to hide.

The axolotl likes to live with other axolotls. It is, therefore, necessary to provide a larger aquarium if you buy two urodeles. The axolotl requires a large floor area with very fine sand or a simple bare bottom.

Dwarf axolotl tank size needs to be enough to carry 20 gallons of water per axolotl and it should have at least 30 cm of water between 14 and 20° Celsius maximum. Tap water, as hard as possible, is perfect. It is important not to install a water conditioner or bacteria.

Proper artificial or natural plants and caves should be set up so that an axolotl can hide if required. It is not recommended to put other fish with the axolotl. They might eat its gills or feed themselves if they are small.

Final Verdict – Dwarf Axolotl

Dwarf axolotls are truly famous for their cuteness especially among children and there are many mini axolotl plush available in the market. Dwarfism among the axolotls is a genetic disproportionate body. Many people like to pet axolotls, especially dwarf axolotls. A dwarf axolotl has a small body but a normal size head which makes them look cute. Even though dwarf axolotls don’t live much time still they are considerably popular among the masses.

Axolotls can have disproportionate bodies in three cases: the first is dwarfism and the second is mini axolotls. Where neither the body nor face grows to the average size of an ordinary axolotl. Mini axolotls remain the same small size.

The third type is short toe syndrome which is a very painful and dangerous disease. If the owner notices that the axolotl has such a syndrome they should immediately head to the vet.

Axolotls are an endangered species which makes it rare to find per axolotls. Dwarf axolotls are further more rare and difficult to find, so the person finding them may not find dwarf axolotls for sale.

As a pet lover, make sure to learn about pet more and give your pet axolotl a good and comfortable life!

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️