How often should you feed an axolotl?

The question of feeding frequency often comes up among axolotl owners, especially beginners. Should you feed an axolotl every day? Can it fast? The answer depends on its age, size, health and even the temperature of its water. Here is a complete guide to feeding your axolotl properly, without excess or deficiency.

Why Is Feeding Frequency So Important?

In axolotls, an inappropriate feeding routine can have very quick effects: weight gain, loss of appetite, stress, constipation or even illness. Because they have a slow metabolism, overfeeding is much more common than underfeeding. Understanding their needs helps prevent many health issues and ensures long-term well-being.

The General Rule by Age

Frequency depends above all on your axolotl’s age. Here are the key guidelines:

• Juveniles (up to 6 months): 1 meal per day, or even 2 if very small (< 5 cm)
• Young adults (6–12 months): every other day or 1 small meal per day
• Adults (> 12 months): 2 to 3 meals per week are enough

A healthy adult does not need to eat daily. It can even fast once a week without any problem. In captivity, axolotls are often overfed, which puts strain on their liver and encourages obesity.

Signs Your Axolotl Has Eaten Enough

Your axolotl will often eat whatever you give it, but that doesn’t mean it’s hungry. Here are useful indicators:

• It ignores or spits out food: it is probably full
• Its abdomen becomes noticeably rounded: stop feeding for the day
• It shows little interest despite stimulation: no need to insist

An axolotl doesn’t need daily variety. Better to feed less but well than too much and poorly.

How Much Should You Feed?

A good rule of thumb is to give a portion roughly the width of its head. For example:

• 1 to 3 bloodworms or small earthworms for a juvenile
• 1 large earthworm or 2 pellets for an adult

Food should be eaten within a few minutes. If it remains at the bottom for more than 10–15 minutes, reduce the quantity.

The Role of Temperature

An axolotl’s metabolism is influenced by water temperature:

• At 15–18 °C (ideal zone): normal rhythm → 2 to 3 times per week
• Below 14 °C: slowed metabolism → 1 to 2 times per week maximum
• Above 20 °C: danger zone → reduced appetite + stress

There is no need to force-feed an axolotl if the water is colder than usual. It regulates its needs according to its environment.

Should You Make Your Axolotl Fast?

Yes — fasting one day a week is even recommended for adults. It allows the digestive system to rest. Some keepers choose Sunday or Wednesday for this. It also helps reduce waste accumulation in the tank.

Fasting is also useful before a transfer, cleaning or handling to prevent regurgitation or digestive stress.

Special Cases: Sick, Stressed or Egg-Laying Axolotls

• Sick axolotl: may refuse food for several days → do not force, monitor other symptoms
• Stressed axolotl (new tank, new environment): feed lightly or wait 24 hours
• Egg-laying female: may eat much more → temporarily increase frequency, without excess

Conclusion

An adult axolotl does not need daily meals. Two to three meals per week are more than enough. Young axolotls, however, need more frequent feeding to support growth. By respecting the correct frequency, you reduce risks of obesity, stress and water pollution. Observe your axolotl, adjust portions and trust its rhythm — it will show you what it needs.

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