A Complete List of Foods Axolotls Can Eat (And What They Shouldn’t)

Axolotls eat Nightcrawlers, Red Wrigglers, Blackworms, Bloodworms, Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp, Dwarf Cherry Shrimp, Mosquito larvae, small fish, frozen foods and pellets.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover which live, pellet, or frozen foods are healthy to feed your Axolotl? Which foods also shouldn’t you feed them? Why would your Axolotl stop eating, and why does it choke?

Live Foods Axolotls Can Eat

Live foods are an essential part of an axolotl’s diet, providing enrichment along with nutrients. Axolotls are carnivorous and built to consume live prey. Here are the best live foods to feed your axolotl:

Nightcrawlers: The Ideal Food for Axolotls

Of all the food options for axolotls, nightcrawlers (also called large earthworms) are the #1 choice.

Nutritional Benefits

Nightcrawlers are packed with nutrition that axolotls thrive on:

• Protein: 60-70% protein helps axolotls build muscle and tissue.
• Healthy fats: Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids support organ and brain growth.
• Key vitamins & minerals: Iron, calcium, B vitamins and more.

This nutritious profile makes nightcrawlers an ideal regular food for axolotls.

Buying and Storing Nightcrawlers

Purchase nightcrawler worms from a bait shop or online supplier. Look for plump, active worms.

To store:

• Place in a container with damp coir or soil.
• Keep refrigerated between 40-50°F.
• Rinse and feed the freshest worms first.

Properly stored nightcrawlers will keep for several months.

Preparing and Feeding

Before feeding nightcrawlers:

• Rinse off any dirt or residue.
• Cut into 1-2″ pieces to prevent choking.
• Feed 2-3 pieces per sitting 2-3 times per week.

Monitor while your axolotl eats. Remove any uneaten worms within 15 minutes.

Red Wigglers: A Smaller Worm Option for Axolotls

While nightcrawlers are the go-to worm for axolotls, red wigglers can also be an excellent food source.

Red Wiggler Facts

• Scientific name: Eisenia fetida
• Size: 1-2 inches long
• Color: Reddish brown
• Highly nutritious like other worm species
• Bred for composting and fishing bait

This smaller worm is suitable for younger, juvenile axolotls or those with smaller mouths. They are more slender than plump nightcrawlers.

Buying and Storing Red Wigglers

• Purchase live red wigglers from bait shops or online.
• Keep in a plastic container with damp bedding like coconut fiber.
• Store between 40-50°F.

Preparing and Feeding

Before feeding red wigglers:

• Rinse off any debris or residue.
• Cut larger worms into smaller pieces.
• Feed just 1-2 pieces at a time, 2-3 times per week.

Monitor while your axolotl eats to remove uneaten worms.

While not quite as nutrient-dense as nightcrawlers, red wigglers make an excellent supplemental food. They provide a good protein source along with enrichment. Add them into your axolotl’s diet for diversity along with other nutritious live and frozen foods.

Blackworms for Axolotls: A Nutritious Food Option

Blackworms are a great supplemental live food for axolotls.

What are Blackworms?

• Scientific name: Lumbriculus variegatus
• Small, thin worms up to 3 inches long
• Dark black or brown color
• Found in freshwater mud and considered a staple food for fish
• High in protein, fatty acids, and vitamins

Their small size makes blackworms easy for axolotls to slurp up and digest.

Buying and Storing Blackworms

• Purchase live blackworms from pet stores or bait shops. Look for plump, active worms.
• Store in the fridge between 40-50°F in a container with damp mud or bedding.
• Rinse well before feeding to remove any debris.

Feeding Blackworms to Axolotls

• Feed just 2-3 worms at a time, 1-2 times per week.
• Drop them directly into the tank with tweezers or a pipette.

While they should not be a staple, blackworms make an excellent supplemental food for axolotls a few times a month. They provide fatty acids, protein, iron, and other nutrients essential for your axie’s health and growth.

Live Bloodworms for Axolotls: A Tasty Treat

Live bloodworms make an enticing, protein-packed treat for axolotls.

What are Bloodworms?

• Small, thin red worms that are the larvae of midges
• Live in nutrient-rich mud in fresh and saltwater
• Bright red color that attracts fish and axolotls
• High in protein, vitamins, fats, and minerals

Their vibrant color and wiggly movement stimulates axolotls’ prey drive.

Buying and Storing Bloodworms

• Purchase live bloodworms from pet stores or bait shops.
• Keep refrigerated between 40-50°F in mud or damp media.
• Rinse thoroughly before feeding to remove debris.

Feeding Bloodworms to Axolotls

Feed live bloodworms in moderation as an occasional treat:

• Feed just 2-3 worms at a time, 1-2 times per month.
• Use tweezers to drop them into the tank.

Live bloodworms provide excitement along with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Offer them moderately as part of a varied diet to optimize your axolotl’s nutrition and enrichment. This wiggly treat will stimulate their prey drive!

Live Daphnia

Daphnia are tiny freshwater crustaceans that can provide axolotls with enrichment and nutrients.

What are Daphnia?

• Tiny transparent aquatic crustaceans, about 1-5 mm long
• Also called water fleas
• Found in freshwater ponds and lakes
• Rich in proteins, omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals
• Swim in short, darting motions that stimulate axolotls

Their small size makes them easy for axolotls to consume.

Buying and Culturing Daphnia

• Purchase live daphnia from aquarium stores or online retailers.
• To culture your own, keep in a small tank or bucket of pond/lake water and feed yeast, algae, or fish food. They reproduce rapidly.
• Rinse thoroughly before feeding to remove any debris.

Feeding Daphnia to Axolotls

• Feed 2-3 times per month for variety.
• Use a pipette to transfer some into your axolotl’s tank.
• Feed 20-30 small daphnia at a time.
• Remove any uneaten daphnia after 15 minutes.

The darting movements of live daphnia will stimulate your axolotl to hunt. While not a staple food, they make a great supplemental treat a few times a month to enrich your axolotl’s diet and provide fatty acids, protein, and fiber.

Live Brine Shrimp: A Fun Food for Axolotls

Brine shrimp are tiny crustaceans that make a nutritious supplemental food for axolotls.

What are Brine Shrimp?

• Small aquatic crustaceans, 1-3 mm long
• Thrive in saltwater but can live in freshwater
• Bright orange color that attracts axolotls
• High in nutrients like protein, calcium, and carotenoids
• Known for their fast, darting movements

Brine shrimp eggs are commonly hatched to feed fish and provide variety for axolotls too.

Buying and Hatching Brine Shrimp

• Purchase brine shrimp eggs and hatching kits online or from pet stores.
• Use non-iodized salt and an air pump to hatch the eggs in 24-36 hours.
• Rinse hatched brine shrimp thoroughly before feeding.

Feeding Live Brine Shrimp to Axolotls

• Feed 1-2 times per month for enrichment.
• Use a pipette to transfer shrimp directly into the tank.
• Feed 20-30 live brine shrimp at a time.
• Remove any uneaten shrimp within 15 minutes.

The darting, wiggly movements of brine shrimp stimulate axolotls to hunt.

Ghost Shrimp: A Stimulating Food for Axolotls

Ghost shrimp are a type of small freshwater shrimp that can provide excitement along with lean protein for axolotls.

What are Ghost Shrimp?

• Tiny pale shrimp native to freshwater streams and rivers
• Grow up to 2 inches long
• Nearly transparent bodies
• High in protein, omega-3s, calcium, and selenium
• Known for darting quickly on slender legs

Their erratic movements are excellent stimulation for axolotls.

Buying and Keeping Ghost Shrimp

• Purchase live ghost shrimp from aquarium stores. Look for active, healthy shrimp.
• House shrimp in a small tank or bucket with a filter and plants until ready to feed.
• Rinse well before introducing to your axolotl’s tank.

Feeding Ghost Shrimp

• Feed 1 shrimp at a time, 1-2 times per month for enrichment.
• Drop in shrimp with tweezers and monitor closely, removing after 15 minutes.
• Beware shrimp may nip fins; separate shrimp if signs of aggression.

While not a staple food, occasional feedings of live ghost shrimp provide excitement, lean protein, and nutrients for axolotls. Their darting movements stimulate activity as your axolotl gives chase!

Dwarf Cherry Shrimp: A Colorful Food for Axolotls

Dwarf cherry shrimp are a bright red freshwater shrimp species that can provide stimulation and nutrition for axolotls.

What are Dwarf Cherry Shrimp?

• Small red shrimp, growing up to 1.5 inches
• Native to Taiwan
• Vibrant translucent red color
• High in protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants
• Peaceful species that may get eaten quickly

Their bright color is very attractive to axolotls when introduced into the tank.

Buying and Keeping Cherry Shrimp

• Purchase active dwarf cherry shrimp from aquarium stores.
• House in a small tank or bucket with plants and a filter until ready to feed.
• Rinse well before introducing into your axolotl’s tank.

Feeding Dwarf Cherry Shrimp

• Feed 1 shrimp at a time, 1-2 times per month as an occasional treat.
• Drop into tank with tweezers and watch closely for 15 minutes.
• Remove any uneaten shrimp promptly.

While not a dietary staple, dwarf cherry shrimp provide excitement, nutrition, and a pop of color when fed to axolotls occasionally. Your axolotl will love to chase down these bright red crustaceans!

Mosquito Larvae

Mosquito larvae are a nutritious option that provides axolotls with natural foraging enrichment.

What are Mosquito Larvae?

• Immature phase of mosquitos before they become flying adults
• Tiny worm-like larvae that wiggle through water
• Found in standing freshwater like ponds and buckets
• Rich in proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals
• A natural food source for fish, amphibians and axolotls

Their wiggly movements will stimulate your axolotl’s hunting instincts.

Collecting and Rinsing Mosquito Larvae

• Use a fine mesh net to scoop larvae from standing freshwater sources.
• Rinse very thoroughly in dechlorinated water to remove any pesticides or chemicals if collected from standing water in a yard.
• Place rinsed larvae in dechlorinated water until ready to feed.

Feeding Mosquito Larvae to Axolotls

• Feed larvae 1-2 times per month for enrichment.
• Use a pipette or turkey baster to transfer larvae into your axolotl’s tank.
• Feed 10-20 small larvae at a time.
• Remove any uneaten larvae within 15 minutes.

Mosquito larvae provide axolotls with natural foraging enrichment. While not a primary food source, these wiggly bites offer a tasty snack, stimulation, and nutrients when fed occasionally.

Small Fish

As predators, they will readily consume small fish that fit into their mouths. However, not all fish make suitable tank mates or food for axolotls.

Best Small Fish for Axolotls

• Guppies – Small, peaceful, and breed rapidly. Easy to acquire and replace.
• Tetras – Fast moving and allow axolotls to practice hunting. Neon or cardinal tetras recommended.
• White Cloud Mountain Minnows – Hardy, cool water fish. Great for unheated axolotl tanks.
• Endler’s Livebearers – Small, peaceful fish that breed easily to provide regular food source.

When selecting fish, choose ones under 2 inches long to fit in an axolotl’s mouth. Slow moving fish like fancy guppies are easier for axolotls to catch.

Feeding Axolotls Small Fish

• Quarantine new fish – Isolate new fish for 2-4 weeks before introducing to check for disease.
• Carefully monitor – Stay alert to ensure fish do not nip axolotl gills or overwhelm tank. Remove bullies.
• Feed sparingly – 1-2 small fish per axolotl per week provides enrichment without overfeeding.
• Supplement diet – Fish alone are not nutritionally complete. Offer worms, pellets too.
• Clean up – Promptly remove any uneaten remains to maintain water quality.

Risks of Feeding Fish

While small fish can be part of a balanced axolotl diet, be aware of a few risks:

• Overfeeding fish can lead to obesity, poor water quality.
• Fish can introduce diseases not treatable in cold water.
• Some fish may nip slime coat and gills.
• Axolotls may swallow gravel eating off bottom.
• Difficult to verify nutritional value of feeder fish.

With proper precautions, occasional small fish make excellent enrichment and exercise for axolotls!

Frozen Foods For Axolotls

In addition to live foods, frozen options are beneficial to mix into your axolotl’s diet. They provide key nutrients and proteins.

Monitor your axolotl closely during any frozen food feedings. If they miss some, frozen foods can quickly foul the tank water. Use frozen options to mix up your axie’s diet but rely primarily on live foods for nutrition.

Frozen Bloodworms

Frozen bloodworms make a nutritious, convenient food source for axolotls. They provide protein and other nutrients axolotls need in their carnivorous diet.

Nutritional Value

• High in protein
• Source of vitamins and minerals
• Low-fat option compared to live/frozen fish

Purchasing Frozen Bloodworms

• Buy from reputable aquarium stores or online retailers
• Select cubes with bright red worms – avoid brown, mushy portions
• Vary brand – Hikari, San Francisco Bay, Omega One popular options
• Buy in bulk for economy – store extras in freezer for 6-12 months

Thawing and Feeding

• Thaw cube in cool dechlorinated water 10-15 minutes before feeding
• Use tweezers or turkey baster to feed – avoid contaminating tank water
• Feed 2-3 worms per inch of axolotl length, 1-2x per week
• Drop worms along tank floor – axolotls will hunt and forage
• Remove any uneaten worms within 12 hours

Potential Issues

• Overfeeding can cause obesity, poor water quality
• Improper thawing raises tank temperatures
• May not accept initially – try scented foods first
• Can cause impaction if axolotl swallows large clumps

Frozen bloodworms are a healthy, convenient food for axolotls if given in the right amounts. Add thawed bloodworms to your axolotl’s varied diet, which should also include pellets, live worms, and different seafood.

Frozen Brine Shrimps

Like bloodworms, brine shrimp make an excellent supplemental food for axolotls when fed frozen.

Nutritional Benefits

• High in protein for growth and healing
• Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
• Contains calcium, vitamins and minerals
• More nutritious than freeze-dried shrimp

Buying Frozen Brine Shrimp

• Purchase from aquarium stores or online
• Select reputable brands like Hikari or San Francisco Bay
• Pick cubes with bright pink/orange shrimp
• Avoid brown, mushy freeze-dried shrimp

Thawing and Feeding

• Thaw brine shrimp cube in cool dechlorinated water for 10-15 minutes
• Use tweezers or turkey baster to feed – don’t contaminate tank
• Feed 2-4 shrimp per inch of axolotl length, 1-2x per week
• Scatter shrimp along tank floor for natural foraging
• Remove any uneaten shrimp within 12 hours

Potential Concerns

• Overfeeding can cause obesity, poor water quality
• Rancid shrimp may be rejected – smell before feeding
• Can cause impaction if axolotl eats clumps

Pellets for Axolotls

High-quality pellets can supplement an axolotl’s diet. A high-quality axolotl pellet should contain over 40% protein as the first ingredient, along with added vitamins and minerals.

Look for pellets specifically formulated for axolotls, rather than generic fish pellets.

3 Best Pellets for Axolotls

1. Hikari Usa Inc AHK21966 Tropical Sinking Carnivore Pellets(Best Overall)

Key Features and Benefits

• Made with high-quality fish meal, krill meal, fish oil and other premium ingredients-Delivers balanced daily nutrition for predatory aquarium fish
• Sinks rapidly-Allows bottom-feeders to access food easily
• Absorbs water quickly for easy eating
• Accepted by even the pickiest fish
• Vibrant natural colors enhanced by carotenoids
• Free of parasites and bacteria found in live foods
• Higher digestibility than competing brands

Fish meal is the first ingredient. It gives a rich source of protein and fat. This fuels growth and activity. The fish meal ensures carnivores get enough protein. This supports proper development.

The soft, porous texture allows most fish to bite off smaller pieces to swallow whole. When soaked, the pellets rapidly absorb water and take on the consistency of live foods. The soft texture entices picky eaters to eat. Even small fish and fry can nibble off tiny portions.

If you’re looking for a high-quality prepared food, Hikari’s Sinking Carnivore Pellets are the clear choice.

2. Invert Aquatics Soft Pellets (Best for Picky Axolotls)

Key Features and Benefits

• Made with fish, shrimp, squid meals for protein-Balanced nutrition with animal proteins
• Quickly sinks for easy access
• Moist, soft texture easy to bite
• Nutritionally complete for axolotls
• Can be fed underwater or on land
• Ability to precisely control portions
• Stimulates finicky eaters to eat
• Irresistible aroma and texture

With a blend of fish, shrimp and squid meals, they provide complete daily nutrition in an easily consumed format. The soft texture allows axolotls to bite off pieces and swallow easily.

Many owners say their stubborn pets eat these pellets. Even after tasting worms and shrimp, most axolotls accept these as a staple food.

Owners like the ability to precisely control portions to prevent waste and water fouling. Uneaten pellets can be easily removed. The moist pellets won’t float away before being eaten. Not leaving pellets prevents overfeeding.

If you’re struggling to get your axolotl off live foods, give Invert Aquatics Soft Pellets a try. Made just for aquatic amphibians, they deliver complete daily nutrition in each moist bite.

3. Aquatic Foods Sinking Pellets (Best Budget)

Key Features and Benefits

• Made with salmon meal-Provides balanced daily nutrition
• Soft, moist sinking pellets-Sinks quickly for easy access
• 3/16 inch pellet size-Appropriate small size for axolotls
• Budget-friendly price-Affordable price for bulk amount
• Made by trusted fish food company

Made by a trusted third-generation fish food producer, these budget-friendly pellets provide complete daily nutrition. The appropriately tiny 3/16 inch size is perfect for juvenile and adult axolotls alike.

Unlike extremely expensive specialty axolotl foods, these affordable pellets deliver quality nutrition without the premium price tag. Dollar for dollar, they provide good nutritional value for budget-conscious owners.

For a low price, Aquatic Foods give balanced nutrition and easy access for your underwater buddy.

Feeding Pellets to Axolotls

Soak pellets before feeding to prevent bloating and make them sink. :

• How often: Feed pellets 1-2 times per week as a supplement, not a staple food.
• How much: Feed only 2-4 pellets at a time, about the size of the axolotl’s head.
• If uneaten: Promptly remove any uneaten pellets to avoid fouling the water.

What Human Foods Can Axolotls Eat?

Axolotls can not rely solely on human foods, but some unseasoned meats can be good for occasional nutritional enrichment.

Human Foods Axolotls Can Eat

Only feed these sparingly along with worms and pellets:

• Unseasoned Poultry – Plain chicken, turkey, quail
• Lean Red Meats – Beef, pork, lamb, game meats
• Seafood – Unsalted shrimp, tilapia, salmon, cod
• Eggs – Hard boiled eggs without shell

Feeding Guidelines

• Chop items into bite-sized pieces for safety
• Feed just 1-2 pieces per axolotl 1-2x monthly
• Never feed seasoned, greasy, or processed meats
• Only offer what they can consume in 5 minutes
• Remove any uneaten food promptly

Dangers of Human Food

While the above foods can offer enrichment, be aware that:

• Most offer minimal nutritional value for axolotls
• Can quickly foul aquarium water with waste
• Risk of impaction is higher with unfamiliar foods

Offer small, infrequent portions of human food to safely introduce new tastes to axolotls.

Food You Should Not Feed Your Pet Axolotl

Axolotls are diverse eaters. They are not as selective as other pets. Nonetheless, not all food types are healthy for your pet Axolotl. Here are foods that you should steer clear off when choosing meals for your Axolotl.

Don’t Feed Your Axolotl Processed Meats

Just like processed meats are not good for humans (noting their disastrous effects even when ingested in small quantities), axolotls shouldn’t be fed with meats having preservatives.

The reality is that most of these processed foods have a high concentration of dangerous chemicals given they have been passed through processing plants. This could profoundly impact the health of your Axolotl’s negatively.

Don’t Feed Your Axolotl with Animals Having Crustyexoskeletons

We wouldn’t readily choose fishes like Krill and other shellfishes for your Axolotl given their sturdy exoskeleton. Considering the feebleness of your Axolotl’s teeth, these teeth could be damaged with foods having hard exteriors.

To be more particular, Mealworms – which are favorites for most exotic pets – are not safe to be ingested by your Axolotl. Why?

Chitin (contained in Mealworms) has a hard exoskeleton that is not easily digestible by your Axolotl. This can create significant discomfort in the stomach of your beloved Axolotl.

Don’t Feed Your Axolotl Feeder Fish

Axolotl owners commonly feed feeder fish to their pets. However, we recommend you don’t serve your Axolotl feeder fish. There are cogent reasons validating this exclusion.

It is not healthy to put feeder fish in your Axolotl’s aquarium. Feeder fish inclines to spread parasites and diseases to your Axolotl when it eats them. This once again explains why we prefer you quarantine your live fish for a minimum of 4 weeks before you feed them to your Axolotl.

Can an Axolotl Choke on Food?

Yes, axolotls choke on food.

Axolotls often eat greedily, sometimes attempting to swallow prey that is too large for them. While their wide mouths help them consume large prey, improper feeding can cause choking hazards.

What Causes Axolotls to Choke?

• Swallowing large food items whole
• Eating worms in clumped bundles
• Accidentally inhaling gravel along with food
• Attempting to eat oversized feeder fish

Choking cuts off their airway and prevents breathing or passing food to the stomach.

Preventing Choking Hazards

• Cutting large food items like worms, fish, shrimp into small pieces
• Feeding larvae, pellets, and individual worms – not clumped
• Removing substrate or using large gravel they won’t ingest
• Not overfeeding – let axolotl consume one item before offering more

Signs of Choking

Watch for these signs of possible choking:

• Gapingly opening and closing mouth repeatedly
• Scratching at gills or mouth with hands
• Turning very dark colors from distress
• Floating listlessly and not using gills
• Regurgitating food through the gills

If an axolotl shows signs of choking, carefully lift it so its head is above water and gently massage its throat to clear blockages. Prevent choking by following safe feeding practices.

Why Do Axolotls Eat Each Other?

Though normally docile, axolotls can turn to cannibalism and consume tankmates under certain conditions. Understanding what triggers this behavior can help prevent it.

Common Causes of Cannibalism

• Housed in overcrowded conditions
• Not fed enough food consistently
• Sharing tank with much smaller axolotls
• Experiencing frequent water quality issues
• Going through hormonal changes like maturity

Avoiding Cannibalistic Tendencies

Reduce aggressive feeding by:

• Providing adequate space for each axolotl
• Feeding a varied, nutritious diet routinely
• Housing axolotls of similar size together
• Performing partial water changes 2-3x per week
• Monitoring for signs of distress or aggression

Stopping Active Cannibalism

If witnessing consumption of tankmates:

• Quickly but gently net axolotl away from victims
• Isolate the axolotl in a separate container
• Evaluate tank conditions and feeding regimen
• Consider rehoming if behavior persists despite adjustments

While alarming, axolotl cannibalism often indicates environmental issues. Careful monitoring and prompt intervention can get housing back on track.

Why Do Axolotls Stop Eating?

Environmental changes can cause your Axolotl to stop eating or reduce its food intake. This is typical when winter sets, and the temperature of the tank significantly drops. Indeed, a lowered temperature would trigger a corresponding drop in your Axolotl’s metabolism. This leads to reduced appetite.

Constipation is another reason why your Axolotl isn’t eating. In other cases, if your Axolotl stops eating, it is likely it is ill. If it stops eating for too long, you should seek a vet or other experienced axolotl owners.

How Often Should I Feed My Axolotl?

Juvenile Axolotl Feeding Schedule

Younger axolotls under 1 year need to be fed more frequently to support growth and development:

• Hatchlings to 3 months: Feed 2-3 times per day, providing as much as they’ll eat in 10-15 minutes. Offer a variety of tiny live foods like blackworms.
• 4 to 8 months: Feed 2 times per day. Their appetite increases so provide larger live foods like chopped earthworms.
• 9 to 12 months: Slow to once per day as their growth starts leveling off.

Adult Axolotl Feeding Schedule

Adult axolotls over 1 year only need to be fed a few times per week:

• Feed every 2-3 days. Their slower metabolism only requires food every few days.
• At each feeding, allow them to eat as much nutritious live food as they’ll take in 10-15 minutes.
• Provide extra feedings or treats for gravid (pregnant) females.

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