Best Fish To Keep With Axolotl? Here’s The Truth Nobody Wants To Hear

Abdul Wasay Khatri | Administrator

Last updated: 16 February, 2026

The honest answer: None. Don’t do it.

I know that’s not what you wanted to hear. You probably came here hoping I’d give you a list of perfect fish buddies for your axolotl.

Why Fish And Axolotls Don’t Mix

Problem 1: Fish Eat Axolotl Gills

Those fluffy pink gills on your axolotl? Fish think they’re worms.

I’ve seen it happen. The fish swim up, take a nibble, and suddenly your axolotl’s gills are torn and bleeding.

Even “peaceful” fish do this. They can’t help it the gills look tasty and move around.

Problem 2: Axolotls Eat (Or Try To Eat) Fish

Axolotls are predators. They see movement and think “FOOD!”

Small fish? Snack. Medium fish? They’ll try anyway and might choke. Big fish? Now the axolotl is stressed.

I watched my friend’s axolotl try to swallow a fish that was too big. The fish got stuck halfway. Had to rush to the vet. Not fun.

Problem 3: Temperature Wars

Axolotls need COLD water: 60-64°F.
Most fish need WARM water: 72-78°F.

You can’t make everyone happy. Someone’s gonna be stressed, sick, or dead.

Problem 4: Diseases

Fish carry diseases and parasites that can kill axolotls.

Even if they look healthy at the pet store, they might be carrying stuff that’ll wreck your axolotl.

“But I’ve Seen People Do It Successfully!”

Yeah, I’ve seen it too. For like 3 months. Then something goes wrong.

The fish gets eaten. The axolotl gets injured. Someone gets sick.

Just because it works for a little while doesn’t mean it’s safe long term.

If You INSIST On Trying (Against My Advice)

Okay, you’re stubborn. I get it. Here are the only fish that MIGHT work:

White Cloud Minnows

Why they might work:

• Like cold water (same as axolotls)
• Super fast swimmers
• Small and harmless

Why they’ll probably fail:

• Your axolotl will hunt them constantly
• You’ll find fewer minnows every week
• They’re basically expensive snacks

Guppies

Why people try them:

• Easy to breed
• Cheap to replace
• Some survive a while

Why it’s still bad:

• They prefer warmer water (75-82°F)
• They carry diseases
• Your axolotl will eat the babies

Some people breed guppies in a separate tank and feed the babies to their axolotl. That’s fine. But keeping them together long term? Nah.

What You SHOULD Keep With Axolotls

Other Axolotls (With Caution)

If they’re the SAME SIZE, two axolotls can live together.

But watch them carefully. They might bite each other’s toes or gills off during feeding time.

I kept two together for 2 years. One day I came home and one had no front leg. It grew back, but still stressful.

Small Shrimp

Ghost shrimp or cherry shrimp work as temporary tank mates.

I say “temporary” because your axolotl WILL eat them eventually. But at least shrimp are safe to eat and won’t hurt your axolotl.

Think of shrimp as both cleanup crew AND snacks.

Nothing (The Best Option)

Axolotls are NOT social animals. They don’t get lonely. They don’t need friends.

Your axolotl is perfectly happy alone. You’re the one who wants tank mates, not them.

What About Snails?

DON’T.

Big snails (like apple snails) can latch onto axolotl gills and rip them.

Small snails multiply like crazy and make your tank gross.

Just skip the snails.

What About Bottom Feeders Like Plecos?

HELL NO.

Plecos will literally suck the slime coat off your axolotl’s skin. I’ve seen the damage. It’s horrific.

They also have spines that can get stuck in your axolotl’s mouth if they try to eat it.

Never put a pleco with an axolotl. Ever.

My Real Advice

Stop trying to make a community tank happen with axolotls. It’s not gonna happen.

Get a separate tank if you want fish. Keep your axolotl alone where it’s safe.

I know solo tanks seem “boring” to humans. But your axolotl doesn’t care. They’re not sitting there going “man, I wish I had some fish friends.”

They’re happy hunting worms, exploring the tank, and being lazy little water dragons.

The Bottom Line

Best fish for axolotls: None. Zero. Don’t do it.

What might work temporarily: White cloud minnows (but they’ll get eaten). Shrimp (definitely will get eaten).

What definitely won’t work: Goldfish, bettas, tropical fish, plecos, snails, anything with spines or shells.

What’s actually best: Keeping your axolotl alone in a species only tank.

I know this isn’t the answer you wanted. But it’s the answer that’ll keep your axolotl healthy and alive for 10-15 years.

After watching countless people try the “axolotl community tank“ and fail, I’m saving you the heartbreak (and vet bills).

Your axolotl deserves better than being an experiment. Give them their own tank and skip the drama.

Quick Truth

Best fish? None

Why not? Fish nibble gills, axolotls eat fish, temperature conflicts, disease risks

What about shrimp? They work temporarily but will get eaten

Will my axolotl be lonely? No. They’re not social animals.

Real Questions

Can axolotls live with goldfish?
No. Goldfish need warmer water and will nibble axolotl gills.

What about white cloud minnows?
They tolerate cold water but your axolotl will hunt and eat them.

Can I keep two axolotls together?
Only if they’re the same size. Watch for aggression during feeding.

Do axolotls need tank mates?
No. They’re perfectly happy alone.

What if my axolotl looks lonely?
They’re not. That’s you projecting human feelings onto them.

Can shrimp live with axolotls?
Temporarily, but they’ll eventually become snacks.

My pet store said fish are fine with axolotls.
Your pet store is wrong. They want to sell you more stuff.

What about snails?
No. Large snails damage gills. Small snails multiply too fast.

Abdul Wasay Khatri
Administrator
Abdul Wasay is the founder and lead author of Axolotl Portal, a trusted site for axolotl care. He spent almost nine months learning about axolotls, including their tanks, feeding, water care, and common health problems. His knowledge comes from trusted vets, research, and real experience from long term axolotl owners. All Posts by