Can Two Axolotls Live Together Safely?

Abdul Wasay Khatri | Administrator

Last updated: 9 January, 2026

Direct Answer

Yes, two axolotls can live together safely if they’re similar in size, have enough space (30-40 gallons minimum), and get fed separately. Keep them apart if one’s head is bigger than the other’s body, or if either shows signs of stress or aggression. Watch them closely during the first few weeks some axolotls get along fine, while others will fight no matter what you do.

When Housing Two Works

Same size axolotls do best together. Measure their lengths if they’re within an inch or two of each other, you’re good. A big size difference means the larger one might see the smaller one as food. Even “friendly” axolotls will bite something that looks like a worm, and gills and toes fit that description perfectly.

Tank size matters more than most people think. 20 gallons per axolotl is the bare minimum, but 40-50 gallons total gives them enough room to avoid each other when they want space. In cramped tanks, they bump into each other constantly, which causes stress and fighting. More floor space (longer tanks, not just taller) works better than cramped vertical space.

Water quality gets harder to maintain with two axolotls. You’re dealing with twice the waste, which means ammonia and nitrites spike faster. Test your water more often and do bigger water changes. Bad water stresses them out, and stressed axolotls are more likely to bite each other. A good filter rated for double your tank size helps a lot.

Signs It’s Not Working

Watch for nipped gills, missing toes, or bite marks on their bodies. A little nip during feeding is normal, but repeated injuries mean they need to be separated. One axolotl constantly chasing or cornering the other is a bad sign too. Some axolotls are just territorial jerks and won’t share space peacefully.

Stress shows up in other ways. If one stays hidden all the time while the other swims freely, the hiding one is getting bullied. Pale gills, refusing food, or sitting in corners for days means something’s wrong. Don’t wait for major injuries separate them as soon as you see ongoing problems.

Feeding time reveals compatibility fast. Drop food in and see what happens. If they both eat calmly from different spots, great. If one hogs all the food or they bite each other fighting over it, you’ve got a problem. Target feeding with a turkey baster helps, but if that’s the only way to keep peace, maybe they shouldn’t live together.

FAQ

Can I put a baby axolotl with an adult?
No, never. The adult will eat the baby. Wait until they’re both at least 6 inches long and close to the same size before trying to house them together.

Do axolotls get lonely if kept alone?
No, axolotls don’t get lonely. They’re solitary in the wild and don’t need companionship. Keeping one alone is totally fine and often easier than managing two.

What if they were fine together for months and suddenly started fighting?
One probably grew faster than the other, creating a size gap. Breeding season can also trigger aggression. Separate them and check if you can house them together again once they’re the same size.

Can I keep two males or two females together?
Either works, but two males may fight more during breeding season. Two females usually get along better. A male and female pair works too, but expect eggs and breeding behavior.

Should I get tank mates to distract them from each other?
No, don’t add fish or other animals. Axolotls will eat small fish and larger fish will nip axolotl gills. Snails are the only safe tank mates, and even those might get eaten.

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