How Big Do Axolotls Get?

Adult axolotls typically grow 9-12 inches long from nose to tail tip, with some reaching up to 14 inches in rare cases. They weigh between 5-8 ounces on average, though well-fed individuals can reach 10 ounces or more. Females tend to be wider and rounder than males, especially when carrying eggs. Most reach full size within 18-24 months, though they continue filling out for another year. Their size depends on genetics, diet, water temperature, and tank space.

Growth Timeline and Factors

Baby axolotls hatch at just half an inch long. During their first six months, they grow rapidly adding about an inch per month under good conditions. By month 12, most hit 7-9 inches. Growth slows after this point, but they keep getting thicker and heavier until around age 2-3.

Water temperature changes how fast they grow. Colder water (60-64°F) slows their metabolism, leading to slower but healthier growth. Warmer water speeds things up but shortens their lifespan and causes stress. Many breeders keep younger ones slightly warmer to boost growth, then cool the water as they mature.

Diet matters just as much. High-protein foods like earthworms and bloodworms fuel growth. Underfeeding during the first year stunts their size permanently they never catch up later. Overfeeding causes obesity without adding healthy length. You want a balance that keeps them growing steadily without making them fat.

Tank Size Requirements

A 20-gallon tank works for one adult, but 30-40 gallons gives them better room to move. Cramped spaces don’t stop them from growing to their genetic potential, but stress from tight quarters affects their overall health. They need floor space more than height since they spend most time walking along the bottom.

Multiple axolotls need even more room. Add 10 gallons for each additional axolotl to prevent aggression and territory disputes. A crowded tank leads to bitten gills and limbs, even if they’re all getting enough food.

Length matters more than girth when judging tank size. A 12-inch axolotl needs room to turn around comfortably. If your axolotl looks cramped when it stretches out, you need a bigger tank.

Quick Questions

Do male and female axolotls grow to different sizes?
They reach similar lengths, but females develop wider, rounder bodies. Males stay slimmer with more visible cloaca bumps behind their back legs.

What’s the biggest axolotl ever recorded?
The largest confirmed axolotl measured 18 inches long, though this is extremely rare. Most pet owners never see one exceed 13 inches.

How fast do axolotls grow?
About an inch per month for the first six months, then growth slows to 1-2 inches over the next year. They reach full size by 18-24 months.

Can I make my axolotl grow bigger?
Genetics set the limit. Proper diet and tank size help them reach their full potential, but you can’t push them beyond what their genes allow.

Do axolotls shrink when they’re old?
No, they maintain their size throughout life. Weight might drop if they eat less, but length stays the same.

Abdul Wasay Khatri
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