I’ll never forget the first time my axolotl just… stopped moving.

She was lying on her side at the bottom of the tank. Not moving at all. My heart dropped.

I thought she was dead. I actually started crying.

Then 30 seconds later, she got up and swam around like nothing happened.

Turns out axolotls are REALLY good at freaking out their owners by looking dead when they’re not.

Let me tell you exactly how to know if your axolotl is actually dead or just being a dramatic little water dragon.

The Quick Answer: Check The Gills

Here’s the fastest way to tell if your axolotl is alive or dead:

Look at their gills. Are they moving at all?

Even the tiniest movement means they’re alive. Dead axolotls have completely still gills.

If you see ANY gill movement even super slow, barely there movement your axolotl is alive.

That’s it. That’s the test.

Now let me explain everything else you need to know.

Signs Your Axolotl Is Alive (Even If They Look Dead)

Axolotls do some weird stuff that makes them look dead when they’re totally fine.

1. Gill Movement (The Most Important Sign)

Watch their gills closely. Even when sleeping or resting, axolotls breathe through their gills.

You’ll see tiny movements the gills flutter slightly or wave a bit. Sometimes it’s super subtle.

If the gills are moving AT ALL, your axolotl is alive.

I’ve watched my axolotl lie completely still for 10 minutes. But her gills kept doing those little flutters. She was just chilling.

2. They Respond To Touch

Gently touch your axolotl with a soft brush or your finger (make sure your hands are clean and cool).

If they move, twitch, or react in any way even just a tiny flinch they’re alive.

Dead axolotls don’t respond to anything.

Don’t poke them hard. Just a gentle touch.

3. Body Position Changes

Check on your axolotl every few hours. Did they move at all? Even slightly?

If they’re in a different position than before, they’re alive.

Dead axolotls stay in the exact same spot.

4. Color Looks Normal

Living axolotls keep their normal color. Dead axolotls turn pale, grey, or whitish.

If your axolotl still has their regular pink, gold, or dark color, they’re probably just resting.

Color fades fast after death usually within a few hours.

5. Eyes React To Light

Shine a light near (not directly at) your axolotl’s eyes.

Living axolotls will squint or move their head away slightly.

Dead ones don’t react at all.

Signs Your Axolotl Might Actually Be Dead

I hate writing this part, but you need to know the real signs.

1. Zero Gill Movement

If you watch for 5-10 minutes and see absolutely no gill movement, that’s a bad sign.

Axolotls breathe constantly. No gill movement means no breathing.

2. Body Floats Upside Down Or Sinks Completely Still

Dead axolotls either float to the surface upside down or sink to the bottom and stay there.

If your axolotl is floating belly up and hasn’t moved for hours, that’s usually death.

If they’re stuck at the bottom in a weird curled position with a curled tail, same thing.

3. Body Feels Stiff Or Mushy

Living axolotls feel soft and squishy. Dead ones either get stiff (rigor mortis) or start to decompose and feel mushy.

Don’t touch them a lot, but if you have to move them and they feel wrong, that’s a sign.

4. Pale, Grey, Or White Color

Dead axolotls lose their color fast. Pink ones turn white. Dark ones turn pale grey.

If your axolotl looks like they’ve been drained of color, that’s not good.

5. Horrible Smell

Dead things smell. If your tank suddenly smells awful and your axolotl isn’t moving, that’s death.

Living axolotls don’t make your tank stink.

6. No Response To Anything

Dead axolotls don’t respond to:

• Touch
• Food
• Light
• Water movement
• Anything

If you’ve tried everything and gotten zero response for several hours, they’re likely gone.

Why Axolotls “Play Dead” (And Freak You Out)

Here’s why these guys scare the crap out of their owners.

They Actually Do Play Dead

Axolotls play dead as a defense mechanism. It’s called thanatosis.

Young axolotls do it to avoid being eaten by bigger axolotls.

All axolotls might do it if they’re scared or stressed.

When playing dead, they:

• Stop moving completely
• Lie on their side or back
• Stay super still for 10-40 seconds
• Then suddenly swim away like nothing happened

I’ve seen my axolotl do this when I moved the tank decorations. She freaked out, flopped over, and played dead for 30 seconds.

Scared me to death. She was fine.

They Sleep Like They’re Dead

Axolotls don’t close their eyes when they sleep (they don’t have eyelids).

So they sleep with their eyes open, barely moving.

They might:

• Lie at the bottom motionless
• Float at the top very still
• Stay in one spot for hours

But their gills still move. That’s how you know they’re just sleeping.

They Sometimes Just… Chill

Axolotls are lazy. Sometimes they just lie around doing nothing.

If yours is lying still but breathing, they’re probably just bored or resting.

Mine does this all the time. She’ll lie in the same corner for 2 hours. Not dead. Just lazy.

What To Do If You’re Not Sure

If you genuinely can’t tell if your axolotl is alive or dead, here’s what to do:

Step 1: Watch The Gills For 5 Minutes

Sit there and just watch. Don’t touch anything. Just look at the gills.

Even slow breathing will show movement. Be patient.

Step 2: Gently Touch Them

Use a soft brush or your finger. Touch their tail or side gently.

Any response means alive.

Step 3: Wait A Few Hours

If you’re still unsure, give it time. Check back in 2-3 hours.

Did they move? Change position? Swim around?

If yes, they’re alive and you panicked for nothing (we’ve all been there).

Step 4: Check Water Parameters

Sometimes axolotls look dead because they’re SICK, not dead.

Test your water:

• Ammonia (should be 0)
• Nitrite (should be 0)
• Nitrate (should be under 20)
• Temperature (should be 60-64°F)

Bad water can make them act weird and stay super still.

Step 5: When In Doubt, Assume Alive

If you’re torn between “dead” and “alive,” assume alive and keep caring for them.

Don’t give up on your axolotl unless you’re absolutely sure.

Common Situations That Look Like Death

Let me clear up some confusing scenarios.

Floating At The Surface

Looks like: Death (floating belly-up) Might be: Gas bubble stuck in their digestive system, or they’re just floating for fun

Check the gills. If they’re breathing, they’re alive but might be constipated or bloated.

Lying On Their Back

Looks like: Dead Might be: Playing dead, sleeping weird, or just being awkward

Again, check those gills. Axolotls are derpy and sleep in weird positions sometimes.

Not Eating For Days

Looks like: Dying Might be: Stressed, too warm, or full from overfeeding

Not eating doesn’t mean death. It means something’s wrong. Fix the water and environment.

Super Pale Color

Looks like: Death approaching Might be: Stress, sleeping, or they’re on light-colored substrate

Axolotls lighten up when stressed or when matching their environment.

If they’re still breathing, they’re alive.

What To Do If Your Axolotl Actually Died

I’m so sorry. Losing a pet sucks.

Here’s what to do:

1. Remove The Body

Don’t leave a dead axolotl in the tank. It will decompose and poison the water.

Use a net or your hands (with gloves) to remove them gently.

2. Figure Out Why (If You Can)

Try to understand what went wrong:

• Was the water bad?
• Was the temperature too high?
• Was there an injury?
• Did they stop eating?

Learning the cause helps you prevent it if you get another axolotl.

3. Dispose Of The Body Properly

You have two options:

Bury them: Freeze the body first (kills any bacteria), then bury in your yard or a plant pot. Some people plant a memorial plant.

Cremation: Some vets will cremate small pets.

Don’t flush them down the toilet. That’s disrespectful and can spread disease.

4. Clean The Tank

Do a deep clean and water change before adding a new axolotl (if you plan to).

You want to remove any bacteria or parasites that might have caused the death.

5. Give Yourself Time

It’s okay to be sad. Axolotls are awesome pets and losing one hurts.

Don’t rush into getting another one until you’re ready.

How To Prevent Scares (And Actual Death)

Want your axolotl to live a long, healthy life without constant death scares?

Keep Water Perfect

This is 90% of axolotl care:

• Temperature 60-64°F (use a thermometer)
• 20% water changes weekly
• Test water parameters weekly
• Filter running 24/7

Bad water kills more axolotls than anything else.

Don’t Stress Them Out

Reduce stress by:

• Keeping lights dim
• Not handling them
• Avoiding sudden movements near the tank
• Not tapping on glass

Less stress = less “playing dead” drama.

Feed Them Right

Adults eat every 2-3 days. Don’t overfeed.

Overfeeding causes bloating, floating, and health problems.

Watch For Warning Signs

Catch problems early:

• Curled gills = stress or bad water
• Refusing food = something’s wrong
• Floating = digestive issue
• Pale color = stress

Fix problems before they become deadly.

The Bottom Line

How do you know if your axolotl is dead?

Check the gills. If they’re moving at all – even tiny movements – your axolotl is alive.

Dead axolotls have:

• Zero gill movement
• No response to touch
• Pale/grey color
• Stiff or mushy body
• Bad smell

Axolotls “play dead” for 10-40 seconds, then swim away. They also sleep with eyes open and lie around being lazy.

When in doubt, watch and wait. Don’t panic immediately.

After 8 years of keeping these guys, I can tell you – most “death scares” are just axolotls being weird. But it’s always better to check carefully than to assume.

Has your axolotl ever scared you like this? Tell me your story in the comments!

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Quick Check

Is my axolotl dead? Watch the gills for 5 minutes. Any movement = alive. Zero movement + no response to touch = likely dead.

How long do axolotls play dead? Usually 10-40 seconds, then they swim away normally.

Do dead axolotls float or sink? Can go either way. Some float upside down, others sink and stay still.

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Fast Questions

Can axolotls come back to life? No. If they’re truly dead, they can’t regenerate back to life. Their regeneration only works when they’re alive.

How long after death do axolotls start to smell? Usually within 12-24 hours, depending on water temperature.

Why is my axolotl not moving but still breathing? They’re probably just resting or sleeping. Axolotls are lazy and can stay still for hours.

Can axolotls sleep upside down? They can sleep in weird positions, but upside down is unusual. Check for bloating or digestive issues.

What kills axolotls suddenly? Bad water quality (ammonia/nitrite spike), temperature too hot, bacterial infection, or stress.

How do you wake up a sleeping axolotl? Don’t. Let them sleep. They’ll wake up when they’re ready. Disturbing them causes stress.

My axolotl hasn’t moved in 6 hours. Is it dead? Not necessarily. Check the gills. Are they moving? Then it’s alive, just resting or possibly sick.

Do axolotls close their eyes when they die? No. They can’t close their eyes ever (no eyelids). Dead or alive, eyes stay open.