What does the axolotl family have to offer us? A large variety of colors and beauty makes them a group of exotic salamanders worth checking out. Albino axolotl are one such color morphs that are most adored in the aquarium trade.
Albino axolotl usually lack melanin, which makes them appear colorless. Also, this species possesses weak eyesight compared to other axolotl variants. Thus, it can be tricky to feed them. However, albinos are pretty good as pets since they are too easy to care for.
Species Overview
The albino axolotl (Ambystoma Mexicanum) is a slow-developing salamander that is most popular with the name Mexican Walking Fish due to its unique appearance. It possesses some appendages that make it look like a fish strolling on the floor of a tank.
Thus, it is quite easy to mistake albinos as a larger reptile version or an eel-like fish. However, it is basically a type of amphibian that hails from a large group of salamanders.
But do you know an interesting fact about albino axolotls? They don’t go through the process of metamorphosis like other amphibians. Instead, axolotl albino retains most of their larval features even after growing into an adult.
While most of the time, you can find axolotls in various colors like golden, brown, black, etc., the albino ones are quite different yet beautiful. Their beautiful shade and eye colors make them an excellent tank addition.
Albino axolotls usually lack color pigments in their body, which makes them appear to be exquisitely beautiful. Hence, you can easily keep them in your beautifully decorated aquarium to enhance the charm of your home.
Appearance
Color
The albino is a particular variant of axolotl that does not have any body color. But do you know, what is the reason behind it? Well, they lack melanin, which is responsible for rendering color to the skin.
Now, as albinos lack the essential pigment for skin coloration, they appear light in color. In fact, due to their excessively light skin, their blood vessels tend to show up.
Also, they have pink eyes, which is quite different from other color morphs. If an albino axolotl gets stressed or agitated, its skin becomes more pinkish due to increased blood flow.
Another fact that makes them quite different is that they do not grow any spots on their body due to the lack of pigments.
However, their gills have a rich pink color, which renders them a beautiful look. Also, albino axolotls develop a dark color on their toes when they reach sexual maturity.
Nevertheless, albinism in this species of axolotls is a much recessive trait. They inherit it from both their parents that possess genes lacking pigment-producing cells.
Size
Like any other type of axolotl, albinos do not grow too gigantic. But they are slightly longer than the other types of salamanders.
If you provide the right amount of care, nourishment, and food, an albino axolotl can quickly grow up to a length of about 10-12 inches.
Lifespan
Before you head out to an aquarist’s store to buy albino axolotl, you must know whether they are hardy enough or not. One good news about these axolotls is that they are sturdy enough to be cared for in captivity.
So, with delicate handling, time-to-time monitoring of water parameters, regular water changes, and offering them the proper amount of food, you can have their company for at least 10 -15 years.
Types of Albino Axolotl
Do you know the axolotl albino variant is itself rich with some exotic color morphs? Yes, they include some beautiful color variants, which make this species more diverse. So, the following are some exotic albino variants; have a look.
- White Axolotl: The white axolotl looks more like the lucy or leucistic one. They come with clear or red eyes that let them have a unique presence. Besides, this variant is rare to find and a bit costly.
- Golden Albino Axolotl: This albino species looks quite pretty and bright with its yellowish hue. Sometimes their gills possess the same color as their body. However, their gills can also be reddish or pinkish. They usually have red eyes. But their eyes can sometimes be transparent too. Golden albino axolotls can even have some shiny stripes or dots on their bodies.
- Copper Axolotl: These copper axolotls are another special type of albino that has unique coloration. They possess a tannish tone with a copper hue. Besides, this species is mainly found in countries like Australia, Germany, and the USA.
Tank Setup
Are you thinking of caring for albino axolotls at your home? Then, you need to decide on a good tank setup that is capable of satisfying their needs. So, here is how you can take care of them in a good tank setup.
Tank Size
It is better to care for one specimen in one tank. Albino axolotls sometimes show cannibalistic behavior towards their types. Hence, it is better not to house them together.
On the other hand, albinos have very poor eyesight, making it difficult to save themselves from threats. Hence, it is better not to house them with other fish. Thus, you will not need a gigantic tank. It is enough to opt for a 20-gallon tank. But make sure there is a cover for your tank.
Heater
The temperature matters a lot when picking the right tank setup for your albino axolotl. Usually, albino axolotls prefer cool water for survival. So, you can offer them a maximum of 68 ° Fahrenheit of temperature in their tank.
Substrate
The substrate is one of the most crucial matters for the tank of axolotls. So, you should go for a substrate that is made solely for them.
It is better to go bare bottom for their tank. But if you want to add a substrate, opt for fine sand, which will not harm your axolotl’s sensitive skin.
Water Parameters
Albino axolotls are usually much suitable to thrive in a wide range of water parameters. However, the water must be clean and free from any chemicals.
If you are utilizing tap water in your tank, make sure that you use a conditioner in it. Also, it is recommended to maintain the water pH within the range of 6.5-8.
Lighting
Too much lighting can stress the skin of albino axolotls. Since they lack melanin, it becomes hard for them to bear with strong lights. Hence, you should maintain moderate lighting in your tank.
It is better not to keep the tank in direct sunlight. Instead, keep it under low to moderate artificial lighting. Keeping albinos in the normal room light will also do well.
Care
Care is very crucial for a longer life span of your albino axolotl. Therefore, it is better to care for them in a species-only tank where they will get a safer environment with a proper space to swim.
It is pretty common for albinos to get stressed due to sudden lighting. So, try to add a lot of space for hiding in the tank. Adding up elements like hardy plants, flower pots, caves, etc., will give them enough room to take shelter.
For albino axolotl care, it is also crucial to take note of the filtration. They need clean water for living even if they are very messy. If you add a canister filter to their tank, perform a 20% water change once or twice a week. In case you are not adding a filter, consider changing 20% of the water every day.
Nevertheless, if you spot a lack of appetite or sudden growth in your albino, make sure to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Food & Diet
Feeding you albino axolotl is quite straightforward. You can easily provide them with a wide range of foods like frozen bloodworms. Also, you can offer them other live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, lean beef liver, small fish, mealworms, blackworms, etc.
Breeding & Reproduction
Breeding of albino axolotl can be tricky if you do not have any prior knowledge. Well, if you have a male and female albino, you can easily prepare them for breeding during December and January.
Attempt breeding when the female is at its 18 months of maturity and fully grown. Making them breed early can cause unnecessary stress.
Are they blind?
One of the thoughts that can be very likely to come to your mind is whether the albino axolotl is blind or not. Their all-white eyes make them appear blind; however, they are not.
The truth is that albino axolotls cannot see properly, but they are not entirely blind. They have poor eyesight.
Hence, they do not rely on it much. They mainly rely upon their senses to know their surroundings and ensure they move in the right direction.
However, sometimes it becomes too difficult for the albino axolotls to sense whether anything around them is even moving or not.
Hence, it becomes pretty hard to feed them properly. They also struggle to recognize their owner. But from your movement in the room, these albinos can easily make up an idea that you are there.
Nevertheless, even though their eyesight is limited and they have blurry vision, albinos can distinguish between some colors.
But how well they can see that varies from one specimen to another. Nevertheless, their eyes can quickly adapt to a variety of environments they are living in.
Are these a good tank addition?
Yes. The albino axolotl is a great pet and quite popular among the aquarium trade. Whether it is their unique appearance or docile nature, everything makes them a perfect tank addition.
They are even capable of interacting with their owners to some extent. Thus, adding them to your tank will let you enjoy great company.
Final Thoughts
The albino axolotl is simply outstanding in every aspect to become a perfect tank addition. All you need to do is take care of their unique needs and dietary requirements so that they never feel stressed out in your tank.
