Featured Image by MyRainbowTongueFlies
Lavender Axolotl never fail to disappoint us with their exotic range of colors. In this unique salamander community, you can get every color morph from yellow, pink, white, and black to lavender.
However, while the other color morphs are common, lavenders are pretty hard to find. So, keep reading this article to know more about this exotic-colored community.
Species Overview
Lavender or silver dalmatian axolotls are one of the rarest color morphs, which can be found only in some places in the USA. Well, like any other variants of axolotls, these species are pretty easy to care for. Besides, if offered top-notch food and water quality, they can live up to 10-18 years.
There is no definite or any fixed number of color variations for these salamander-type amphibians.
A short introduction to these exotic creatures can make you find them even more interesting. Axolotl are a typical species of salamanders native to Lake Xochimilco of Mexico City. They are widely popular for their cute little legs, fish-like body, and broadened head.
Even though axolotls are salamanders, they are slightly different in size and traits. Unlike other amphibians, these creatures do not evolve into land-dwelling species. Instead, they remain aquatic for their entire life. Known as the Mexican walking fish, axolotls retain many larval features even after they reach maturity.
Now, let’s have a focus on the wide color varieties that you can find in them. An extensive range of color morphs is available, such as brown or tanned, greenish, golden yellow, etc. Brilliant genetic engineering is the reason behind these wide varieties. Also, some color morphs are created through lab testing, which makes the community even richer.
But what is the most important reason behind such wide color variations? They possess some unique pigment cells, named chromatophores, which determine their color. There are usually three main types of chromatophores available – xanthophores, melanophores, and iridophores.
Each pigment cell in the body of axolotls contains 28 chromosomes that belong to their parents. Due to crossover, different colors of axolotls are naturally created. And the lavender or silver dalmatian axolotl is one such color morph, resulting from a brilliant chromatophore crossover. So, let’s learn about this variant more.
Lavender Melanoid Axolotl Appearance
Color
Silver dalmatian or lavender axolotls are quite rarer than any other color morphs. The variant is called silver due to its unique color in between lavender and purple. Besides, there are specks present all over their body that look somewhat similar to a dalmatian dog. Hence, they are named silver dalmatian.
However, information is quite limited about this morph as they are scarce and found in only specific places in the USA.
What is known about this color morph is that they have light and quite silvery hue all over their body. Their unique body hue is combined with black eyes and greyish-red gills to render an enticing outlook.
Some lavender variants tend to become grey or green as they age. But most of them remain purple. The lavender variants can also have a darker purple hue with no spots. However, this color combination is highly unusual.
Size
What makes lavender or silver dalmatian axolotls different from others? Well, they are too easy to spot due to their larger structure than any other salamanders. Though they are larger, they do not grow in a gigantic manner, which makes them easy to handle.
A healthy lavender axolotl tends to grow up to 10-18 inches. However, a proper diet and water quality are a must to achieve optimal growth.
Behavior & Temperament
Lavender or silver dalmatian axolotls are pretty friendly towards their owner.
Besides, they are nocturnal creatures. Hence, you can find them running for a shelter whenever they get exposed to strong lighting around them.
This axolotl species can show a bit of cannibalistic behavior to their types in the juvenile stage. One of their most notorious traits is that they eat any species that fits their mouth. Thus, it is highly recommended to care for them in a species-only tank where they can live peacefully the way they want.
Lifespan
Before you invest in such an expensive species, knowing how long they will live is better. Silver dalmatian axolotls usually live up to 5-7 years in the wild as they are exposed to plenty of predatory threats.
However, one of the best things about caring for them in captivity is that they will live up to 10-15 years if you know how to care for them properly. They are even known to live more than 20 years; however, that is quite a rare instance.
Tank Setup
If you are determined to welcome a lavender axolotl to your tank and care for them at your responsibility, you need to be very specific about their aquarium requirements.
So, here is what you will need to consider to offer them a top-notch tank setup.
Tank Size
A tank with all the necessary integrated features is a must to keep your axolotl safe and happy. It is better to keep silver dalmatian axolotls in a tank that comes with at least 20 gallons of capacity for some extra room.
The tank must also have a lid to prevent your pet from jumping off. It would be better to consider both the depth and length of the tank for enough spaciousness.
Filtration
Do you know without the necessary filtration in your tank, your lavender axolotl can even die? Thus, make sure you are working your best to setup an effective filtration unit in the tank that will keep them safe and healthy.
Well, these axolotls are usually very messy. Thus, you must go for strong filtration in the tank. But the tank water must not have a too strong current, as it can stress your pet. Therefore, it would be better to go for an external canister filter or a sponge filter.
Décor
The tank decoration for your cute little axolotl must be top-notch to meet all their requirements.
It is always a good idea to add plenty of hiding spaces in the tank so that they can find adequate shelter to stay away from bright lighting. Besides, adding plenty of aquatic plants with rocks and caves can be great for your tank.
Lighting
Silver dalmatian axolotls do not prefer high luminosity. As nocturnals, they prefer staying in the dark mostly.
So, the lighting setup in the tank must not be too bright. A moderate LED light will be enough to keep your lavender axolotl happy and stress-free.
Water Parameters
Proper maintenance of tank water parameters is crucial to keep your silver dalmatian axolotl healthy.
The water you are using in your tank must be free from any biowaste, ammonia, nitrite, or higher nitrate levels. Thus, a 20% regular water change is needed to prevent the accumulation of these toxic materials.
Usually, these axolotls can tolerate a pH level of about 6.5-8. However, 7-7.8 is considered to be the best pH condition. Besides, you must also maintain the water temperature somewhere between 60-65 ° Fahrenheit. Lavender species cannot tolerate higher temperatures. Hence, there is also no need to add any heater to the tank.
Substrate
Last but not least, the substrate is another crucial parameter to take note of the tank of your axolotl. The skin of your lavender axolotl is very delicate. So, any sharp surface can injure these species badly.
The tank substrate must be made of fine sand or larger rocks. Using gravel with smaller pebbles and rocks can be harmful as your little pets will easily gulp the stones.
Care
If you think of petting lavender axolotls, you need to know how to offer them the best care. So, before getting one, check out these care tips to ensure your pet axolotl is doing fine.
- It’s suggested not to touch your beautiful lavender axolotls with bare hands, as they are too sensitive. So, use a proper fishnet while transferring them to another tank.
- Keep one axolotl in a species-only tank, as they can show aggressive behavior towards their own types. Also, the male ones often try to nudge the females for breeding. But such behavior can vex the females and make them stressed, unfortunately resulting in their death.
- Always try to keep the water clean by equipping a robust filter in the tank. Good quality water ensures their good health.
Food & Diet
The health of your silver dalmatian axolotls is highly dependent on the type of food you are offering them. As they are carnivorous, they readily accept a large range of animal foods.
A good staple diet for your silver dalmatian axolotl must consist of large earthworms, frozen cubes of blood worms, small fish, daphnia, brine shrimps, lean beef pieces, pinkie mice, etc.
Breeding & Reproduction
Lavender or silver dalmatian axolotls are pretty easier to breed if you can take all the necessary measures.
They usually attain their sexual maturity in between 5-12 months. But they should not be bred before the age of 18 months.
Like other variants, as these lavender species reach their breeding maturity, the male and female specimens engage in a unique dance-like courtship. The male lavender axolotl initiate spawning with a deposit of at least 5-25 spermatophores. The female specimen picks the spermatophores in her cloaca to undergo proper fertilization.
After successful breeding, the female axolotls tend to produce more than 100-1000 eggs. However, the survival rate of these eggs is very low.
To achieve success in breeding, you need to decorate the tank with a sufficient number of live plants so that they can get a place to affix their eggs.
Are These Good For Aquarium?
Owning a lavender or silver dalmatian axolotl sums up to possessing a precious asset since you can barely find them in the aquarium trade. So, here are some things that you need to know about petting a lavender or silver dalmatian axolotl in your home tank.
- Due to their brilliant color, they can be a pretty tank addition as they will ultimately accentuate your aquarium décor.
- They are easy to care for if you are well-acquainted with fish-keeping and caring.
- They are interactive species that can turn out to be a friendly and docile tank addition.
Red Flags
Well, apart from the above-mentioned positives of keeping a lavender axolotl, there are some red flags too related to the caring of this species in captivity.
- Being a rare color morph, they are pricey enough.
- The gills of your axolotl can become less fluffy if the water quality is low, which will hamper their beauty.
Conclusion
Lavender or silver dalmatian axolotls are rare species. So, if you find them, make sure you offer them the ultimate level of care so that they can live happily in your tank for a long time.
Indeed, the variant may be pricey enough, but they are worth the purchase. After all, who won’t get enticed with that beautiful lavender-colored dotted body and its lovely cute baby face?
