Axolotl Food
Axolotls are carnivores and do not have sharp/rending teeth. When they eat, their mouths open quickly, creating a vacuum like force that sucks in everything around their head. Therefore, axolotl diet should consist of meat that is sized to be swallowed whole. Live food is best for axolotls, as it engages them in the hunt and is usually highest in nutrients. For info about feeding baby axolotls, please see the "Raising Axolittles" page.
Before feeding your axolotl, always wash your hands in hot water without soap. Soap, lotion, or perfume residue will hurt your axolotl. You can feed your axolotl using your fingers, tweezers, tongs, or turkey basters. Some owners put ceramic or glass food dishes into the tank, and lay food in that dish. Feed axolotls under 8 inches long once a day. When larger, you can feed them every other day. Remove any uneaten food within two hours to maintain good water quality.
Before feeding your axolotl, always wash your hands in hot water without soap. Soap, lotion, or perfume residue will hurt your axolotl. You can feed your axolotl using your fingers, tweezers, tongs, or turkey basters. Some owners put ceramic or glass food dishes into the tank, and lay food in that dish. Feed axolotls under 8 inches long once a day. When larger, you can feed them every other day. Remove any uneaten food within two hours to maintain good water quality.
Earthworms/Red wrigglers/Nightcrawlers: These worms are all suitable food sources for juvi or adult axolotls. They are high in nutrients, and easy to find at pet stores such as Petco, Petsmart, or locally owned shops that specialize in fish or reptile care. Always check to make sure the worms you buy are not in soil that has pesticides in it, as that will hurt your axolotl. If your axolotl is under 7 inches long, you may need to cut the worms in half to make them easier to swallow.
Live Tubifex: These worms are also great live food source for axolotls. They are aquatic, so they can survive in the fish tank with your axolotl if left uneaten. The only down side to them is that they're hard to find locally, and can be more expensive than earth worms or frozen foods. You can order them online from AquaticFoods.com.
Frozen Bloodworms: These are a good basic food for adult or juvi axolotls, but they should not be used as a staple. They are best as a supplement to earth worms. If you're having trouble the food out of the serving packages, just dip them in some room temperature water. This will thaw the outside layer, making them pop out easily! You can find them at most pet stores that have fish care sections.
Salmon/Axolotl Feeder Pellets: A non-live, nutritious food source that keeps well are sinking feeder pellets. It's important that food sinks, because axolotls tend to hang out on the tank floor. Pellets are great because they're high in nutrients. But if left uneaten, they can really dirty the tank. You can find good pellets from the online seller FlyMeat.com.
Ghost Shrimp: A good SNACK for axolotls, they should not be used as a staple. You wouldn't want to do that anyway, because they average 50 cents each. They are great because they get the axolotls chasing them, help clean the tank, and can be easily digested by the axolotl when finally caught. Specialty fish stores are usually where you can find these. Sometimes chain pet stores with fish departments will carry them.