Axolotls have become increasingly popular pets in recent years, particularly rare color morphs like the blue axolotl. If you’ve been considering getting one of these unique aquatic salamanders, you’re probably wondering – how much does a blue axolotl cost?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Blue axolotls typically sell for $200 to $300 each from specialty breeders and pet stores.

What Are Blue Axolotls?

Basic Facts and Appearance

Blue axolotls are a unique color morph of the axolotl salamander species (Ambystoma mexicanum). They have sky blue skin and gills, making them stand out compared to the more common brown or green wild-type axolotls.

Axolotls originate from Mexico and are amphibians that retain juvenile aquatic features like gills into adulthood. They are neotenic salamanders, meaning they reach sexual maturity without undergoing metamorphosis.

Axolotls can regrow lost limbs and heal wounds rapidly due to their highly regenerative abilities.

The striking blue color of blue axolotls is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the deposition of melanin, the pigment responsible for brown, black, and olive colors. This lack of melanin allows their blue pigmentation to show through vividly.

Their feathery external gills are also tinted blue.

Blue axolotls have pale gold or blue eyes that seem to glow against their bright blue skin. They can reach up to 12 inches in length when fully grown. These amphibians are quite popular in the exotic pet trade due to their unique appearance.

Genetics Behind Blue Color Morph

The blue color morph results from a recessive gene mutation affecting melanin pigmentation. Two copies of the gene must be inherited for an axolotl to develop blue coloring. When a blue axolotl is bred with a wild-type brown axolotl, the offspring will be heterozygotes carrying one copy of the mutated blue gene and one normal gene.

The heterozygotes will appear brown or olive green like the wild-type parent, but they will carry the recessive blue gene. When two heterozygotes are bred together, around 25% of the offspring are expected to inherit two copies of the blue gene and exhibit the vibrant blue phenotype.

The mutated gene responsible for blue axolotls has been identified as a homolog of the human OCA2 gene, which is associated with oculocutaneous albinism type 2 when mutated. The blue axolotl gene contains a premature stop codon that truncates the protein before it can catalyze melanin production, leading to a loss of pigmentation.

Through selective breeding programs, blue axolotls have stabilized over generations. They breed true when mated together, consistently producing 100% blue offspring. With proper care, these exotic blue creatures can live up to 10-15 years in captivity.

Blue Axolotl Breeding and Availability

Challenges of Breeding

Breeding blue axolotls can be challenging for a few reasons. First, they have a relatively low natural reproduction rate compared to other axolotl colors. On average, a single female will produce around 200 eggs per breeding cycle, but not all will be viable or carry the blue color mutation.

Additionally, blue axolotls tend to have poorer health and higher mortality rates as juveniles. Their bright blue color is linked to a genetic mutation that can make them more susceptible to health issues.

Another major obstacle is that blue axolotls must be bred from two blue parent axolotls to produce blue offspring. Breeding a blue axolotl with one that has normal wild coloring will not produce any blue babies. So acquiring two healthy, mature blue specimens is the essential first step.

Finally, raising axolotl eggs and larvae requires meticulous water quality control and feeding. The eggs are prone to fungus and must be monitored constantly. Once hatched, the tiny larvae need to be fed infusoria multiple times a day.

It takes 3-6 months before juveniles transition to eating larger foods. Many first-time breeders can struggle with the delicate process. An experienced breeder has a much better chance of successfully raising a clutch of blue axolotl eggs.

Reputable Breeders and Retailers

Due to the challenges of breeding, blue axolotls are still relatively hard to find compared to more common colors like leucistic or albino. They also tend to be more expensive, often $100-150 for a juvenile. Using a reputable breeder is highly recommended when seeking a blue axolotl.

Some examples of top blue axolotl breeders in the US include:

  • The Axolotl Store – Ships nationwide and offers healthy, tank-raised blue axolotls. Their website provides good information on axolotl care.
  • Exotic Amphibians – An experienced breeder selling juveniles and adults via Morph Market. All their axolotls are bred in-house.
  • KC Axolotls – Located in Kansas, they breed multiple color morphs including blues. Their axolotls are well-socialized.

There are also a few reputable online retailers that acquire their blue axolotls from trusted breeders:

  • The Wet Spot Tropical Fish – Has an online selection that includes blue axolotls when available.
  • Backwater Reptiles – Sources captive-bred axolotls from ethical breeders. Their health guarantee provides peace of mind.
  • Morphed Axolotls – Primarily sells on Etsy, offering nationwide shipping. They work with specialized axolotl breeders.

Doing research to find a seller with experience breeding blues is time well spent. Paying a little extra to purchase a healthy, tank-raised juvenile from a reputable source gives it the best chance to thrive.

Blue Axolotl Prices From Different Sources

Pet Stores and Specialty Retailers

Purchasing a blue axolotl from a pet store or specialty aquatic retailer can be quite expensive. Prices typically range from $50 to over $100 per animal. The high price tag reflects the rarity and demand for this unique color morph. Some factors that affect pet store axolotl pricing include:

  • Size – younger/smaller axolotls are less expensive than mature adults
  • Color intensity – darker blue specimens command higher prices
  • Morph purity – axolotls with muddier coloration are cheaper
  • Breeder reputation – axolotls from top breeders fetch premium pricing

When buying from a pet store, be sure to inspect the animal closely for signs of health and vigor. Avoid any axolotls that look thin or display cloudy gills. Reputable retailers will provide good husbandry and nutrition to justify the higher costs.

For comparison, albino morph axolotls typically sell for $30-60 in pet stores.

Private Breeders

Purchasing directly from private blue axolotl breeders can sometimes yield savings compared to pet stores. Experienced hobbyist breeders are able to offer competitive pricing in the range of $40-80 per animal, with outliers on both ends.

When buying directly from a breeder, buyers gain more insight into lineage and upbringing. Factors affecting private breeder pricing include:

  • Proven quality lineage – some bloodlines are prized over others
  • Offspring quantity – pricing per individual decreases for large spawns
  • Shipping costs – if not local, shipping fees apply
  • Breeder experience level – veteran breeders command higher pricing

As with pet stores, careful inspection of the animal is recommended before purchase. Responsible breeders take excellent care of their animals. Some may even provide health guarantees. Overall, buying from a hobbyist breeder can provide nice axolotls at slightly lower costs.

Online Sellers

In today’s digital marketplace, buying blue axolotls online is popular for people lacking local options. Average pricing from online sellers, websites, and auction platforms falls between pet stores and private breeders, generally $60-100 per axolotl.

Benefits of online purchasing include wider selection and shipping directly to your door. Considerations for online buyers include:

  • Shipping fees – overnight shipping for live animals is expensive
  • DOA policy – look for guaranteed live delivery
  • Seller reviews – read feedback from previous buyers
  • Health policy – only buy from sellers who offer live guarantees

While sometimes more convenient, buying axolotls online does come with risks like shipping stress or health issues. Perform due diligence on sellers by reading reviews and inspecting the animal promptly upon arrival before assuming ownership.

Other Axolotl Price Considerations

Adult vs Baby Axolotls

When buying an axolotl, you’ll find there is usually a price difference between purchasing a baby (juvenile) axolotl and an adult. Baby axolotls are often less expensive, with prices ranging from $20-$50 depending on color morph. Adult axolotls tend to cost more, usually between $40-$100.

Here’s why there is a price difference:

Raising baby axolotls requires more time and care on the breeder’s part. Babies need to be fed multiple times per day and monitored closely as they grow. Since they require more effort to raise, many breeders price juvenile axolotls lower to sell them faster.

Adult axolotls are bigger, hardier, and require less frequent feeding and care. Additionally, well-cared for adult axolotls have proven health and established coloration. For these reasons, adult axolotls often command a higher price.

Shipping and Handling

Unless you are able to visit the breeder and transport the axolotl yourself, you’ll likely have to pay a shipping fee. Reputable breeders ship axolotls overnight so they arrive quickly and safely. Overnight shipping rates start around $50-$60 for most parts of the U.S.

Some breeders may offer discounted shipping rates depending on location.

You may also need to account for a handling fee, usually around $5-$10. This covers the breeder’s cost of carefully packing the axolotl for transport. While shipping and handling do add to the total cost, they help ensure your new pet arrives happy and healthy.

Aquarium Supplies

While the axolotl itself may be the largest upfront cost, properly housing and caring for it will require additional ongoing expenditures. Here are some of the essentials you’ll need to buy for your axolotl habitat:

  • Aquarium tank – $50+ for a basic 20 gallon tank
  • Cooling fan – $10-$30 to maintain ideal water temperature
  • Filter – $30+ for a high-quality filter designed for amphibians
  • Gravel or fine sand substrate – $5+
  • Hiding places like plants and rocks – $20+
  • Water testing kit – $20+ for ammonia, nitrates, pH, etc
  • Water conditioner – $10+ to remove chlorine
  • Food like bloodworms and pellets – $15+ monthly

As you can see, a proper axolotl habitat requires an investment of $200+ in equipment. Factoring in ongoing food, water care, and tank maintenance costs, expect to spend $50+ per month. Be sure to account for these additional expenses when budgeting for your new axolotl friend!

Is a Blue Axolotl Worth the Higher Price?

Axolotls have surged in popularity as exotic pets in recent years. Part of their appeal lies in the striking variants that have been bred, with the blue color morph commanding premium pricing. But are these rare blue axolotls actually worth paying over double the cost of a regular leucistic (white) axolotl?

Rarity Drives Up Costs

Blue axolotls are much rarer than typical white or albino axolotls. Their unique color results from a genetic mutation that restricts melanin production. Only about 1 in 100,000 axolotls will be blue. This scarcity allows breeders to charge higher prices, often over $200 for a single blue axolotl juvenile.

No Difference in Care Needs

A blue axolotl is the same species as any other axolotl, with identical housing, feeding, and handling requirements. Blue varieties do not have higher care needs or expenses compared to standard morphs. So the color alone accounts for their steep pricing.

Other Factors to Consider

  • Blue axolotls can be harder to acquire due to limited breeding. You may need to preorder and wait months for new hatchlings.
  • Their unique appearance can make them more desirable for enthusiasts and collectors.
  • You’ll need the same sizable aquarium and chiller setup as any axolotl.
Axolotl Variant Average Price Range
Standard Leucistic $30 – $60
Blue $150 – $250+

Given their identical husbandry needs, a blue axolotl’s worth comes down to personal preference. Their rarity and unique looks justify higher pricing for enthusiasts seeking a special pet. But those factors don’t affect practical care requirements.

Review costs for housing, food, and accessories before deciding if the initial blue axolotl investment meets your budget.

Conclusion

While blue axolotls are one of the rarer and more expensive morphs, many owners feel the $200 to $300 price tag is worthwhile for these unique, colorful salamanders. By purchasing from a responsible breeder, you can add one of these exotic pets to your home aquarium.

The extra cost goes towards compensating ethical breeders for the care and challenges involved in propagating blue axolotls. While the upfront price is higher, most blue axolotl owners will tell you they’re worth every penny!

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