Axolotls are a unique type of salamander capable of breathing through their skin and external gills, leading many to wonder if they can also breathe air like other amphibians.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: While axolotls have lungs, they rarely breathe air and instead rely on their gills and skin to breathe underwater.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore whether axolotls can breathe air and other related topics including their anatomy, habitat requirements, and how their ability to get oxygen impacts axolotl care recommendations.
Axolotl Respiratory System and Breathing Process
External Gills for Aquatic Respiration
Axolotls have three pairs of external gills that extend from behind their heads and enable them to breathe underwater. The feathery, red gills absorb oxygen from the surrounding water, similar to how the gills of fish work.
Axolotls don’t have lungs during their larval stage and rely entirely on their external gills for respiration.
As amphibians, axolotls can absorb oxygen through their skin as well as their gills. Their thin, permeable skin allows dissolved oxygen from the water to enter their bloodstream directly. This supplemental oxygen intake, along with their highly branched external gills, allows axolotls to meet their oxygen needs while submerged.
Axolotls pump blood through their gills via muscle contractions. The blood flows through the gill filaments in tiny channels called capillaries, picking up oxygen in the process. The freshly oxygenated blood then circulates throughout the body, delivering vital oxygen to tissues and organs.
Without access to oxygen, axolotls can suffocate just like any other animal. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure tank water is clean and well aerated. Cool water temperatures also help maximize oxygen saturation.
Rudimentary Lungs for Minimal Air Breathing
While axolotls use gills to breathe underwater, they also have a pair of small, non-functional lungs. These lungs are leftovers from their evolutionary ancestors who lived on land. Axolotls primarily use lungs to regulate buoyancy rather than to obtain oxygen.
By filling their lungs with air, axolotls can increase buoyancy and float up towards the surface. Likewise, expelling this air causes them to slowly sink down. Lung regulation enables axolotls to maintain their desired depth without having to constantly swim.
Though primitive in structure, axolotl lungs are capable of minimal air breathing and uptake of atmospheric oxygen. Their lungs extract a small amount of oxygen from the air to supplement gill respiration when conditions require it.
For example, in warm or stagnant water with critically low oxygen levels, absorbing air may boost survival.
However, axolotls far prefer breathing through their gills and are not well adapted for terrestrial life. They can only survive on land for brief periods and remain dependent on water to support their branchial respiration.
Axolotl Habitat and Oxygen Level Requirements
Aquatic Habitats with Cool, Oxygenated Water
Axolotls are fully aquatic salamanders that require specific habitat conditions to thrive. As amphibians, axolotls have permeable skin that allows them to absorb oxygen from water. This means they need access to cool, clean, well-oxygenated water at all times.
Ideally, axolotls should be housed in filtered aquariums or tubs with low water flow. Tap water treated with a dechlorinator is generally fine, as long as parameters like temperature and pH are maintained. Axolotls prefer water temperatures between 60-68°F (15-20°C).
Temperatures above 74°F (23°C) can cause stress. The pH range for axolotls is 6.5-8.0, with hardness around 5-10 dGH.
Providing optimal oxygenation is crucial. Axolotls mainly get oxygen through their gills by passing water over them. Low oxygen levels can be fatal. Using an air stone or bubble wall is recommended to increase surface agitation and gas exchange.
Aquarium filters also boost oxygen circulation throughout the tank. Target oxygen saturation above 80% for healthy axolotls.
Impacts of Air Exposure and Low Oxygen on Axolotls
Axolotls are especially sensitive to low oxygen levels and air exposure. Since axolotls solely rely on their gills to breathe underwater, they will quickly suffocate if left out of water for more than a few minutes. Their gills can also be damaged by dry air.
According to experts, oxygen levels below 3-4 mg/L (milligrams per liter) can be dangerous for axolotls. Dissolved oxygen saturation below 50% causes respiratory stress. Prolonged low oxygen will weaken the immune system, inhibit growth and feeding, and eventually lead to death.
Warning signs of oxygen deprivation include: gaping mouth at surface, decreased activity, floating listlessly, wheezing/coughing sounds, tipping sideways. Immediate action is required to improve oxygenation, like aerating the water. But irreversible gill damage may occur.
Providing optimal aquatic habitat is essential to avoid oxygen deprivation in pet axolotls. Use large tank volume, cool clean water, filtration, and air stones. Monitor parameters daily. Water changes and tank cleaning help replenish oxygen.
Overall, be vigilant about habitat conditions to keep axolotls healthy.
Caring for Axolotls Out of Water
Minimizing the Need to Handle Axolotls
Axolotls are amphibians that spend most of their time fully submerged in water. However, there may be times when an axolotl owner needs to handle or move their pet for tank cleaning or other routine care.
It’s important to limit handling as much as possible, as axolotls have sensitive skin and can become stressed when taken out of the water.
Here are some tips for minimizing the need to handle axolotls:
- Use a large tank with efficient filtration to limit water quality issues and the need for frequent water changes.
- Invest in a good gravel vacuum to simplify cleaning the tank bottom without removing your axolotl.
- Set up a separate holding tub when doing major tank maintenance so you don’t have to fully remove the axolotl from water.
- Consider getting two axolotls so they have companionship if temporarily moved to a holding tub.
- Schedule tank maintenance when axolotls are less active, like during the daytime.
Limiting handling is ideal, but sometimes briefly moving an axolotl is unavoidable. Always strive to keep stress to a minimum.
Techniques for Safe Handling
When it becomes necessary to handle an axolotl, use these safe techniques to protect their health:
- Never fully lift axolotls out of the water, keep their bodies submerged as much as possible.
- Scoop gently below the belly to support their weight – never grab the gills or tail.
- Keep handling to 2 minutes or less to limit stress.
- Make sure your hands are clean and wet – never handle with dry hands.
- Move slowly and steadily without sudden movements.
- Transport in a tub partly filled with original tank water.
It’s also crucial to monitor axolotls closely after any handling. Watch for signs of stress like clamped fins, reduced gill filaments, or lack of appetite. Provide extra hideouts and keep noise and other environmental changes minimal.
With careful technique and close observation, axolotls can tolerate brief handling when needed.
According to a 2021 survey by Amphibian Ark, improper handling is a top cause of health issues in captive axolotls. By limiting handling and using proper technique, owners can promote the wellbeing of these fascinating aquatic salamanders.
Providing Proper Aquatic Environments
Filtration and Water Flow Considerations
Proper filtration is critical for keeping axolotl tanks clean and healthy. Axolotls are very sensitive to water quality, so their aquariums need strong biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration to remove waste and maintain safe water parameters.
Canister filters are recommended over hang-on-back filters, as they provide superior filtration and customizable media setups. Sponge filters alone are usually insufficient.
In addition to robust filtration, creating proper water flow is also important. Axolotls do not appreciate strong currents, so the goal is to have gentle water movement that circulates the tank volume several times per hour.
This can be achieved through strategic filter outlet positioning, powerheads, air stones, or pumps. The flow should be just enough to prevent dead zones and evenly distribute heat, nutrients, and waste – without stressing or blowing around the axolotl.
Ideal Water Parameters
Axolotls require pristine water quality with the following optimal parameters:
- Temperature between 60-68°F (15-20°C). Lower temperatures are preferred.
- pH between 6.5-8.0. Neutral pH around 7.0-7.5 is ideal.
- Ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm.
- Nitrate below 20 ppm.
- Hardness between 90-150 ppm.
- Alkalinity between 50-250 ppm.
Cool water temperatures are especially crucial, as axolotls are very sensitive to temperatures over 72°F. Warmer water increases their metabolism and causes stress. Using a chiller is recommended to maintain optimal temps during summer months.
Regular partial water changes are necessary to dilute nitrates and replenish minerals. 25% weekly is a common water change schedule. Use a gravel vacuum to remove waste from the substrate during water changes. Always use a dechlorinator to remove chlorine/chloramines whenever new water is added.
Test kits should be used weekly to monitor parameters and make any adjustments needed to maintain a safe, stable environment.
Signs of Respiratory Distress in Axolotls
Physical Indicators
Axolotls can display several visible signs indicating respiratory distress or problems breathing air. According to experts, these amphibians breathe through external gills which require water to properly function.
When removed from water for too long, axolotls may show gill filaments turning bright red or pale, indicating oxygen deprivation. Additionally, their gills may appear shrunken or clamped closely to their head.
Other physical cues involve rapid gill movement as the animal struggles to extract oxygen from the air.
Veterinarians advise closely monitoring axolotls out of water, watching for these problematic respiratory markers. On average, a healthy axolotl can spend 10-15 minutes out of water before respiratory signs appear.
However, certain factors like high temperatures or preexisting conditions may shorten this timeframe. If any distress indicators manifest, the axolotl should be returned to water immediately to recover. Preventative measures involve limiting continuous dry time to 5 minutes as a safety precaution.
Behavioral Changes
Along with physical respiratory red flags, axolotls also display certain behavioral changes reflecting impaired breathing ability. As highly aquatic creatures, axolotls stranded on dry land will likely show signs of stress as they struggle to breathe.
Common behaviors involve rapid tail twitching, writhing motions, or flailing as the animal tries to reenter water. Gasping mouth movements may indicate urgent efforts to process oxygen.
Experts advise observing axolotls closely when out of water, watching for these distress behaviors. If spotted, quickly return the axolotl to its aquatic habitat. Additionally, axolotls severely deprived of oxygen for extended periods risk serious health consequences like organ damage or even death.
While axolotls do occasionally venture on dry land in nature, their external gills require water to function optimally. Limiting dry exposure reduces respiratory risks for these unique amphibians.
Conclusion
While axolotls do have basic lungs, they rely heavily on their external gills and skin to breathe underwater and cannot survive out of water for extended periods. By setting up a well-oxygenated, cool water tank you can help support their unique respiratory system and keep your axolotl healthy.
Understanding the axolotl breathing process allows owners to better meet their complex habitat needs. If you notice any signs of respiratory distress, be sure to first assess water quality and make adjustments to ensure your axolotl can thrive.
