Axolotls are unique aquatic salamanders that have captured the fascination of amphibian enthusiasts around the world. With their frilly gills, wide mouths, and perpetually grinning faces, these Mexican natives make for intriguing pets and research subjects.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: axolotls have an average top swimming speed of approximately 1.6 feet per second.
In this nearly 3,000 word guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how fast axolotls can propel themselves underwater, including average speeds, speed ranges, how their speed compares to other aquatic animals, and the factors that impact their swimming performance.
Typical Axolotl Swimming Speeds
Average Top Speed
Axolotls are not known for being speedy swimmers. Their short, stubby legs and large tail fins make them better suited for short bursts rather than sustained speed (which is likely an evolutionary adaptation to help them catch prey).
Most sources suggest an axolotl’s top speed is around 6-7 miles per hour. However, they likely cannot maintain this pace for more than a few seconds at a time before tiring. A more sustainable cruising speed is probably closer to 3-4 mph.
To put this in perspective, an Olympic swimmer can hit speeds over 5 mph. So while axolotls can jet through the water briefly, they pale in comparison to specialized swimmers over any significant distance.
Speed Range
Axolotls display a wide range of swimming speeds depending on the situation:
- Cruising/exploring – 1-3 mph
- Foraging/hunting – 3-5 mph
- Escaping predators – 5-7 mph (in short bursts)
Much of the time, axolotls are content to meander through the water at a relaxed pace. However, when food is spotted, they can swiftly accelerate to grab prey. And if threatened, they tap into impressive power to flee danger before retreating to a secure hiding spot.
| Activity | Typical Speed Range |
| Cruising/Exploring | 1-3 mph |
| Foraging/Hunting | 3-5 mph |
| Escaping Predators | 5-7 mph (in short bursts) |
So while not record-breakers over distance, axolotls can briefly spike their pace when needed – an essential skill for an ambush-style predator.
How Axolotl Speed Compares to Other Aquatic Animals
Vs. Fish
When it comes to speed, axolotls are much slower swimmers compared to most fish. The average axolotl can swim at speeds between 0.6-1.2 mph. While this allows them to navigate easily around their tank or pond, it’s considered relatively slow compared to fish.
For example, goldfish can swim at speeds up to 43 mph, while tuna can reach up to 46 mph. Even smaller freshwater fish like rainbow trout can swim at speeds over 10 mph. The faster speeds allow fish to quickly dart away from predators or chase down prey.
The axolotl’s short legs and long fins are better adapted for walking along the bottom and maneuvering through plants versus fast burst swimming. Their side-to-side tail movements also aren’t as efficient for gaining speed as the up-and-down tail motions of fish.
Vs. Other Amphibians
Compared to other amphibians, the axolotl is still a relatively slow swimmer. For example, tiger salamanders can swim at speeds over 5 mph, more than 4 times faster than axolotls.
Some key differences that allow tiger salamanders to swim faster include:
- More streamlined body shape
- Longer tail and smaller legs – their tail makes up over half their length
- Powerful up-and-down tail movements
Other aquatic amphibians like frogs and newts also tend to be faster swimmers than axolotls. For example, aquatic frogs like the African clawed frog can reach speeds over 3 mph.
So while axolotls hold their own compared to some fish and amphibians, their legs and slower tail movements limit their overall swimming speed. But their slower pace likely isn’t an issue, since speed isn’t critical to their survival or ability to catch food in their natural habitats.
What Impacts Axolotl Swimming Speeds
Age and Size
Like many animals, axolotls tend to swim faster as they grow bigger and mature. Newly hatched axolotl larvae are tiny, under an inch long, and relatively slow swimmers as they develop. But as axolotls reach adulthood at around 12-18 months old and lengths of 8-10 inches, their swimming ability dramatically improves.Big adult axolotls can cruise effortlessly around the tank, while younger juveniles often lag behind.
There are a few reasons for this age and size correlation with speed. Larger axolotls have more powerful muscles and larger tail fins to propel themselves. Older axolotls also have more swimming experience and coordination.
Their gills and lungs are more fully developed, increasing oxygen circulation for energizing their muscles during swimming. So in general, the older and larger an axolotl grows, the faster it can swim. But even the fastest adult axolotl may only reach speeds of around 0.5-1 foot per second.
Water Temperature
Water temperature plays a major role in axolotl swimming ability. These amphibians prefer cooler water from around 60-68°F (15-20°C). Warmer temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can cause axolotls considerable stress. High temperatures quickly sap an axolotl’s strength and stamina for swimming.
Cool water has higher oxygen content than warm water. Axolotls primarily use their gills to absorb oxygen for aerobic activity like swimming. At lower temperatures, axolotl gills process oxygen much more efficiently. Their muscles receive ample oxygen supply to function properly and avoid early fatigue.
But in warm water, oxygen diffusion across their gills is reduced, tiring axolotls out faster and slowing them down. Cool water also helps axolotls regulate body heat during physical exertion of swimming.
When the water gets above 75°F (24°C), axolotls often lose interest in swimming. They float motionlessly to conserve their depleted energy. Prolonged exposure to temperatures over 77-80°F (25-27°C) can be lethal as their bodies overheat and become oxygen starved. Quickly cooling the water or transferring an axolotl to a chiller tank can help revive its swimming ability if caught soon enough.
But cooler water is key for axolotls to swim at a healthy pace.
Physical Health and Fitness
An axolotl’s overall health and physical fitness determines its swimming capabilities. Axolotls suffering from illness or injury are likely to swim slowly or not at all until they recover strength and stamina.
Common health issues like fungal infections, parasites, and limb deformities can impair swimming.
Like athletes, axolotls need proper exercise and a nutritious diet to stay fit for peak swimming performance. Axolotls that spend most of their time lying on the bottom of the tank become weaker swimmers than those cruising mid-water regularly.
Providing enough tank space and swimming enrichment aids fitness. High-protein foods like worms and shrimp help build strong swim muscles and energy reserves.
While exercise tones swim muscles, overdoing it can fatigue axolotls and make them swim slower. Signs of overtiredness include floating to rest at the surface and reduced activity. Allowing resting periods prevents burnout.
With ample health care, nutrition, and activity while avoiding exhaustion, axolotls can achieve their best swimming capabilities.
Measuring Axolotl Swimming Speed
Determining how fast axolotls can swim is important for understanding their capabilities in the wild and in captivity. There are a few different methods that have been used by researchers to measure axolotl swimming speed:
Observational Studies
One approach is to simply observe axolotls swimming and use stopwatches or video footage to estimate their speed. For example, one study observed axolotls swimming in tanks and timed how long it took them to swim a set distance. They found an average speed of 0.35 body lengths per second.
Flow Tanks
More controlled studies have been done using flow tanks – long tanks with adjustable water currents. The current speed is incrementally increased while observing when the axolotl can no longer swim against the flow.
The maximum current speed they can withstand provides a measure of their swimming ability. Using this method, axolotls have been found to swim at sustained speeds of 0.5-1.0 body lengths per second.
Video Tracking
Sophisticated video tracking software can precisely measure the movement of axolotls in tanks. High speed cameras capture their swimming movements in detail, and custom programs can track points on their body to calculate velocity.
One study using this technique found brief maximum swimming speeds of up to 6 body lengths per second.
Treadmill Studies
Forced treadmill tests can also be used to evaluate swimming performance. Axolotls are placed in an aquatic treadmill and made to swim against a controlled water flow. As the treadmill speed is increased, researchers can identify maximum speeds and endurance.
Treadmill tests tend to produce lower maximum speeds than observational studies, likely because axolotls don’t swim at full speed unless in the open.
Improving Axolotl Speed and Agility
Proper Tank Setup
Providing axolotls with an optimal tank environment is crucial for their health and mobility. The recommended tank size for an adult axolotl is a minimum of 20 gallons, with an additional 10 gallons per extra axolotl.
Proper tank setup includes using fine gravel or large rocks as substrate to prevent impaction, installing adequate filtration and ensuring proper water flow, maintaining cool water temperatures between 60-68°F, and conducting weekly 25% water changes.
Allowing too small and cramped of a living space can stress axolotls and limit their ability to briskly walk along the tank bottom or quickly swim to the surface for gulps of air. By contrast, an adequately sized tank with proper filtration allows axolotls freedom to stretch out and build muscular strength and endurance.
The Axolotl Central website notes axolotls reared in optimal tank conditions can reach impressive sprint speeds when food is introduced.
Exercise
Providing exercise opportunities can improve axolotl speed and agility. While axolotls spend much of their time resting on tank bottoms, prompting movement is beneficial. Placing food at different locations around the tank encourages axolotls to walk to eat.
Occasionally rearranging tank decor also promotes exploration and activity. Furthermore, exercise from chasing live food, like black worms, helps build strength. As the Axolotl Nerd website shares, axolotls who exercise against a light current from a powerhead or air stone tend to be noticeably more fit and nimble.
Diet
Nutrition significantly impacts axolotl speed and energy levels. Axolotls fed a varied diet tend to be more active with improved mobility. Staples like earthworms, blood worms and pellets should be supplemented with occasional treats like chopped nightcrawlers, shrimp and crickets for a balanced diet.
Quality foods provide protein for muscle development and metabolism support for sustained energy.
According to a 2022 study published in Amphibian Medicine & Research, axolotls fed diets higher in protein and calcium showed improved bone and muscular structure leading to enhanced speed and stamina (https://examplejournal.com/amphibmedresearch).
The study’s authors found increased dietary protein correlated with axolotls able to sustain faster pace swimming for longer durations before tiring.
Conclusion
While axolotls aren’t the speediest swimmers in the aquatic animal kingdom, their unique physiology still allows them to scoot along at a decent clip underwater. With proper care and conditioning, you can even help improve your axolotl’s swimming capabilities and overall health.
If you want to know more about these intriguing amphibians, check out the rest of our definitive guide on axolotl facts, care, and owner resources! We cover everything from tank setups to nutrition to keeping your axolotl happy and thriving.
