Axolotls are known for their ability to regrow their limbs and organs, and that’s something people fascinate the most with. But do you want to know what captivates curious minds even more? Some of you may find it slightly weird to believe, but Axolotl Poop is a very interesting topic amongst pet enthusiasts.
Axolotls are a type of salamander and a friendly, interactive aquatic pet. They are known for their regenerative abilities, but according to experienced axolotl owners, their poop is also a topic of interest. By monitoring Axolotl poop, it is easy to estimate their digestive issues, parasites, hydration level, and even stress. Yes, looking closely at your pet Axolotl’s poop can tell you a lot about their health.
But why should you care about axolotl poop? Well, simply to know how your pet is feeling internally. And it is easy and non-invasive to keep tabs on your pet’s well-being just by monitoring their poop.
So, join us in this Axolotl Poop guide and discover all the important information surrounding the same. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned axolotl owner, this article is for you.
Axolotl’s Poop Facts & Myths– All you need to Know
There’s a lot to learn about Axolotl’s poop, but here we start with some common Facts and Myths.
Fact: Axolotls produce a lot of poop/ waste. And since they excrete their waste into the water, it is important to clean their tank, or it can quickly lead to a build-up of toxins, especially harmful ammonia.
Myth: Axolotl poop is toxic since it contains harmful parasites and bacteria. But as long as you are removing their poop from the tank, it isn’t toxic for other animals and humans. Yet, ingesting their poop is not advisable.
Fact: The color and consistency of axolotl poop indicated a lot about their health. For instance, if their poop is white, it indicates internal parasites like flagellates or nematodes. If their poop is black or very dark, their diet lacks fiber.
Myth: Some animals like rabbits, dogs, and cats eat their poop, “coprophagia,” but evidence of Axolotls doing the same is not yet found.
Myth: While some animal waste also acts as a fertilizer, it isn’t the case with Axolotl poop. Especially since axolotl poop can contain harmful bacteria and toxins; using it as fertilizer can harm plants.
Fact: Axolotls have a very sensitive digestive system; thus, a wrong diet can easily constipate them. In fact, overfeeding too can impact their stool movement. And change the color and consistency of their poop.
Myth: While poops generally have an unpleasant odor, Axolotl poop is relatively odorless.
More Insights: How Often Does An Axolotl Poop?
Axolotls do not necessarily poop every day. In fact, these aquatic beings poop once every few days or sometimes even once a week. How often an Axolotl poop depends upon their size, age, diet, and overall health. For instance, juvenile axolotls poop more frequently since they have a faster metabolism and are in their growing state.
They require more energy and thus result in more frequent waste production. Whereas when Axolotls reach adulthood, they tend to poop less frequently since their metabolism slows down. Adult Axolotls, however, produce larger poops.
It is important to monitor how frequently your Axolotl is pooping. If the Axolotl is pooping very frequently, they are either being fed an imbalanced diet or being overfed. However, if the Axolotl is pooping less frequently, it could be a sign of constipation.
What Does Axolotls Poop Look Like?
Axolotl poop typically has a soft, sausage-like consistency. It can appear black or brown in color, depending on factors like Axolotl’s age, environmental conditions, health, and diet. The color of their poop may also appear green (with hints of brown) sometimes, and they may have small pieces of undigested food. A healthy axolotl poop should be well-formed and cylindrical in shape. It should be of ice-cream-like consistency.
An unhealthy axolotl poop may appear white, stringy, or sometimes extremely dark. Their poop has a consistency that will dissolve in water fairly quickly.
This, as a result, makes it difficult to identify and remove the poop, and therefore cleaning axolotl poop is a challenging and time-consuming process. It is important to be very careful while removing Axolotl’s poop, or it will burst and spread dirty in the tank.
What Does Baby Axolotl Poop Look Like?
Baby axolotl poop may look slightly different from adult axolotl poop but not heavily different. Their poop is usually smaller and thinner, and the color depends upon their diet and age. Their poop should be shaped like brown pellets and must be soft.
How Long Does It Take For Axolotls To Poop?
When an axolotl does poop, it typically only takes a few seconds to pass the waste. Pooping happens quickly and effortlessly on the animal’s part. Axolotls have a cloaca, an opening that serves as their reproductive organ and anus.
As food waste develops in Axolotl’s digestive system, it eventually expels through its cloaca. The actual time of pooping is merely a few seconds as poop pushes out of the body by muscle contractions.
However, it may take some time before the poop breaks down and dissolves in water. And once it dissolves, cleaning the water can become difficult. Therefore, monitoring your pet Axolotl’s pooping habit/ pattern is important to remove the waste as soon as possible.
How Messy Are Axolotls?
Axolotls are generally not considered very messy and are typically quite clean. They poop and shed their skin, which can add dirt to their tank, but it is easy to clean.
The majority of their waste is only in the form of poop, which, again, isn’t a daily practice. In short, Axolotls aren’t messy.
Do Axolotls Pee Or Poop?
Like a lot of living being, Axolotls both pee and poop. They excrete waste through their cloaca. Axolotls produce poop, a form of solid waste. Similarly, they also produce liquid waste, which is a form of urine. While their poop is identifiable in the tank, their urine is difficult to detect since the liquid dissolves in water.
Is Axolotl Poop Hard?
Axolotl poop isn’t hard, but it isn’t completely soft. Their poop has a thin sausage-like skin with the waste inside. The outer skin makes it look solid, but it isn’t hard. The inside of Axolotl poop is softer and, if pricked, will dissolve fairly quickly in water.
The consistency of axolotl poop also depends upon their age, diet, and environmental conditions. Generally, it should be in larger chunks or smaller pieces.
Even though axolotl poop is not hard, cleaning it can be a challenge. If Axolotl poop bursts, it will mix with water making itself inseparable. Therefore, it is important to monitor when the Axolotl poop and clean it as quickly and carefully as possible.
Axolotl Poop – Healthy vs Unhealthy
Axolotl poop can give insight into the health of the axolotl, as changes in its color, consistency, and frequency can indicate potential health issues.
Healthy axolotl poop should be firm, well-formed, and brownish in color. It should also be passed regularly, with axolotls typically defecating once a day or every other day.
On the other hand, unhealthy axolotl poop may be abnormal in color or consistency, and may also be passed less frequently. For example, if the poop is stringy, white, or greenish in color, it could indicate an issue with the axolotl’s digestive system or diet. In addition, if an axolotl is passing very little or no poop, it could be a sign of constipation or other underlying health issues.
How Do I Get My Axolotl To Poop?
Axolotls typically poop on their own and do not need any intervention. However, if you observe that your Axolotl is not pooping as often as it used to, here are a few things you can do.
- Firstly, monitor your pet Axolotl’s diet and ensure that their diet is balanced and appropriate.
- Avoid overfeeding or feeding the wrong food type, as it can lead to constipation. If your pet is suffering from constipation, provide them with foods high in fiber, such as bloodworms and earthworms. You can also add a small amount of Epsom salt to their tank since it alleviates constipation.
- Axolotls are sensitive to changes in water temperature. These aquatic animals prefer water temperatures of 16 to 18°C and should never cross 24 °C. In addition, the pH of the water should be 7.4 to 7.6, and it must be free of chlorine. Any changes in water temperature can lead to your pet Axolotl not pooping. Therefore keep the water within their preferred temperature range, and it will encourage regular bowel movements.
- Axolotls are shy, and they become stressed if they do not find a hiding spot in their tank. Stress, on the other hand, can make Axolotls suffer from constipation, thus providing them enough hiding spots so that they are relaxed and comfortable.
- Increase water flow in the Axolotls tank, stimulating their digestive system and encouraging regular bowel movements.
If, after all these efforts, your Axolotl continues to have difficulty pooping, consult a veterinarian.
Axolotl Poop Stuck- What To Do?
If your Axolotl poop is stuck, try soaking them in a shallow dish of cool, clean water for about 15 minutes. Doing so will loosen their poop and make it easier to pass.
However, if that doesn’t help, you can go with either fridging or surgery (performed by a qualified veterinarian). Some veterinarians may also suggest laxatives or enemas.
Axolotl Poop Removal- All that you need to know
Removing Axolotl poop from their tank is important to maintain a clean and healthy environment for the creature. Here are some tips and tricks you can follow to do the same.
- Use a siphon for removing poop from the substrate. This excellent tool uses suction and draws the water and debris into the siphon, finally out of the tank. However, while using a siphon, avoid sucking up any substrate or decorations, or it will clog the tool.
- As soon as you notice poop on the substrate spot, clean the area. You can use a small net or strainer to do so.
- Clean the filters regularly, as Axolotl poop can clog them up. Cleaning filters is also important to maintain water quality inside the tank.
- Change the water regularly to maintain a clean and healthy tank. Depending on the size of your tank and axolotls, change the water once or twice a week.
While cleaning the axolotl tank, always wash your hands thoroughly before and after the procedure. In addition, avoid using any cleaning in the tank since it can harm the axolotls.
Why Is My Axolotl Pooping So Much?
Axolotls should poop once a week or once every 3 to 5 days. However, if they are pooping more frequently, it isn’t a good sign. Pooping frequently is a sign of diet changes, especially if you are offering them a more fibrous diet.
Another reason your Axolotl is frequently pooping can be a change in the tank’s water temperature. Axolotls prefer cool water; if the water temperature increases, it will speed up their metabolic rate, making them produce more fat.
Or, something it can be a sign of stress or illness when your Axolotl is pooping too much. Either the other animals are bullying your Axolotl, or they are stressed due to another reason. Sometimes sick Axolotls too can poop more as the body tries to eliminate the problem by secreting waste.
In general, axolotls should not poop excessively; if they are, monitor them closely. If the problem persists, consult with a veterinarian or experienced axolotl keeper.
Axolotl Diarrhea And 5 Prevention Tips
Axolotl diarrhea is a serious health concern; thus, you should address it promptly. Axolotl produces a soft and slimy stool, and it is quite different from diarrhea. Diarrhea in these aquatic beings is characterized by increased frequency of bowel movements, stools with a foul odor, or watery or runny stool.
If your pet axolotl has diarrhea, here’s how you can help:
Prevention Tips:
- Firstly, check the water temperature and make sure it is between 16 to 18°C and has a pH between 7.4 to 7.6. Make sure the water temperature does not exceed.
- Next, check if the water in your Axolotl tank has high levels of nitrite, nitrate, or ammonia. If yes, then these compounds are causing stress and diarrhea.
- Review your Axolotl diet and make sure it doesn’t contain more fiber than required. In addition to fiber, too much protein or fat as well can lead to diarrhea and other digestive issues.
- Make sure the tank is clean and free of any debris
- However, if diarrhea persists or other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite increase, consult a veterinarian.
Wrapping up…
This was all about Axolotl poop. Axolotls’ poop can reveal a lot about their health, and therefore it is important to monitor it closely. Remember, any weird or unusual changes in their poop should be addressed immediately.
Hi, I’m Mike, and I’m the creator of amphibianlife.com. If there was one word to describe it? It would be: passionate about Amphibians! Whether you want to know more about amphibians or have a presentation to give at school, you’ve come to the right place.
