How To Tell If Axolotl Eggs Are Fertilized? 9 Egg Care Tips

Axolotls are fascinating creatures, and everything about them draws attention. These aquatic beings are determined by their ability to regenerate their organs. However, Axolotls, often kept as pets, have so much more to them. One of the most interesting things to learn about Axolotls is their fertilization process. Watching Axolotls lay eggs and hatch into adorable little larvae is an experience on its own. But How to tell if Axolotl eggs are fertilized?

Female Axolotls produce a large number of eggs in one go. They are wonderful pets that can help breeders or even domestic owners grow a little community. For successful breeding, it is important to determine whether axolotl eggs are fertilized or not. However, unless you are a breeder or an experience Axolotl keeper, determining the same can be tricky for you. Therefore, we have brought a complete How to’ guide to help you care for your axolotl eggs as they fertilize. 

Join us in this article as we discover the best way to tell if Axolotls eggs are fertilized. We will also cover other concerning aspects of the process, ensuring you learn everything you want. With the right knowledge and care, Axolotl keepers can enjoy the wonder of breeding these creatures. With that said, let’s get started. 

So, How To Tell If Axolotl Eggs Are Fertilized?

Axolotl eggs can be fertilized externally, meaning that the eggs are laid and then fertilized with sperm from a male axolotl. To tell if axolotl eggs are fertilized, you can look for several signs:

1. Clumping: If the eggs are fertilized, they will start to clump together within a few hours of being laid. This is because the outer membrane of the egg becomes sticky when fertilized.
2. Clearing: Over time, the fertilized eggs will start to become more transparent, allowing you to see the developing embryo inside.
3. Movement: As the embryo develops, you may be able to see movement within the egg. This can be a sign that the embryo is healthy and developing properly.
4. Unfertilized eggs: If the eggs remain separate and don’t clump together, or if they start to turn white and fuzzy, this could be a sign that they are unfertilized or not viable.

To increase the chances of fertilization, it is recommended to provide a male and female axolotl in the same tank and allow them to breed naturally. After the eggs are laid, they should be carefully monitored for signs of fertilization and development.

Process of axolotl eggs get fertilization

The fertilization process amongst Axolotls is complex, and to understand that, it is important to learn about how these amphibians mate.

During mating, the male Axolotl deposits a packet of $perm which is also known as a spermatophore, on the substrate. Later the female picks up them with her cloaca, and that leads to further internal fertilization. Mating amongst Axolotls occurs externally, but the process of fertilization occurs internally. 

They are usually fertilized outside of the female body on vegetation or other aquatic surfaces. The fertilized eggs are subsequently laid on the substrate. Further, the larvae that hatch from the eggs are fully aquatic, and they develop into adults over time. 

The external fertilization method in Axolotls is different from frogs, toads, or other amphibians. 

Are all axolotl eggs fertile?

Not all, but generally, most of the Axolotl’s eggs are fertilized as long as the Male Axolotl deposits male gamet during the mating process. Axolotl eggs are fertilized as they pass through the $perm-laden water. The absence of male Axolotls (the absence of male gamet, basically) can make the eggs remain unfertilized. However, the whether all eggs are fertilized or not also depends upon factors like Axolotls’ age, their mating behavior, water quality, and substrate in their environment. In addition, some genetic factors can also result in lower hatching rates. 

However, under normal circumstances, a maximum of Axolotls eggs are fertilized. It is only a few under some specific circumstances that go unfertilized. It is important to identify and clean unfertilized Axolotls eggs from the tank before they become a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria and harm the embryos that are developing. 

Signs that Axolotl Egg Is Fertilized

Determining whether an Axolotl egg is fertilized or not is a very simple process, but initially, it can be challenging. 

To tell whether the Axolotl egg is fertilized or not, look for the visible embryo, basically a small white dot on the surface of the egg. The embryo during the initial stage is very small and thus hard to see sometimes, especially if you are doing it for the first time. This white dot, however, is the early stage of the developing embryo. It is a clear indication that the egg has been fertilized. The dot usually starts appearing right after a few hours when the egg is fertilized. 

Besides the white dot on the egg surface, there are a few other ways to find if the Axolotl egg is fertilized. For instance, fertilized Axolotl eggs tend to stick together, forming a clump. However, the unfertilized eggs remain separate.

Fertilized Axolotl eggs may appear slightly cloudy or opaque, and the embryo (slightly opaque mass within the egg) is usually visible. After a few days, the eggs may start showing veins or blood vessels, and it is a sign of embryo growth.

Lastly, Axolotls eggs which are fertilized, also have a small amount of movement from within. This movement is a sign of a developing embryo. Whereas eggs that are unfertilized stay stationary. 

However, until the embryo is developing, determining whether the egg is fertilized or not will always remain tricky. 

How Often and How Many Eggs Do Axolotls Lay?

The Axolotl breeding season occurs from late winter to early spring or sometimes right before the summer starts. During this period, female Axolotls typically lay eggs several times. However, the frequency of them laying eggs depends upon the Axolotl’s age, health, environmental conditions, and more such factors. 

Each clutch of Axolotl eggs contains a few eggs to several hundreds of eggs given the right circumstances. It is very common for female Axolotls to lay hundreds of eggs in one clutch. Since these aquatic beings have evolved to survive in environments where breeding success is often low, they produce multiple eggs in one go. And since in the wild environment, only a small number of Axolotl eggs survive to maturity laying multiple eggs and increasing their chances of breeding.

Axolotls are capable of reproducing throughout their adult lives, given the conditions are favorable for them. However, if a female axolotl produces eggs more frequently, it will take a toll on its energy and overall health. 

How Many Axolotl Eggs Will Survive?

The survival rate of Axolotl is very lower in the wild, whereas higher in captivity. Due to water quality, temperature, predation, and diseases, only less number of eggs survive to adulthood in the wild. Whereas by keeping these circumstances under control in captivity, the chances of survival become high. 

When wanting to keep 1 or 2 fertilized eggs, it is better to try keeping 20 to 30 of them. The survival rate of Axolotl larvae depends upon factors like:

• Quality of Breeding Stock.
• Conditions within the Breeding Tank.
• Water quality and temperature inside the tank.
• Nutrition.
• Protection from predators.
• Proper care and monitoring of eggs.

Is It Important To Separate Axolotl Eggs From Parents?

Yes, usually, it is important to separate Axolotl eggs from their parents, keeping the eggs in a different breeding container. Axolotls are known for eating their eggs, and thus, separation is important for better chances of survival. Axolotls, though, do not eat their eggs purposely, but the chances of eating their own eggs or other axolotls or damaging them are vital. 

As you separate Axolotl eggs from their parents or other Axolotls in general, the chances of their survival increase. Doing so allows breeders to monitor them closely and provide the optimal conditions and care needed for their survival. Conditions like water quality, temperature, and lighting affect the development of embryos and larvae, and that has a better possibility in a separate tank. 

However, while separating Axolotl eggs from their parents, be extra cautious. Remember, Axolotl eggs are very delicate, and the chances of them getting damaged during handling are very high. 

What do dead axolotl eggs look like?

Dead axolotl eggs usually turn white or opaque, and their surface may appear fuzzy or moldy. The eggs may also sink to the bottom of the tank or float on the surface. It is normal for some eggs to die off during the incubation period, but if a large number of eggs are dead, it may indicate a problem with the water quality or the breeding conditions. If you suspect that the eggs are dead, you can gently touch them with a clean, sterile instrument to see if they are soft and mushy or firm and pliable. Soft, mushy eggs are likely dead and should be removed from the tank to prevent contamination of the healthy eggs.

how to tell if an axolotl is pregnant?

Axolotls don’t get “pregnant” like mammals, but they do lay eggs during the breeding season when they are ready to breed. The best way to tell if an axolotl is ready to lay eggs is to observe its behavior and physical appearance.

A female axolotl that is ready to lay eggs will typically exhibit a swollen belly, which can be visible when viewed from above. The belly may also feel firm to the touch. The female may become more active and restless, and may spend more time near the bottom of the tank, where she may dig and create hiding places.

Males may also exhibit some behavioral changes during breeding season, such as displaying more active courtship behaviors and possibly developing breeding tubercles (small bumps) on their bodies.

If you suspect that your axolotl may be ready to breed, it’s important to ensure that the tank conditions are appropriate for breeding and that you have a plan in place for caring for any eggs that may be laid. It’s also important to avoid breeding axolotls that are too young or unhealthy, as this can be harmful to their health.

Care For Axolotl Eggs- 9 Important Tips 

If you are planning to breed your pet Axolotls, here are some of the important tips you must follow:

1. Once you notice fertilized Axolotl eggs, separate them very carefully from Axolotls. Doing so is important to reduce the risk of damage, contamination, and other hazards. 
2. For eggs to fertilize successfully, maintain a clean and stable environment ensuring the water tank has clean water of ideal temperature. 
3. To reduce the risk of drowning for the developing embryos, ensure the water level is shallow.
4. Make sure the water filtration system in the egg tank is very gentle. Avoid strong currents since they can destroy the eggs.
5. Make sure the water tank has suitable substrates like a spawning mop and aquatic plants where the eggs can attach.
6. Axolotl eggs are very delicate, and thus, avoid handling them until very necessary.
7. Keep a check on eggs for signs of fungus or other infections. Upon finding any, remove the egg right away before it spreads the condition to other healthy eggs. Adding a little methylene blue to the water tank can prevent fungal growth. However, before adding the same, consult an expert breeder.
8. To reduce the risk of algae growth and stress of embryos, keep a low-light environment in the tank.
9. Lastly, once you observe that eggs have started hatching, provide them with a nutritious diet.

Wrapping up…

Determining whether the Axolotl eggs are fertilized or not isn’t demanding but needs some experience. If it is your first time breeding Axolotls, the above information will help you. However, be extra gentle while handling and caring for eggs, or you may end up damaging all the breeding possibilities.