Copper Axolotl

Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum

Copper Axolotls are a distinctive color morph of the Mexican axolotl, displaying warm copper, tan, and brown coloration that can be accompanied by darker spotting or freckling. Like other axolotls, they remain fully aquatic throughout their lives and retain their characteristic feathery external gills.

Axolotls require a specialized cool-water aquarium rather than a typical tropical fish setup. Adults commonly reach approximately 8–12 inches, and their long-term care depends on cool temperatures, excellent water quality, gentle filtration, appropriate substrate, and a protein-rich diet.

Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Generally peaceful; best kept individually
Adult Size: Approximately 8–12 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20-gallon long minimum; 29+ gallons preferred for an adult
Temperature: 59–68°F
pH: 6.5–8.0
GH: 7–18 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: Approximately 10–15 years with proper care

Recommended Setup: Keep Copper Axolotls in a fully cycled, cool freshwater aquarium with excellent water quality, gentle filtration, low water movement, subdued lighting, and smooth hiding places. Floor space is particularly important because axolotls spend much of their time along the bottom of the aquarium.

Substrate: A bare bottom is safe, while appropriately fine sand can be used for sufficiently large axolotls. Do not use gravel, pebbles, or small stones that could be swallowed while feeding and potentially cause an intestinal blockage.

Temperature Warning: Axolotls are cold-water amphibians, not tropical fish. Their aquarium should generally remain below 68°F. A heater normally isn't necessary, and warmer homes may require an aquarium fan or chiller to maintain an appropriate temperature.

Diet: Feed a varied, protein-rich carnivorous diet. Earthworms/nightcrawlers and quality sinking axolotl pellets make excellent staple foods, with other appropriately sized animal-based foods used for variety.

Tankmates: A species-only aquarium is the safest setup. Fish can nip an axolotl's delicate external gills, while small fish and other animals may be swallowed. Multiple axolotls also require considerably more space and should be similar in size to reduce the risk of injury.

Please Note: Copper coloration, spotting, body shade, and gill coloration can naturally vary between individual animals. Aqua Huna selects males and females randomly and does not guarantee sex. Aqua Huna does not provide an exact purchase size for this listing, so Felipe's Fish does not guarantee a specific arrival size.

Legal Notice: Axolotl ownership and sale are restricted in some jurisdictions. Aqua Huna currently states that axolotls are illegal to own in California, Maine, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., with permits required in New Mexico and Hawaii. They also state they do not ship axolotls to Hawaii or Washington State. Destination laws should therefore be verified before an order is fulfilled.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.