7 Ideal Tank Mates to Pair with Axolotls

Axolotls became a favorite aquatic pet in the 1990s and have since gained worldwide popularity, especially during the social media era. With their endearing appearances, such as a smiling face, wide black eyes, and unique regenerative abilities, it’s no wonder they are so popular! As they are naturally solitary creatures, if you have an axolotl, it is important that you select the right tank mates for a harmonious and comfortable tank environment.

In this article, you will discover 7 perfect tank mates for your axolotls, how to care for them, and learn why they’re a suitable fit.

1. Other Adult Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum)

The axolotl is native to a few lakes in Mexico. They have a lifespan of 10 to 30 years and live fully in the water. Their average size is about 9 to 12 inches in length, but some may grow up to 18 inches. These unique amphibians require spacious tanks with cool water between 60 to 68°F as warmer temperatures can stress them. If you add another axolotl to the tank, a 40-gallon tank is necessary, as each axolotl requires a 20-gallon tank. The tank should be filled with fine sand or coarse gravel, as fine gravel may obstruct the axolotl’s stomach if accidentally ingested.

Adult axolotls not only share the same diet and living conditions, but they also make perfect tank mates because they can coexist peacefully. It is also best to keep axolotls of the same gender together to prevent unwanted breeding. Additionally, keep young axolotls separate from adults, as the bigger axolotl may eat the smaller one! It is also important to provide hiding places like plants and caves to help your axolotls feel secure.

2. White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)

White cloud mountain minnows are small, peaceful freshwater fish native to China and Vietnam. They are popular for their beauty, easy care, and adaptability to various water conditions. These iridescent, silver fishes grow to about 1.5 to 2 inches long and should be kept in groups of 5 to 6. 

One of the advantages of keeping white cloud mountain minnows with your axolotl is that they prefer cooler water temperatures like the axolotls, at around 64°F to 72°F. Moreover, adult minnows are too large for axolotls to eat, so no worries there! Furthermore, with their calm nature, the likelihood of aggressive interactions with the axolotl is minimal, thus creating a safe environment between these two species.

3. Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Zebrafish originated from several countries in South Asia, including India and Nepal. These small fish only grow up to 2 inches in length. They are popular for their striking appearance, with a distinctive zebra-like pattern with blueish-silver hues and horizontal stripes from head to tail. They require a minimum of 10 gallons for a small group of at least 6 with a water temperature of 64 to 75°F. As zebrafish are known to be active, make sure to provide hiding spots and open swimming areas for them.

Zebrafish are suitable tank mates for axolotls as they are unlikely to be perceived as food and are fast enough to swim away from the axolotls when necessary. They occupy the upper and middle water levels and have similar water temperature preferences. Their peaceful nature and resilience make them an ideal fit for the aquarium.

4. Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

Dojo loaches are native to East Asia, such as China, Korea, and Japan. Historically, Dojo loaches were popular in Chinese rice paddies, where they were valued for their ability to help control pest populations. In terms of appearance, dojo loaches have an elongated, eel-like body shape and no scales and generally exhibit shades of olive or brown. These loaches are relatively large; they can grow to an average length of 4 to 8 inches. Ideally, a tank size of a minimum of 30 gallons is required for a small group of loaches.

Like the axolotl, they are a species that prefers cold water with a temperature of 65 to 77°F. Don’t let your tank’s water temperature rise above 68°F as that is the upper range of the axolotl’s ideal and preferred water temperature. They are also peaceful and unlikely to harass or stress the axolotl, and they share a similar diet, eating food such as pellets, brine shrimp, and frozen bloodworms.

5. Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius)

Rosy barbs are native to various regions in South Asia, including India and Nepal. They are hardy, easy to care for, and compatible with a variety of tank mates. Adult rosy barbs can grow to a length of around 3 to 4 inches. A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of rosy barbs. Their water temperature preferences, 64 to 75°F, overlap at the higher range of the axolotls.

These active swimmers primarily occupy the middle and upper levels of the tank, and their larger size is not generally seen as prey by the axolotl—though they may still try! With a similar water temperature preference and the rosy barb’s peaceful nature, both species may cohabit easily. And as a plus, the rosy barb’s iridescent colors will brighten up your aquarium.

6. Pearl Danio (Danio albolineatus)

Named after its iridescent appearance, the pearl danio is one of the most attractive freshwater fish and a popular addition to home aquariums. They originated from the rivers of Myanmar and Thailand. Pearl danios are peaceful and well-suited for aquariums and get along with any peaceful fish. These fish can grow to be around 2.5 inches long. Furthermore, they are tolerant of a wide range of water conditions with a temperature of 64 to 72°F. The minimum volume is 10 gallons, with a minimum of six in a group.

Pearl danios can make good tank mates for axolotls because they are fast swimmers, and they swim in schools as protection against the axolotl when placed in the same tank. Their peaceful nature means they won’t likely bother your axolotl, making them less likely to become food.

7. Apple Snail (Ampullariidae)

The adult apple snail, native to South America, is a great tank companion for your axolotl, as it will generally be too large to be consumed. A fully grown apple snail reaches about 6 inches in diameter.  A minimum of 10 gallons is suitable for a single apple snail, and it is best to keep only a couple as they proliferate quickly. They can survive in a wide range of water temperatures of 64 to 82°F, including the cooler temperatures preferred by and necessary for axolotls.

Apple snails are generally peaceful creatures and can coexist with axolotls without causing any issues, and they keep the tank clean and balanced by consuming algae and decaying matter. Their slow-moving and non-threatening nature makes them a suitable tank mate for axolotls. However, keep in mind that it’s best to keep a larger apple snail with a younger axolotl in case the axolotl tries to eat the apple snail. It may cause issues as it may not pass.

Summary of 7 Ideal Tank Mates to Pair with Axolotls