Axolotls are carnivorous amphibians that eat a variety of protein-rich foods. Their diet in the wild consists of anything they can fit into their mouths and swallow whole, including insects and insect larvae, worms, slugs, snails, small crustaceans, small fish, other salamanders, and tadpoles
. They use suction feeding to quickly suck in their prey along with some water and sometimes small pebbles
. In captivity, axolotls thrive on a diet high in protein and low in fat. The best staple food for adult axolotls is earthworms (such as red wigglers or nightcrawlers), which provide complete nutrition and are safe and easy to obtain
. Other suitable foods include bloodworms (best fed occasionally as treats due to high fat), brine shrimp (fresh or freeze-dried and rehydrated), daphnia, blackworms, and small pieces of raw salmon or shrimp
. Commercial sinking carnivore pellets with at least 40% protein and less than 10% fat can be used as supplements but should not replace live or frozen foods entirely
. Baby axolotls require smaller, live foods such as brine shrimp hatchlings, daphnia, and finely chopped earthworms to stimulate feeding and support growth
. In summary, a complete axolotl diet includes:
- Main staple: Earthworms (nightcrawlers, red wigglers)
- Supplements: Bloodworms (in moderation), blackworms, daphnia, brine shrimp
- Treats: Raw or frozen/thawed salmon, shrimp (ghost or cherry shrimp)
- Optional: Commercial soft pellets with high protein content
This diet meets their nutritional needs and supports healthy growth and regeneration
