Melanoid Axolotl

Looks how to spot one

Smooth, moist skin with external gills and a caudal fin

The melanoid axolotl has a uniform, solid black or very dark grey colouration across its entire body, including its gills. Unlike wild-type axolotls, it completely lacks iridophores (shiny pigment cells) and has an increased number of melanophores (dark pigment cells), giving it a matte, non-iridescent appearance. The eyes are dark without the golden ring seen in wild axolotls.21

Personality what they are like

Melanoid axolotls are generally calm, curious and fairly bold. They often swim to the front of the tank to watch their owners and may even come to the glass when someone approaches. They are not social animals and do not need companions; they are best kept alone or with other axolotls of similar size, but juveniles can be aggressive towards each other.14

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity level. Axolotls spend most of their time resting on the bottom of the tank or slowly swimming. They do not require exercise equipment, but a tank with hiding spots and gentle water flow is appreciated.15

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. The tank requires regular water changes to maintain pristine water quality. Avoid handling unless necessary, as their skin is delicate. Any substrate should be fine sand or a bare bottom; gravel must be avoided because axolotls may ingest it and suffer fatal blockages.15

Home where they are happiest

A single adult requires a minimum 29-gallon (110-litre) tank with cold, clean water kept between 58-69°F (14-21°C). Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) cause stress and can be fatal. The pH should be 6.5-7.5. Use a gentle filter to avoid strong currents. Provide hiding places with smooth driftwood, caves and low-light plants such as Anubias or Java Fern. Bright lighting should be avoided as it can stress melanoid axolotls more than other morphs. Tap water must be dechlorinated as chlorine is harmful.156

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. Staple foods include live or frozen bloodworms, blackworms, earthworms (nightcrawlers) and high-quality sinking pellets. They may also eat small pieces of cooked shrimp or feeder fish (with caution due to parasites). Avoid mammal-based foods as they are too fatty. Remove uneaten food daily.15

Company who they like around

Solitary. Axolotls do not require companionship and are best kept alone. Juveniles may bite each other and damage limbs. Adults can cohabitate if they are similar in size and of the same sex (to prevent breeding), but a species-only setup is recommended. Do not house with fish or other animals, as axolotls may eat small tank mates and fish may nip at their gills.13

The story where it all began

The melanoid axolotl is a colour variety of the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). It was first discovered in a laboratory in 1961 as a recessive mutation that affects iridophores, the cells that produce shiny, reflective pigments. Unlike wild-type axolotls, melanoids lack these iridophores and have an increased number of melanophores, resulting in a solid, non-iridescent black or dark grey appearance. This mutation also causes a reduction in yellow pigments (pteridines), which can slightly lower survival rates in larvae, making melanoids a little less common and often slightly more expensive than other morphs. Today they are widely bred in captivity and are considered an ideal first morph for new axolotl keepers.26