Axolotls have exploded in popularity as pets in recent years, capturing the hearts of many exotic animal enthusiasts with their permanent "smiles," frilly gills, and incredible array of color morphs. Sadly though, you‘re unlikely to find any of these charismatic little salamanders for sale the next time you pop into your local Petco store.
Despite the massive surge in demand for pet axolotls, these delicate amphibians remain absent from the tanks at big-box pet store chains like Petco. So what‘s the reason behind this axolotl pet paradox? Why doesn‘t Petco sell these trendy aquatic animals, and where can you ethically acquire an axolotl if you‘re set on keeping one? Let‘s take a deep dive into the world of axolotls in the pet trade.
Axolotls: Critically Endangered Conservation Icons
First, a little background on these fascinating creatures. Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are large, totally aquatic salamanders native to just a couple of high-altitude lakes near Mexico City. They‘re a type of paedomorphic salamander, meaning they reach sexual maturity while retaining their juvenile, tadpole-like features such as external gills and fins.
While axolotls have gained popularity as quirky pets, wild axolotls are unfortunately critically endangered and on the brink of extinction. A 2020 study estimated that only 50-1,000 individuals may remain in their natural habitat due to factors like pollution, invasive species, and over-collection for the pet trade ^1^.
All legally sold axolotls in the pet trade today are many generations removed from the wild. Captive breeding efforts have produced an array of color morphs like leucistic (pale), albino, golden, and melanoid (black) axolotls that diverge from the natural greenish-brown wild type.
The Rise of Axolotls as Exotic Pets
Axolotls have long been prized by scientists for their remarkable healing and regenerative abilities. They can regrow entire lost limbs and even parts of their brain! But in the past decade or so, interest in axolotls as pets has surged as well.
The exact number of pet axolotls is hard to pin down, but a 2021 report by the Pet Advocacy Network estimates that around 150,000 households in the U.S. alone keep salamanders and newts ^2^, with axolotls likely making up a significant chunk of that number. For comparison, an estimated 700,000 households have pet turtles.
Google Trends data also shows a marked uptick in searches for "axolotl" starting in the late 2010s ^3^, reflecting the rise in popularity. Axolotls certainly still qualify as exotic, non-traditional pets, but there‘s no denying they‘ve captured the interest of many animal lovers.
Why the Axolotl Availability Issue?
So with all this demand for pet axolotls, why is it so hard to find them in stores? You‘d think big chains like Petco would be chomping at the bit to cash in on the axolotl craze. But there are some key factors at play:
1. Axolotls are restricted or banned in some areas
Axolotl legality varies by location, with some U.S. states and cities banning them as pets completely due to their threatened conservation status. Most notably, they‘re illegal to keep in California, Maine, New Jersey, and Virginia ^4^.
Major retailers like Petco have to comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Navigating this patchwork of axolotl rules is tricky for stores that span multiple states. It‘s often simplest to not stock axolotls at all rather than worry about inadvertently breaking local laws.
2. Axolotls require very particular tank setups
While axolotls aren‘t necessarily difficult to care for once you get the hang of it, their environmental needs are quite particular compared to a typical aquarium species. They require:
- Cold, stagnant water in the 60-64°F (16-18°C) range
- No strong filtration or water movement
- Dimly lit or shaded tanks
- Fine sand or bare bottom substrate
- Species-only tanks with no fish or other creatures
Providing the right conditions consistently is a challenge for big pet store chains. The delicate nature of axolotls means they‘re very susceptible to stress, illness, and injury in less-than-optimal environments.
3. Axolotls are a niche pet without mass appeal
At the end of the day, pet stores have to focus on species that have proven broad appeal and marketability. And as much as us animal lovers adore them, axolotls are still a decidedly unconventional and exotic pet choice.
A 2019 pet industry survey found that salamanders make up a tiny 1.3% of pet reptiles and amphibians owned^5^, compared to animals like freshwater fish and bearded dragons. Stocking axolotls might not make financial sense for big retailers.
All that said, some individual Petco locations, especially those with connections to local breeders, may occasionally have axolotls for sale. But they won‘t be a staple tank inhabitant like bettas or goldfish.
How to Ethically Obtain a Pet Axolotl
Petco may not be the place to find your future pet axolotl, but captive-bred animals are available if you know where to look. Here are some of the best options:
Private Breeders
Reputable axolotl breeders who operate small-scale, closed operations are the gold standard option. Seek out a breeder that:
- Specializes in and is deeply knowledgeable about axolotls
- Keeps detailed genetic records and can speak to their bloodlines
- Raises axolotls to at least 3-4 months old before selling
- Provides extensive care information to potential buyers
- Houses axolotls in proper species-only tanks without overcrowding
Avoid breeders making outlandish claims or pushing "designer" morphs with health issues. Expect to pay $75-$250+ for a well-started baby axolotl from a quality breeder.
Reptile Expos
Reptile and exotic pet shows are a great place to meet axolotl breeders in person. You can see animals up close, assess their health and care, and ask the breeder questions directly. Some of the biggest U.S. expos include:
- Repticon
- North American Reptile Breeders Conference (NARBC)
- National Reptile Breeders‘ Expo (Daytona)
Just be sure to research the vendor thoroughly. Avoid any dealers keeping axolotls in cramped or dirty conditions.
Rehoming Adoptions
Sometimes even well-meaning pet owners have to rehome animals due to changing life circumstances. Adopting an axolotl in need of a new forever home can be a great way to save on cost while still getting a healthy pet.
Check reputable sources like:
- MorphMarket
- Petfinder
- Faunaclassifieds
- Local Facebook groups for axolotl keepers
Always ask for vet records, photos/video of the setup, and detailed reason for rehoming. If something seems off, trust your gut.
The True Cost of Owning an Axolotl
The purchase price of an axolotl is honestly a drop in the bucket compared to the startup costs to properly house one. Here‘s a sample shopping list:
- 29+ gallon aquarium tank ($150)
- Stand/cabinet ($100)
- Sponge filter, air pump, tubing ($50)
- Aquarium chiller ($250+)
- Water test kit ($25)
- Sand or tile substrate ($40)
- Hides and decor ($50)
- Food (frozen/live worms, pellets) ($15/month)
- Tank cleaning supplies ($10/month)
So you‘re looking at $500-$750+ just for the initial setup, plus ongoing costs for food, water quality supplies, and power to run equipment. And if your axolotl ever needs vet care, exotic pet bills can easily run into the hundreds or thousands.
Bottom line: axolotls are not cheap pets, especially for their size. Unless you have a sizeable exotic pet budget, you may want to admire these amazing amphibians from afar.
Final Thoughts
It‘s understandable to feel a little bummed that you can‘t just take home a cute little axolotl on impulse from a Petco store. But honestly, axolotls not being widely sold in pet stores is ultimately a good thing for their well-being.
The fact is, axolotls are still extremely unusual pets that are best kept by experienced amphibian enthusiasts willing to invest significant time and money into their care. They‘re not ideal for casual first-time pet owners expecting an "easy" starter tank species.
If you‘ve done extensive research and have your heart absolutely set on an axolotl, please do your due diligence and support an ethical, reputable captive breeder. Don‘t obtain one on a whim or settle for a sickly animal from a questionable source.
With the right care and commitment, pet axolotls can absolutely thrive and provide years of joy and fascination. But they deserve to be treated as the precious conservation icons they are — not just the latest trendy pet craze.
