Hey there fellow axolotl lovers! If you’re like me you probably spend way too much time thinking about what to feed your adorable aquatic friend. One question I get asked a lot is whether axolotls can eat shrimp. The short answer is yes – but there’s more to it than just tossing some shrimp into your axie’s tank!
Quick Answer
Axolotls can safely eat shrimp as part of a varied diet. However shrimp should only be an occasional treat (1-2 times per week) and not the main food source. The best way to serve shrimp is properly cleaned deshelled, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Types of Shrimp Suitable for Axolotls
Here’s what you can feed your axolotl
- Raw cocktail shrimp (deshelled)
- Brine shrimp
- Fresh prawns
- Live shrimp (great for enrichment!)
Pros of Feeding Shrimp to Axolotls
- Nutritional Benefits
- High in protein (about 20g per 3oz serving)
- Rich in healthy fats (omega-3)
- Packed with vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamin B12
- Selenium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Enrichment Value
- Adds variety to their diet
- Live shrimp provide hunting opportunities
- Makes feeding time more interesting
Cons and Risks to Watch Out For
Listen up! There are some things we gotta be careful about:
- Health Risks
- Potential impaction from shells
- Lacks sufficient calcium
- Risk of parasites (especially in wild-caught shrimp)
- Some axolotls might be sensitive to shrimp
- Tank Maintenance Issues
- Uneaten shrimp can dirty the water quickly
- Need to remove leftovers promptly
How to Prepare Shrimp for Your Axolotl
Here’s my step-by-step guide:
- Choosing the Right Shrimp
- Pick fresh or frozen (not pre-cooked)
- Avoid seasoned or preserved shrimp
- Smaller sizes work better
- Preparation Steps
- Rinse thoroughly
- Remove shells completely
- Cut into pieces no larger than your axolotl’s head width
- For frozen shrimp: thaw completely before feeding
Feeding Guidelines
For best results, follow these amounts:
Baby/Juvenile Axolotls:
- 1-2 tiny pieces
- Once or twice weekly
Adult Axolotls:
- 3-5 small pieces
- Once or twice weekly
Warning Signs Your Axolotl Isn’t Tolerating Shrimp
Keep an eye out for:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Digestive issues
- Skin irritation
- Increased slime coat production
Better Alternatives for Regular Feeding
While shrimp is nice as a treat, here’s what should make up the bulk of your axie’s diet:
- Earthworms – The MVP of axolotl foods! Should be about 50% of their diet
- Bloodworms – Great protein source, but limit to 30% of diet
- Pellets – Convenient and nutritionally complete
- Daphnia – Perfect for occasional variety
My Personal Experience
I’ve been keeping axolotls for years, and I’ll tell ya – they go crazy for shrimp! But I learned the hard way that moderation is key. My first axie, Bubbles, got a bit constipated when I overdid it with the shrimp treats. Now I stick to giving shrimp as an occasional treat, and everyone’s happier!
Final Thoughts
Shrimp can be a fantastic addition to your axolotl’s diet when served properly and in moderation. Just remember:
- Keep it as a treat, not a staple
- Always remove shells
- Watch for any negative reactions
- Maintain proper tank cleanliness
Would you like me to explain any part of this in more detail? Feel free to ask questions – I’m always happy to help fellow axolotl parents!
What Can Axolotls Not Eat?
Even though your axolotl will eat nearly anything, that doesn’t mean they should.
Insects with hard exoskeletons like crickets, waxworms, and hornworms should be avoided. Their digestive system struggles with the hard bits, and it may become difficult for an axolotl to defecate.
Some pet parents offer hornworms with the horns removed, but it may be safer to avoid them altogether.
What Do Baby Axolotls Eat?
Young axolotls are especially fond of live food, and it may be the only thing that triggers a feeding response.
Daphnia, a small crustacean, is one of the best foods for a growing axolotl. However, pet parents can also cut earthworms into bite-sized chunks and offer brine shrimp hatchlings.
I found THIS in my fish food
FAQ
What is toxic to axolotls?
Several things are toxic to axolotls, primarily focusing on water quality and certain aquarium products. Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are toxic byproducts of axolotl waste that can accumulate in an aquarium if not properly managed.
What food can axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily eat worms, insects, small crustaceans, and sometimes small fish.
Can axolotls and cherry shrimp live together?
Safe Tank Mates: Shrimp
So what’s all this about shrimp? Freshwater shrimp, such as ghost or cherry shrimp, are perfectly safe for your axolotl to snack on.
What kind of fish can axolotls eat?
Do axolotls eat shrimp?
But there are many different types of shrimp that you will find for axolotls, and they like to eat most types of shrimp. The reason they like shrimp is because they taste very nicely, and axolotls like them very much. And secondly, shrimp has a lot of protein, which is valuable to the axolotls.
What do axolotl eat?
In conclusion, Axolotl can eat a variety of food such as worms, bloodworms, shrimp, and other aquatic invertebrates. They should not eat larger fish, as they can easily become prey. Instead, they should stick to their natural diet of small prey items. With a proper diet, Axolotl can live a long and healthy life.
Can axolotls eat bloodworms?
Bloodworms should be offered as part of an axolotl’s regular diet, but only in moderation. Too many bloodworms can lead to obesity, so it is important to feed them in moderation. Axolotls should also be given a variety of other foods such as brine shrimp, earthworms, and other aquatic invertebrates.
Can axolotls eat frozen brine shrimp?
Only adult axolotls can eat frozen brine shrimp because they are small and easy to swallow. If adult axolotls get frozen shrimp in large sizes, they will find it difficult to swallow and process it in the stomach.
Do axolotls eat krill?
Following these simple guidelines can ensure that your axolotl is able to enjoy a nutritious and safe diet. Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans found in all the world’s oceans. They are an important part of the oceanic food chain, forming the primary diet of many marine animals such as whales, seals, and penguins.
Can axolotls eat insect larvae?
Axolotls can eat insect larvae. Insect larvae are a common and important food source for axolotls, as they provide a good source of nutrition and energy. In the wild, axolotls will feed on numerous insect larvae, including mosquito larvae and mayfly larvae.