Description
Chimaera axolotls are typically easy to identify thanks to their distinctive coloration. However, because of their extraordinary rarity, there is disagreement about whether they should be considered morphs or not.
They exhibit a colour morph from one side of their body and a different colour morph from the other. As a result, many animals are divided into right and left halves by a split down the center of their bodies. However, only a small number of the chimaera axolotls that have hatched so far are half wild type and half albino. Two maturing eggs combine to create one of these axolotls. In the majority of instances, two eggs do not properly fuse, which leads to the emergence of the chimaeras. These variations were not purposefully produced; rather, they were essentially developmental accidents. They are not genetically derived, which is the root of all objections to their designation as a real morph.
Temperament
Generally speaking, chimaera axolotls are fairly submissive creatures. Additionally, they are most active at night.
You can discover that your chimaera axolotl spends the majority of its time in the tank’s base. During feeding time, they frequently move while continuing to stalk their prey. However, they move slowly and are often not very active. They typically favour leading a rather inactive lifestyle.
Additionally, chimaeras have a tendency to dig. As a result, you can frequently see them poking through the decorations in your tank. One of the most crucial things to understand about them is that they will swim and float around in the water when they are at ease. However, if you notice that your axolotl is frequently looking for cover or a place to hide, they are likely under a lot of stress. Chimaera axolotls typically like to spend time alone. As a result, they exhibit a lot of cannibalistic behavior towards people of their kind. In young chimaeras, aggression is also extremely prominent.
The younger ones frequently bite and hurt each other. The mature ones, though, are not quite as hostile.
As Pet
Tank Setup
Your chimaera axolotl demands the best tank setup possible. They must be kept in a tank that is equipped with all the essential equipment.
Tank Size
It is advised to choose a large tank to adequately care for your axolotl. Chimaeras are often untidy creatures that generate a lot of garbage. Therefore, it is preferable to choose a larger tank that has sufficient room and water capacity. You can choose a 20-gallon tank for the greatest maintenance. A 20-gallon tank should only house one species at a time, and if you wish to add another species, you should increase the tank’s size by a corresponding amount.
Water Parameters
To take the best possible care of your chimaera axolotl, the tank water must be kept clean and properly balanced. As in their natural home, these species are well adapted to prospering in cold-water circumstances. As a result, the tank does not require a heater. The water must be kept at a temperature between 15 and 23 °C, though.
In addition, chimaera axolotls often favour a pH range of 6.5-8. Therefore, ensure sure the water in their tank is kept at the ideal pH level. Additionally, be sure that the water contains no ppm of chlorine or chloramine.
Their tank water must be nitrate and ammonia-free. Additionally, the nitrate content in their tank water must stay between the ranges of 0–10 ppm. Keep the water’s overall hardness between 7 and 14 GH.
Diet and Food
In the wild, chimaera axolotls consume snails, tiny fish, crabs, worms, and small amphibians. Therefore, you must mimic their habitat-like eating behavior if you wish to provide them with the optimal nutrition while they are in captivity.
They are predatory animals. Therefore, you can simply provide them with a variety of nutrients to maintain their excellent health and promote their growth, such as beef liver, lean beef heart, brine prawns, fish pellets, frozen fish food, tubifex, earthworms, bloodworms, etc.
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