Why all the axolotls

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desertiguana

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I have noticed that a large number of the enthusiasts on this site are axolotl keepers. Lately I've been trying to decide what happened to all of the the plethodon or ensatina keepers. Even the number of posts on tiger salamanders are low.

I don't anything against axolotl's I was just wondering why people gravitate to them. Any thoughts would be nice. Cheers!!!:confused:
 
I've never owned a 'lotl but I do tend to prefer aquatic species and that might be a reason so many gravitate towards them. Also, consider the large number of Aussie members who only have one species of caudate available to them.
 
Agreed! Only 'lotls for us aussies, and they're a lot of us. I suppose there's also more issues with axies, which means more people come on with problems, more joys etc. With other species those highs and lows may be much more smooth than with mexicanums.
I have noticed that Andersonis are popping up more often (I WANT ONE!!!!!!!)
 
yeah, it depends where your from and the laws of the country/state. Axies are the only legal salamander here, and there are a lot of Ausie forum goers. Also they are popular in pet stores and seem like an easy and interesting option for anyone with aquarium experience. I thnk they are also considdered less "gross" to people with the heby jeebies over anything slimy or scaley or cold blooded. Them being seen as 'fish' helps their popularity I think.

Also, I think their just generally a more common pet. They aren't considered as out of the norm as a newt would be. Its like asking why do more people own a pet dog than a pet pig? They are just more popular and accepted unfortunatley... I dont think theres anyhing cooler/cuter than caudates
 
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I've had my newts for 2 years and I've just recently got axolotls. They have really cute little faces and are more active than the newts.

Although the newts have really cute little arms and legs and little toes (which is why I was drawn to them from the start).

I like both :)
 
I did notice this about axie versus newt people:

- axolotls all have names; newts rarely do.
- axolotls seem to inspire cartoon avatars. Haven't seen an anime marmoratus yet :)

i have a feeling that maybe axie people tend to be right-brainers while newt people are left-brainers. And those who keep both? I dunno...they might be those rare kinds who have an entire functioning brain...
 
Molch said:
I did notice this about axie versus newt people:

- axolotls all have names; newts rarely do.
- axolotls seem to inspire cartoon avatars. Haven't seen an anime marmoratus yet :)

i have a feeling that maybe axie people tend to be right-brainers while newt people are left-brainers. And those who keep both? I dunno...they might be those rare kinds who have an entire functioning brain...
Click to expand...

LOL!

My newts and axolotls have names :). I has a brainnnnnnnnnnnnn :eek:
 
Ha ha im left handed but right brained then. Sort of makes sense as the right side of the brain controls the left! But more seriously i always wanted to own an axolotl ever since i heard about them and saw them in my classroom in science. Maybe others did too. I do like newts too but didnt know anything about them or had seen any until coming on here. And lastly i do like the aquatic nature of axolotls and assume they are easier to keep. Oh and axolotls are lucky as they are very appealing to look at.
 
Molch said:
I did notice this about axie versus newt people:

- axolotls all have names; newts rarely do.
- axolotls seem to inspire cartoon avatars. Haven't seen an anime marmoratus yet :)

i have a feeling that maybe axie people tend to be right-brainers while newt people are left-brainers. And those who keep both? I dunno...they might be those rare kinds who have an entire functioning brain...
Click to expand...

LOL I'm a "both" then and my axies and newts have names :D Cant imagine having any pet in my house without a name :)
 
zoezakella said:
Cant imagine having any pet in my house without a name :)
Click to expand...

My MTS snails, sulawesi snails, and shrimp don't have names. One of the snails does. My apple snails have names but its based on their colour so not original at all :(
 
I actually think the reasons are much more basic...axolotls are very widely available, much more so than any other species. Among newts you see the same trend, the more common, the more people have them (H.orientalis, P.granulosus and various Paramesotriton, most of all).
Personally i have very little interest in axolotls other than from a "scientific" point of view because they are a watered down version of what caudates mean to me. I love caudates, among many other things, because they make me think of beautiful wild places and the sound of water and rustling leaves xD A leucistic axolotl does none of that....it just screams artificial to me.
Anyway, i know most people disagree and i´ll probably get a verbal wallop for that :p
 
Haven't read the entire post so sorry if I'm covering what someone else has said :p axolotls are advertised, so to speak, as a perfect starter amphibian so I guess people start with them then fall in love? :p I had worked with them in college then saw one in a local pet shop and mum got me her as an easter present, since then I've become fascinated by them, plus dad says aquatic animals aren't pets.... I'd love more caudates but unfortunately at the moment with a partner that lives over 300 miles away and work mixed with uni I wouldn't want to take any more on because I wouldn't have enough time for them (plus I was given another warning yesterday about my pet collection :p) plus, I think I spotted further up, they are more readily available than most other caudates at the moment.
 
I have to agree with that. I am more of a woodland terrarium type of guy.
 
I find axies quite attractive to keep. They are an enjoyment to feed and they are super cute and cool.
 

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I chose axolotls firstly because they are relatively easy to keep - no heat, no light, weekly water changes (Assuming the tank is cycled properly, of course), and a simple diet that can cost you a one-time fee. I am also very attracted to aquatic animals. (Marine Biology major here) Plus they have such prominent personalities - They're very much like dogs, in my opinion.

Also, I'm a student and I can only have fish in the dorms. Axolotls pass as fish to the RA's, thankfully. :rolleyes:

Besides, how could you say no to their derpy little faces? :p
 

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Jennistophales said:
I chose axolotls firstly because they are relatively easy to keep - no heat, no light, weekly water changes (Assuming the tank is cycled properly, of course), and a simple diet that can cost you a one-time fee. I am also very attracted to aquatic animals. (Marine Biology major here) Plus they have such prominent personalities - They're very much like dogs, in my opinion.

Also, I'm a student and I can only have fish in the dorms. Axolotls pass as fish to the RA's, thankfully. :rolleyes:

Besides, how could you say no to their derpy little faces? :p
Click to expand...

I love the pics you chose to back up that last statement :D
 
Jennistophales said:
I chose axolotls firstly because they are relatively easy to keep - no heat, no light, weekly water changes (Assuming the tank is cycled properly, of course), and a simple diet that can cost you a one-time fee. I am also very attracted to aquatic animals. (Marine Biology major here) Plus they have such prominent personalities - They're very much like dogs, in my opinion.

Also, I'm a student and I can only have fish in the dorms. Axolotls pass as fish to the RA's, thankfully. :rolleyes:

Besides, how could you say no to their derpy little faces? :p
Click to expand...

But ther not fish!!!
 
Agreed, not fish. But who are we to complain when the rules go in our favour?

As to them being shadows of their ancestors- so are humans :D
 
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