Can axolotls reach adult size in a 3 foot tank?

[TallTree01]

I know that fish get stunted when in a small tank and they release hormones so they stop growing.
Do axolotls do this also or do they grow to full size anyway?
Also, why do people think 10 gallin tank is suitable for an axolotl? Don't axolotls get to like 12 inches?
Does anyone keep any 10 inch plus axolotls in a 3 foot long tank?
Pics would be great so I can see size compared to tank

 

[Boomsloth]

I don't believe axolotls are subject to the same type of stunting as fish since labs keep them in smaller containers without any difference in size.

Yes axolotls can reach 12 inches or even larger but most get to 9-10in. A 10 gallon is 10" x 20" and since axolotls aren't territorial animals and really mostly move to hunt or breed it's 'okay'
A 10 gallon is basically the minimum space necessary for them to move around freely and enough water volume to create a nitrogen cycle for one adult axolotl.

I don't have any pics of my guys in a smaller tank since they all live in two 55 gallons.


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[keiko]

I know 10 gallons is said to be the minimum size, but personally I would never suggest keeping an adult axolotl in such a small tank. People often say that axies don't need much space because they don't move that much, but I can honestly say my 3 axies use every inch they can in my 63 US gallon tank.

I think a 3 ft tank will be good for a fully grown axie. My big guy is over 11 inches. I have the tank divided in two at the moment so he has about 3 ft of space and seems happy with that.

 

[TallTree01]

Okay thanks heaps guys. I don't want to have buy another tank lol. My wallet can't handle it

 

[auntiejude]

Nutrition is key in axolotl growth, particularly in the first 6 months. I agree that 10gal is small though, I would always recommend a 20gal/60-80L/2ft tank for 1 or 2 axies.

3ft is ideal for 3 adults, I'll post some pics later.

 

[Axl Rose]

I believe axolotls get stunted in smaller tanks. I bought an adult off ebay that lived in a 10gal. He is very healthy and was adequately fed. But is no where near full size. He is smaller in width and length than on of my sub adults.

 

[ClockworkParrot]

I have two in a 40 gallon breeder and they both like to move and wander around. During their resting time they tend to stick to their favorite spot but at night they float and climb through their plants. I couldnt imagine keeping an adult in a 10 gallon. Mine are both around 6.5 inches so I am hoping they still have some more growing to do.

 

[sde]

10 US gallons is usually considered the minimum, probably because it is the smallest tank that you can maintain water quality, temperature etc. with a adult axolotl in it. Though I would never keep an axolotl in a tank that size. That's just ridiculous. 20 gallon or bigger is much better. The only things I have used a 10 gallon for is terrestrial or aquatic juveniles, temporary enclosures, and for small species. Putting an adult axolotl in a 10 gallon tank seems pretty cramped.

 

[Boomsloth]

Axolotls that are properly cared for vary a lot in their ultimate size. The largest ever was like 17 inches. Breeders know that even among the same clutch of eggs there will be size differences after the first few weeks. The lab (ambystoma.org) keeps their adults in 1 gallon containers but change the water frequently. So with food and just enough clean water they will grow to their genetically capable adult size. Now is that really enjoyable for most hobbyists? Not really. So they choose a filtered large tank.