Can this be done?

[cprize]

Hi all, first of all, im new to this site, although i was registered on it before and lost my registratin details lol.

Im back now, and i have a quick question for people in Australia keeping Salamanders/Newts.

Is it possible to purchase an axolotl and morph it naturally without using hormones?

I have been to a few petshops and seen salamanders for sale.

Im wanting one for myself, hope to hear from someone soon!

Thanks.

 

[Jennewt]

It is VERY rare for an axolotl to morph naturally. It does happen occasionally, but you'd have to keep hundreds of them for it to happen once.

Some animal dealers in Australia are producing morphed axolotls for the pet trade. My personal opinion is that this is somewhat of an abuse of the animals, but I guess if there's a buck to be made, someone will do it regardless of what I think. Since this is the only salamander legal to keep in AU, I certainly understand the impulse to produce them. These animals are undoubtedly hormone treated. What I've heard is that MOST of them won't live more than a year when morphed artificially (although I'd be happy to hear otherwise). I'm sure a few do live longer.

 

[salamanderguy]

the best way to morph axolotls is when your raising the larva add dead leaves to the container to bring the water acidicness up and they may morph

 

[Kaysie]

I don't think there is anything you can do to make an axolotl morph unless it still carries the gene that causes metamorphosis. If you attempt to manipulate an axolotl in to morphing, you may kill it.

 

[cprize]

Ok, yeah i was just wondering, as i dont want to morph one with hormones, i might just buy a salamander instead.

Does that dead leaves tip work with the larvae?

 

[Jennewt]

Well, if you buy one that is already a salamander, you are probably just paying someone else to apply the hormones. It's still a bad deal for the animal, as it usually shortens their life.

I really doubt that dead leaves do anything with regard to metamorphosis. I'd be very surprised if they had any effect whatsoever.