Is my axolotl a male or female?

[280292]

Hello, can anybody help me find out the gender of my axolotl? It is about 18 cm long.:happy: I have two, but i'm pretty sure they're the same gender, that's why i'm only posting one picture.

 

[280292]

Just to be sure, here's a picture of my other Axolotl. It's a bit smaller, about 16 cm I think.

 

[Loobylou]

female

Edit: though it could be an immature male. If it grows a bulge it's male. Males are pretty obvious usually!

 

[Jake]

I agree, probably female, but could just be a male who hasn't blossomed yet.

Also, do the animal a favor and get rid of that aweful pea gravel. Even though you might not see it, the axolotl is most likely eating it (they're not very smart) and it can lead to deadly intestinal impaction. A better alternative would be sand, flat stones or nothing at all.

 

[280292]

That was my guess too. Females or immature males. :happy:

I know about the gravel, and i'm going to replace it with sand as soon as possible. I actually wanted to buy sand in the pet store, but the owner told me that gravel was better, and that he wouldn't recommend sand Pretty annoying..

 

[yellowpebble]

That happens often, don't feel bad they are meant to be there to give trustworthy advice but unfortunately pet stores usually = axolotl killers, although i'm sure there are exceptions.

also welcome to the forum!!!

 

[jinian]

I agree with the consensus that you likely have lady-lotls. If anything changes dramatically later you'll know we were wrong!

 

[Francesca]

I agree with the consensus too! Definitely females

At 18cm you should be able to clearly distinguish a male's cloaca's. They are cute though. Having a breeding pair (as I have discovered) involves a lot of time, care and responsibility. Not to mention the cost..
I had the same problems with bad advice from aquarium shops when I got my first pair.. I found this website is the best for information..

Good Luck and enjoy your new friends