Have you also wished for a dragon? I have one, a water one.

Have you ever wished you had a dragon? I have one. A water dragon.

Yes, you read that right. When I was little, I wanted to have my own dragon. Something between Falkor from The Neverending Story and Drogon from Game of Thrones. Well, today I have an axolotl at home. It's not giant and it doesn't fly, but honestly? It's maybe even more bizarre than any dragon.

What is an axolotl?

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a bit of a mistake of nature. It's an amphibian that never really grows up. Instead, it maintains its larval appearance throughout its life - a kind of aquatic teenager that never reaches puberty. It comes from Mexico, specifically from the lakes of Xochimilco, where you can't find many of them in the wild anymore. People have devastated their natural habitat quite a bit, and in Mexico they also consider them a delicacy (wtf?).

What's the craziest thing about axolotls? They can regenerate. Will they lose a leg? Will they grow a new one? Will their spine or even part of their brain be damaged? They will also repair themselves. And now be careful – there is a hack: if you put an axolotl in the cold after an injury (some breeders even put them in the fridge – morbid, but supposedly functional), the regeneration will be faster. Normally, their leg will grow back in a few weeks to a month.

My experience with an axolotl

I have always enjoyed having aquariums. The feeling that you create your own world at home, where everything lives according to your rules – awesome. Almost half a year ago I decided to do myself a favor and get an axolotl. And since then I have been absolutely fascinated by this creature.

An axolotl looks like it is always smiling, and most of the time it just swims or rolls on the bottom like a sloth. But even though it looks chill, it is not exactly an easy pet. You need to keep the water clean, which means a stronger filter (but not too strong a current, as it is a lazy swimmer) and regular pH testing (it should be around 7.0–7.5). It also does not tolerate high temperatures, the ideal is between 14–20 °C.

What does an axolotl need and what should you watch out for?

✔ Large aquarium – At least 50 liters per axolotl. More water means a more stable environment.

✔ Filter – It must be strong enough to keep the water clean, but it must not make big waves, as axolotls prefer peace.

✔ Water temperature – No more than 20 °C, otherwise they will be stressed.

✔ Food – They mainly eat meat – earthworms, larvae, small fish or special granules.

✔ Water quality – pH around 7, hardness 10–20 dGH. If the water goes bad, the axolotl can have skin damage and become ill.

Why get an axolotl?

Because it's one of the weirdest, yet coolest things you can put in an aquarium. It's easy to interact with (it doesn't need your attention like a dog or cat), but it's also hypnotizing to watch. Plus its ability to regenerate? Total sci-fi in real life.

Do you want a water dragon?

When I got an axolotl, I had no idea it would be one of the most bizarre creatures to ever walk through my apartment. But now I can't imagine life without it. If you're tempted to have your own "water dragon" at home, now you at least know what you're getting into. Are you ready for this challenge?