Axolotls

Have I missed something or are these (ambystoma mexicanum) no longer on the blacklist? They're one of my all time favourite aquatics and I never saw sense on why they were included on the blacklist, as they pose no risk of invasion or disease - and they aren't wild caught. They certainly used to be on the blacklist, but I can't find them on the most recent NEMBA one and I am getting my hopes up now!

 

I would err on the side of caution here. I'm looking through the regulatory lists, and like you I can't see anything damning about them. However it seems like some people are still working with the 'old lists', as there are certain groups from this list that you still don't see traded

As for posing "no risk of invasion or disease", I'd have to disagree. Chytridiomycosis is still a relevant threat, so I do feel some degree of regulation in the trade of amphibians is warranted.

Anyway, it might be worthwhile trying to get in contact with some sort of authority? I don't know how much progress you'll make taking this route, but it's the closest you'll get to getting a real answer on this topic.

 

Yes I hope they get unband.

 

Yep, err on the side of caution is my default! I was under the impression that axolotls cannot act as a carrier of chytrid while appearing healthy - however our very own platannas can. Although obviously any amphibian that is actually showing chytrid symptoms is going to be carrying it.

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I'd worry about keeping tanks cool in this weather to be honest.

They are said to be extremely susceptible to low oxygen levels and warm water. My tanks hit 26-28 unheated in summer

 

Yes, one should ideally have a chiller. Frozen ice bottles do the trick pretty well in a pinch

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Maybe so. That's far too expensive for me anyway, I'll stick to my warmwater fish

 

Locally bred axos seem to have a much higher heat tolerance than overseas ones from what I know, and their stress signs are very easy to spot. They cost less than a fishtank to maintain! Also I see you also have a Mi5 - good choice in phone!

 

Maybe... Who breeds them? I'd be concerned that with high temperatures and oxygen deficiency still

I don't, that was quoted from your post haha.

 

There are a few people who breed them, since they can be found locally. They're capable of breathing air at the surface too if oxygen deprivation due to warmer water was an issue. Nothing an airstone/spomge filter, or hang on back filter (or all of them) can't remedy though! I know people who have kept them extremely successfully for years locally, with no stress signs on the axies. They are able to keep their tanks below 24C without chillers

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Problem is warm water can't hold as much oxygen even with extra aeration..

Good on the breeders then. Good luck with your endeavors...

 

Yep, I know. But it wouldn't make too much difference if the tank doesn't reach tropical temperatures. If it does then you're going to be in trouble and you should either have ice bottles on rotation or invest in a chiller. Anyway, high hopes for the legalisation of these as maybe then some of the fancier colour morphs will be available to the hobby!

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Is there any feedback or confirmation on Axolotls not being blacklisted anymore ?
I would also like to get some again, had two about 12 years ago. Prepared to go the whole 9 yards for them and do the chiller and everything.
Awesome critters !!!

 

Amphibians are still blacklisted as far as I know.

 

I have a link to the latest blacklist on the blacklist forum where you can have a look and search for anything you looking for

I see the Tiger Salamander is on the blacklist however, I don't see the Mexican Salamander ie Axolotis, on the blacklist
It also doesn't say all species of Salamander

 

It's no longer on the blacklist, only Ambystoma tigrinum (Tiger Salamander) is. A mexicanum most certainly used to be. However, you still won't get a permit in the Western Cape sadly

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You tease! That's in the UK though

 

And I saw a pink one posted somewhere as well

Now that looked too cute