GFP Axolotl Guide: Why Glowing, Care & Diet

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The GFP axolotl is among the most fascinating species of axolotls, and that’s not because of how cute they sound or appear but also because of how good they are as pets.

They draw a lot of attention because of their unique power to glow in UV light; however, if you wish to have one in your home tank, you need to be eager to learn about them other than their appearance.

GFP axolotl

But don’t worry; we have all the information you need to know about this creature, like its tank requirements, diet, water quality, and more.

Why Are GFP Axolotls so Unique?

Many axolotls obtained an improved variant of their genetics with the help of animal studies, which explains the evolution of the GFP (Green fluorescent protein) mutation.

The GFP gene causes many axolotl molecules to generate a shiny-colored enzyme inside one type of jellyfish. It also provides a brilliant fluorescent green look to the skin of GFP variants when exposed to UV rays.

This ability could be exceedingly helpful to scientists working on human leg recovery and organ transplantation. The ability can also be passed on efficiently from one generation to another. This impact is not limited to carotenoid molecules alone and is unlikely to be affected by the axolotl’s mosaicism.

Species Overview

GFP Axolotls Overview
Source: @jarrsica

The most well-known detail regarding axolotls is that they often live in Mexico City’s Xochimilco lake. Countless species are preserved in labs and tanks despite the fact that they are endangered and quite rare to find in the wild.

There are several factors why researchers have chosen this particular species for their research. Due to their exceptional ability to regenerate lost limbs, axolotls are fascinating research subjects.

However, the unique color variants of axolotls are simply not a result of genetic reproduction; most of them have also been produced scientifically in laboratories. GFP axolotls are an example of the color variations created by humans.

GFP axolotls are often albinos that have had a specific kind of protein infused into them to give them an exceptional overall glow.

What Do GFP Axolotls Look Like?

What Do GFP Axolotls Look Like
Source: @axolotlpetlovers

Due to the GFP proteins present in their cells, various axolotl species can be distinguished from one another. They come into contact with this changed DNA molecule in a laboratory setting.

GFP Axolotls were created in order to study the evolution of cancer-related genes in science. The mutation has now developed into a dominant trait that is carried by generations.

Are you interested in learning how this protein affects axolotls? Its exposure enables them to glow strongly in blue or UV lights. This GFP characteristic is often found in albino variants. Axolotl internal organs will glow more brightly if there is less pigment in them.

The most amusing aspect is that any axolotl mutation may transform into a GFP mutation. As a result, it is considered that the axolotls that can contain the GFP genetics are quite unique.

What Is the Size of GFP Axolotls?

GFP Axolotls have a maximum height of 10 to 18 inches. It indicates that such axolotls are often bigger and stronger than other variants.

However, there seems to be no variation in size between the different types that comprise the GFP axolotl species. Based on the nutrition and attention they get, they often grow to a similar size.

What Is the Lifespan of GFP Axolotls?

A GPF axolotl having identical color mutations lives for a long time. The axolotl may live for ten to fifteen years with proper maintenance and balanced nutrition.

But, you should take extra precautions while conducting periodic water replacements, and you should also be careful that your aquarium water could contain dangerous substances like ammonium and nitrite.

GFP Axolotls Care

GFP Axolotls Care
Source: @crystalsbugsreptiles

You should pay special attention to the axolotl’s aquarium, its water quality, nutrition, and other aspects of axolotl care. The biggest issues that axolotls usually face start in these key domains.

GFP Axolotls need a certain level of care. Therefore, you must undertake all necessary measures to provide better care for its unique color.

  • While moving your axolotls into a different aquarium for regular water changes, avoid touching these species with your bare hands. They have thin and sensitive skin that is easily damaged. As a result, it is advised to use a fishnet.
  • GFP Axolotls prefer fresh water. So, it is important to provide these water parameters in their aquarium.
  • Never give your axolotl fish or crabs you caught while fishing. Fish and crab-based foods often have germs, viruses, and other microorganisms that might trigger severe illnesses in these species.
  • GFP excretion from Axolotls is one of the main problems that may cause the tank to start producing ammonia. As a result, it is important to remove any dirt from the aquarium on a regular basis to guarantee a healthy living environment for your fish.

Tank Setup

GFP Axolotls require particular tank requirements that are not quite easy for beginners. They are very particular regarding their surroundings and could develop anxiety or get aggressive if not kept under suitable conditions.

Tank Size

For GFP Axolotls to receive the best care in home tanks, it is necessary to stick to the ideal tank setup. Giving more attention to the tank’s proportions is important. You should make sure that the tank you choose for your pet is big enough to meet all of your requirements within it.

There must be sufficient room in the aquarium for your pet to swim freely and hide if required. A single GFP axolotl could be housed in the 20-gallon aquarium. If you want to house a group of Axolotls (which is not recommended,) you will have to expand the size of the tank by 2-3 gallons per fish to prevent disputes.

Tank Lid

Purchase the tank cover no matter what capacity of tank you select. Whenever axolotls are scared, they immediately jump outside the water. It might even lead to death.

Since axolotls require water to survive, they might suffer serious injuries if they accidentally jump out of the aquarium while you’re gone. You can prevent this by getting a cover and saving your pet’s life.

Substrate

When planning a space that is ideal for these species, the tank substrate is a key component to keep in mind. It is better to eliminate the harsh borders from the tank. Axolotls are severely harmed by little shards in gravel.

They frequently gulp down whatever will fit in their mouths. As a result, it is not surprising for GFP Axolotls to ingest any little particles that might injure their gut.

It is advised to consider adding loose sand to the aquarium as a safe foundation. Some keepers of axolotls choose to leave the aquarium’s surface empty.

An empty bottom aquarium has the drawback that your axolotl could become stressed out since the area is extremely slippery.

Water Parameters

Perfect water condition is very important for GFP Axolotls. However, they can often handle a few fluctuations. They may withstand pH levels ranging from 6.5-8. However, the optimal pH range is 7.4-7.6. The aquarium’s water temperature should range between 60 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

Furthermore, the content of ammonium in your pet’s storage tank must not reach above 0 ppm; everything higher might pose danger to your fish’s life. These species require nitrate concentrations between 2 and 40 ppm. Your axolotls’ life might be seriously endangered if the amount is more than this.

While you might not get the time to change the entire tank of water regularly, you can change at least 20% of the water each week to prevent the water to get contaminated. It is also important to note that you should only use filtered water to fill up your pet’s tank. Any kind of water that is not pure is toxic for axolotls. Not changing the water or cleaning the decor or substrate can also increase the amount of debris in the tank.

Filtration System

Your axolotls’ aquarium should have a good filtration system. They can struggle and attract many diseases if the water is not clean. As a result, your fish tank must have a top-notch filtration system.

But, the filters you install shouldn’t generate a fast flow in their still water and make swimming difficult for your axolotl.

As a result, it is advised that a spongy filtration system is helpful in these circumstances since it does not create waves but efficiently purifies the water.

Also Read: Baby Axolotl Care: Tank Set-Up, Feed & Health Issues

Food & Diet

You shouldn’t have any trouble feeding your axolotl. The carnivorous salamanders can consume a wide variety of foods.

Additionally, you need to provide them with the highest-quality, healthiest food possible so that they can expand and live their lives to the fullest.

So, the following are some common items that you may feed your GFP axolotl:

  • Bloodworms
  • Small fish
  • Crabs
  • Brine Shrimp
  • Lean beef
  • Salmon fish pellets
  • Small Snails

It is advised that you refrain from giving the axolotls small fish and bloodworms that you have directly collected. You never know when the fish you capture can have infections. Therefore, it’s advisable to stay away from this.

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FAQs

Are Axolotls Good Pets?

Axolotls are incredibly loving pets, but they have very specific tank needs. As long as you offer them good food and adequate space, they are easy to take care of. If you can’t keep up with their requirements, they will get sick and eventually die.

Can GFP Axolotl Eggs Glow?

It was first found in a jellyfish. This feature almost changes every tissue and molecule of axolotls bodies and creates an intense bright yellow protein that has the ability to glow when kept under UV lighting.

Are Axolotls Good with Other Fish?

You should never house an axolotl with any other fish species other than itself. Axolotls often feel hungry and try to distract themselves by nipping or eating other small fish or even try to harm themselves by hitting themselves on the tank wall. Always keep your other fish away from the reach of axolotls.

What Is the Cost of GFP Axolotls?

The cost of a high-quality GFP axolotl is $70, and it is approximately $40 more than a native or standard axolotl species.

Conclusion

It’s exciting to keep exotic species like GFP axolotls. If you take good care of these species, they can improve your tank’s aesthetics for many years with their unique appearance.

You must pay attention to their nutrition, aquarium and water conditions, and overall maintenance.

But, you should also keep them alone and not with axolotls or other fish species as they can get aggressive and kill them.

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