Axolotl Feeding Guide
Expert advice from Downswood Worms
Quick Answer
Dendrobaena worms are one of the best staple foods for juvenile and adult axolotls. Feed the correct worm size for your axolotl, adjust feeding frequency according to age, and remove any uneaten worms promptly to maintain good water quality.
Why Feed Dendrobaena Worms?
Dendrobaena worms (Dendrobaena veneta), sometimes known simply as Dendros, are widely regarded as one of the best natural foods for axolotls. They provide a nutritious, high-protein diet while encouraging natural hunting and feeding behaviour, making them an excellent staple food for both juvenile and adult axolotls. If you're looking for live Dendrobaena worms for your axolotl, you can view our range here.
Every axolotl is different, so feeding requirements will vary depending on age, size, activity level and water temperature. The guide below provides a good starting point, but you should always adjust feeding to suit your individual axolotl's appetite and body condition..
💡 Downswood Tip
Live worms encourage natural hunting behaviour, providing enrichment as well as nutrition..
Feeding by Age
Choosing the correct feeding schedule depends on both your axolotl’s age and its body size. Juveniles require smaller meals more frequently to support rapid growth, while adults generally thrive on fewer, larger feeds each week.
Choosing the Right Worm Size
Selecting the correct worm size is one of the most important parts of feeding an axolotl safely. Contrary to what many beginners think, length isn’t usually the biggest concern—thickness is.
As a general rule of thumb, especially for juveniles, the worm’s diameter (thickness) should be no greater than the distance between your axolotl’s eyes. This gives the axolotl the best chance of swallowing the worm comfortably.
If a worm is the correct thickness but simply too long for your axolotl to manage, it can usually be cut into shorter sections. Cutting reduces the length, but it does not reduce the worm’s thickness, so an overly thick worm should always be replaced with a thinner one.
Whole Worms vs Cut Worms
Whenever possible, offer whole Dendrobaena worms. Whole worms provide the most natural feeding experience and encourage normal hunting behaviour.
For young axolotls or individuals that struggle with larger worms, cutting the worm into shorter lengths is perfectly acceptable. As your axolotl grows, you can gradually increase the length of the worms until it comfortably swallows whole worms.
Signs the Worm May Be Too Large
Every axolotl is slightly different, but common signs that a worm may be too large include:
- Constantly spitting the worm back out.
- Repeatedly struggling to swallow it.
- Taking an unusually long time to eat.
- Refusing the worm altogether.
If this happens, try offering a shorter section or a thinner worm. Most keepers quickly develop a feel for the right size after a few feeds.
💡 Downswood Tip
If you’re ever unsure, choose the smaller worm. You can always offer a second worm if your axolotl is still hungry, but offering one that’s too large can make feeding unnecessarily difficult.
How Much Should You Feed?
Unlike many pets, there isn’t a fixed number of worms that every axolotl should eat. The correct amount depends on factors such as age, size, temperature, activity level and individual metabolism.
Rather than just counting worms, the best approach is to monitor your axolotl’s body condition over time. A healthy axolotl should have a smooth, slightly rounded body, a well-muscled tail and a healthy appetite without appearing either thin or overweight.
The infographic shows the three body condition categories to help you decide whether to increase, maintain or reduce the amount you feed.
What You’re Looking For
- Underweight: Increase food gradually and continue monitoring body condition.
- Healthy: Continue feeding the same amount and monitor regularly.
- Overweight: Reduce the amount fed slightly or increase the time between feeds until your axolotl returns to a healthy condition.
Avoid making large changes after a single meal. Instead, make small adjustments over several weeks while observing your axolotl’s overall condition.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Judging hunger by enthusiasm alone.
Axolotls will often continue taking food even when they don’t need it. A healthy body condition is a much better guide than how eagerly your axolotl accepts food.
Feeding Tips
Feeding an axolotl is usually straightforward, but following a few simple practices can help keep both your axolotl and its aquarium in excellent condition.
Feed Whole Worms Whenever Possible
Whole Dendrobaena worms provide the most natural feeding experience and encourage normal hunting behaviour. For smaller axolotls, larger worms can be cut into shorter sections until they are able to comfortably swallow whole worms.
Remove Uneaten Food
Once your axolotl has finished feeding, remove any uneaten worms or food promptly. This helps maintain good water quality and prevents unnecessary waste from building up in the aquarium.
Feed on a Regular Schedule
Axolotls thrive on consistency. Feeding at roughly the same times each week makes it easier to monitor appetite and notice any changes that could indicate illness or stress.
Monitor Your Axolotl
Keep an eye on your axolotl during feeding. A healthy axolotl should show interest in food, swallow worms comfortably and maintain a healthy body condition over time.
Storing Live Worms
Healthy worms make healthy axolotl food. Storing your Dendrobaena worms correctly will keep them active, nutritious and in good condition until you’re ready to feed them.
Storing Your Worms
Dendrobaena worms are remarkably hardy when kept under suitable conditions. Store them in a cool, well-ventilated container with moist bedding, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
If you’re keeping them for more than a week before feeding, check them regularly and provide a small amount of suitable worm food if necessary. Healthy worms should remain active and firm, with the bedding kept moist but never waterlogged.
Removing any dead worms promptly will help maintain a healthy environment for the rest of the colony.
✓ Key Takeaways
- Dendrobaena worms are one of the best staple foods for juvenile and adult axolotls.
- Feed according to your axolotl’s age, size and body condition.
- Choose worms that are an appropriate thickness, especially for juveniles.
- Cut long worms into shorter sections when necessary.
- Remove uneaten food promptly to help maintain good water quality.
Store live worms correctly to keep them healthy and nutritious..
Frequently asked questions
Can baby axolotls eat Dendrobaena worms?
Yes, provided the worms are an appropriate size. Larger worms can be cut into shorter sections for younger or smaller axolotls until they are able to comfortably swallow whole worms..
How often should I feed my axolotl?
Feeding frequency depends on your axolotl’s age. Juveniles generally require feeding every day, while healthy adults are usually fed two or three times per week.
Why is my axolotl spitting out worms?
This is often a sign that the worm is too long, too thick or the axolotl simply isn’t hungry. Try offering a shorter or thinner worm and monitor your axolotl’s appetite and body condition.
Can axolotls choke on worms?
A worm that is too thick may be difficult for an axolotl to swallow. As a general rule, especially for juveniles, choose worms that are no thicker than the distance between the axolotl’s eyes.
Should I feed whole worms or cut worms?
Whole worms are preferable whenever your axolotl can comfortably swallow them. For smaller axolotls, simply cut larger worms into shorter sections until whole worms become suitable.
How should I store live Dendrobaena worms?
Store them in a cool, well-ventilated container with moist bedding. Keep them out of direct sunlight, avoid waterlogged bedding and remove any dead worms promptly.
What should I do if my axolotl won’t eat?
Loss of appetite can have many causes, including stress, unsuitable water conditions, low temperatures or illness. First check your water quality and ensure the worm size is appropriate. If your axolotl continues refusing food or appears unwell, seek advice from an experienced exotic veterinarian.