Can Axolotls Live With Fish? The Definitive Tank Mate Guide From Professional Breeders

"Can axolotls live with fish?" is one of the most common questions we receive at Axolotl Planet. It makes sense — when you look at a spacious 40-gallon tank with a single axolotl resting at the bottom, it feels like there's room for more life in there.

The internet is full of articles recommending various fish species as axolotl tank mates. Unfortunately, much of that advice comes from general pet websites rather than people who have spent years breeding and caring for thousands of axolotls. As professional breeders, biologists, and axolotl specialists, we've seen firsthand what happens when well-meaning owners introduce fish and other creatures into their axolotl's habitat — and the results are rarely positive for either animal.

In this guide, we'll walk you through every common tank mate option, explain the real risks involved, and help you make the best decision for your pet's health and happiness.

Why Tank Mates Are Risky for Axolotls

Before we dive into specific species, it's important to understand why axolotls are fundamentally different from community aquarium fish. Several biological traits make them poor candidates for shared tanks.

Axolotls are ambush predators with poor eyesight. They rely on lateral line organs to detect movement in the water and will snap at anything that moves near their face. This means they will attempt to eat tank mates that swim too close — whether or not those animals are actually food.

Their gills are extremely vulnerable. Those beautiful, feathery external gills look like worms to many fish species. Fish will nip at, tear, and damage axolotl gills, causing pain, stress, and opening the door to bacterial or fungal infections.

Fish bones cause impaction. If your axolotl successfully catches and swallows a fish, the bones can cause a blockage in their digestive tract called impaction. This is a life-threatening condition that often requires veterinary intervention.

Disease transmission is a serious concern. Pet store fish frequently carry parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens that your axolotl has no natural defense against. Introducing fish from an outside source — even after quarantine — always carries this risk.

Temperature incompatibility. Axolotls need cool water between 60°F and 68°F. The vast majority of freshwater aquarium fish are tropical species that require water above 72°F. Forcing either animal to live in the other's preferred temperature causes chronic stress and illness.

The Safest Tank Mate Options

If you are determined to add another living creature to your axolotl's tank, these are the lowest-risk options available. Even so, "lowest risk" does not mean "no risk."

Ghost Shrimp

Ghost shrimp (also called glass shrimp) are small, transparent freshwater shrimp that are generally considered the safest tank mate for axolotls. They are too small to harm your axolotl, they help clean up leftover food and algae, and they tolerate cooler water temperatures. The catch is that your axolotl will absolutely eat them. Think of ghost shrimp less as permanent roommates and more as an enrichment snack that also tidies up the tank. You'll need to replenish them regularly.

Cherry Shrimp

Cherry shrimp function similarly to ghost shrimp in an axolotl tank. They add a pop of color, they're harmless to your axolotl, and they help keep the tank clean. Like ghost shrimp, they will become snacks eventually. If you provide plenty of hiding spots with live plants and decorations, a small colony may sustain itself through breeding — but don't count on it.

Marimo Moss Balls

While not technically an animal, marimo moss balls deserve mention here. They're living organisms (a type of algae) that help absorb nitrates, add visual interest to the tank, and are completely safe. Axolotls sometimes push them around, which can be entertaining to watch. They're the one "tank mate" that poses absolutely zero risk.

Risky but Sometimes Attempted

The following species are commonly recommended on other websites. While some owners report short-term success with these tank mates, we want you to understand the real risks so you can make an informed choice.

White Cloud Mountain Minnows

These small, cold-water fish are the most frequently recommended fish tank mate for axolotls because they share a similar temperature range (64°F–72°F). They're fast swimmers, which helps them avoid being eaten. However, there is always a risk that your axolotl will catch one during rest periods, potentially causing impaction. Minnows from pet stores may also carry diseases and parasites. If you choose to try minnows, purchase them from a reputable source and quarantine them for at least two weeks before introduction.

Zebra Danios

Zebra danios are active, schooling fish that prefer cooler water. Their speed generally keeps them safe from axolotl predation. However, their constant, fast swimming in the upper water column can stress some axolotls, particularly those that prefer a calm, low-movement environment. They also have a reputation for occasional fin nipping.

Large Mystery Snails or Apple Snails

Snails that are too large for your axolotl to fit in its mouth — generally those with shells over 1.5 inches in diameter — are sometimes kept with axolotls. They're slow, they clean up waste, and they don't nip at gills. The risk here is that if a snail is small enough to be swallowed, the shell can cause impaction or internal injury. Additionally, snails reproduce rapidly and can overrun a tank if not managed. For a more detailed look, read our guide to keeping axolotls and snails together.

Dangerous Tank Mates to Avoid

The following species should never be kept with axolotls. We have seen injuries, illness, and death result from these pairings.

Plecostomus (Suckerfish)

This is one of the most harmful tank mates for axolotls, despite being frequently recommended for algae control. Plecos will latch onto your axolotl's body and eat their slime coat and skin. We have treated axolotls with severe, sometimes fatal wounds caused by plecostomus fish. They also require warmer water than axolotls, have barbed spines that can cause internal injury if swallowed, and grow much larger than most owners expect.

Goldfish

While goldfish are also cold-water fish, they are heavy waste producers that will rapidly degrade water quality. They also grow large enough to compete with axolotls for space and food. Goldfish are known carriers of parasites and have spiny fin rays that can injure your axolotl if ingested.

Bettas and Cichlids

Any aggressive or territorial fish species is a threat to your axolotl. Bettas and cichlids will attack axolotl gills and can cause serious damage to their delicate skin. Temperature requirements are also incompatible.

Crayfish and Crabs

Crayfish and crabs have pincers that can severely injure or kill an axolotl. Even well-fed crayfish have a predatory instinct and will eventually attack your axolotl, particularly at night when both species are most active. This pairing is extremely dangerous.

African Dwarf Frogs

Despite some sources recommending these, African dwarf frogs prefer warmer water and can transmit chytrid fungus and other amphibian diseases to your axolotl. They also compete for the same food sources and floor space.

Any Tropical Fish

Tetras, guppies, mollies, angelfish, barbs, and any other species that requires water above 72°F should never be housed with axolotls. The temperature difference alone will chronically stress one or both animals, suppressing immune function and leading to illness.

Keeping Multiple Axolotls Together

Other axolotls are the most natural tank mate option, but even this comes with important considerations. We cover this topic in depth in our article Can You Keep Axolotls Together?, but here are the key points.

Axolotls housed together should be the same size to prevent the larger one from injuring or eating the smaller. They need a minimum of a 40-Gallon Breeder tank for two or three adults. Plenty of hiding spots and decorations should be provided so they can break line of sight from each other.

Same-sex pairings are strongly recommended. If you house a male and female together, breeding will inevitably occur — and a female axolotl can lay up to 1,000 eggs at a time. Frequent breeding is physically exhausting and dangerous for the female. If you don't have the resources and knowledge to raise hundreds of baby axolotls, keep your axolotls same-sex only.

Even in ideal conditions, axolotls can nip each other's gills, tails, and limbs. While they can regenerate these body parts, repeated injury causes chronic stress. Always have a hospital tank or treatment plan ready in case separation becomes necessary.

Signs Your Axolotl Is Stressed by a Tank Mate

If you have introduced a tank mate and notice any of the following behaviors, remove the other animal immediately and assess your axolotl's health.

Curled gill filaments — This is one of the earliest indicators of stress. Healthy axolotl gills should be fluffy and relaxed. Gills that curl forward and flatten against the head signal that something is wrong.

Loss of appetite — An axolotl that suddenly refuses food may be stressed by a tank mate's presence. If your axolotl hasn't eaten in more than a week, it's time to take action.

Frantic swimming — Axolotls that dart around the tank, swim into walls, or try to climb out are exhibiting extreme stress behavior.

Visible injuries — Nipped or missing gill filaments, bite marks, scratches, or torn tail fins indicate that the tank mate is physically harming your axolotl.

Excessive hiding — While axolotls do enjoy resting in hides during the day, an axolotl that never comes out — even for feeding — may be avoiding an aggressive tank mate.

For a comprehensive guide to identifying and treating health issues in your axolotl, visit our Axolotl Sickness and Health Guide.

Our Recommended Setup

After years of breeding and caring for thousands of axolotls, our recommendation is straightforward: keep your axolotl alone or with another axolotl of the same size and sex.

A well-decorated tank with live or silk plants, caves, driftwood, and marimo moss balls provides more than enough visual interest and enrichment for both you and your pet. Axolotls are not social animals — they don't get lonely and don't need companionship to thrive.

If you want a beautiful, active aquarium environment, consider investing in quality aquascaping rather than additional animals. Your axolotl will be healthier, less stressed, and will likely live a longer life because of it.

Ready to set up the perfect habitat? Check out our Axolotl Tank Setup Guide and browse our aquarium supplies for everything you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can axolotls live with goldfish?

No. Goldfish produce excessive waste, can carry parasites, and have spiny fins that can injure axolotls if swallowed. They will also degrade water quality rapidly, putting your axolotl's health at risk.

Can axolotls live with bettas?

No. Bettas are aggressive tropical fish that require warm water. They will attack your axolotl's gills, and the temperature difference makes cohabitation impossible without harming one or both animals.

Can axolotls live with shrimp?

Small freshwater shrimp like ghost shrimp and cherry shrimp are the safest tank mate option. They won't harm your axolotl, but your axolotl will eat them over time. Think of them as enrichment snacks that also help clean the tank.

Can axolotls live with snails?

Large snails (with shells over 1.5 inches) are generally safe, but small snails can be swallowed and cause impaction. Snails also reproduce rapidly and can overrun your tank. Read our full snail compatibility guide for more details.

Do axolotls get lonely?

No. Axolotls are solitary animals in the wild and do not experience loneliness. A single axolotl in a well-maintained tank with proper enrichment will live a perfectly happy, healthy life.

What is the best tank mate for an axolotl?

Another axolotl of the same size and sex is the most natural and safest companion. Beyond that, small freshwater shrimp are the lowest-risk option. We strongly recommend against housing axolotls with fish.