If you live in the UK and are looking to acquire an axolotl as a pet, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this guide, we will tell you exactly how much do axolotls cost in the UK. Axolotl prices are not standardized and they vary based on several factors.
Axolotl’s price mainly depends on its age, genetics, color, location, breeder or store you buy it from, shipping costs, etc.
We will give you the exact estimates and help you break down the cost of Axolotls in the UK.
Are Axolotls Legal In The Uk?
Axolotls, also known as the Mexican Walking Fish, are rarely seen in Mexico these days.
However, they are growing in popularity as pets in the United Kingdom. However, several countries have banned the import and keeping of axolotls as pets.
For example, in the United States, several states prohibit the sale of axolotls as pets. States like New Jersey, Virginia, California, DC, and Maine have made it illegal to keep Axolotls.
On the other hand, in states like New Mexico and Hawaii, you need special permits to keep Axolotls as pets. New Mexico even prohibits importing axolotls from other states or countries.
In the UK, the laws are slightly more relaxed when it comes to keeping exotic pets.
You could keep axolotls as well as many other endangered and exotic creatures including the Micro Pig, Pygmy Goat, Marmoset Monkeys, and even Octopuses as pets.
How Much Do Axolotls Cost In The UK?
In the United Kingdom, it is fairly inexpensive to own an axolotl.
The average cost of a baby axolotl is around £20. Wild and leucistic (having white skin due to lack of pigment) cost more – around £25 to £35.
Wild male albino axolotls cost around £30. Depending on where you live, you will also have to factor in the shipping costs.
Most breeders charge between £35-£50 for shipping. Home-based hobby breeders typically charge less for their axolotls – around £20.
In the United States, the cost of an axolotl with shipping is around $50. In Europe, a confirmed adult male axolotl can cost between €150-and €200.
In Finland, axolotls measuring 10 cms and longer cost between €50 and €100.
In Australia, you can buy axolotls from an aquarium center or a pet shop, and most cost $30 (Australian Dollars). Juveniles cost around $20 and adults cost around $35.
The cost of axolotls in the UK and other parts of the world typically increases based on the breeder’s reputation, the axolotl’s genetics, and its health status. Color is another major influencer of the cost.
Take a look at the following table that shows the approximate cost of axolotl based on the color:
Note: This table is for reference only. Prices may vary depending on location and time of year.
| Color | Price in £ (without shipping cost) | Availability |
| Wild (dark greyish/greenish-black with olive green mottling) | £20- £35 | Common |
| Wild (speckled gold with a light-colored belly) | £20- £35 | Rare in the wild but common in captivity |
| Leucistic (pink) Axolotl. These are not albinos. They are translucent white and have flecks of gold | £30- £35 | Rare in the wild but fairly common in captivity |
| Pure white albino with red gills | £35 – £50 | Rare in the wild, common in captivity |
| Golden albinos with white/pink/yellow eyes | £50 | Very rare in the wild |
| Melanoid (they are often mistaken for wild but have more pigment and dark brown/black bodies) | £35 – £50 | Relatively common |
| Axanthic Axolotl Morph – these have spots and no yellow pigment at all. They may be dark/light/mosaic colored. | £35 – £50 | Uncommon |
| Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP Axolotls) | £100 | Very uncommon and rare-created in a laboratory setting |
| Copper Axolotl Morph | £50 to £100 | Uncommon |
| Half leucistic and half-wild (Chimera axolotls) they have a split-down-the-middle appearance | Not sold | Very rare |
| Firefly axolotl | £100- £1350 | Extremely rare |
| Blue | £100- £1350 | Extremely rare |
How Much Does It Cost To Keep An Axolotl?
You must not forget that the purchase price of an axolotl is just the beginning of what is bound to be a series of expenses.
Your axolotl has very specific needs as far as its diet, housing, temperature, water flow, and lighting go. So be prepared to handle these costs.
In addition to the initial buying price, you will need to spend on the tank, filter, lighting, tank decorations, hideouts, live plants, test kits, etc.
Here are some items you will need to spend on for your exotic pet:
| Item | Price in £ |
| 20-gallon tank | £46- £ 100 |
| Water conditioner | £15 |
| Water testing kit | £13 |
| Filter | £15 |
| Axolotl food pellets | £10 |
| Accessories/gravel, sand bed, etc | £15 to £40 |
| Airstone bubbles LED lights | £11 |
As can be seen, the setup of the axolotl tank set up itself can cost between £100 to £300. The monthly maintenance of the tank could cost £10 to £30.
Baby axolotls eat more than adults and they will need plenty of variety in the food. In addition to axolotl food pellets, you need to feed them worms, shrimp, etc. Food can cost around £10 per month.
Local exotic vets tend to charge nearly £10 to £30 per visit/online consultation. So, do factor in vet costs in your budget.
The total cost of keeping an axolotl from the purchase price, tank set up to monthly maintenance can come to approximately £400 in the first year. This will drop to around £250 per year thereafter.
Also read: 6 Best Axolotl Accessories
Marina LED Aquarium Kit
- 10 U.S. gallon glass aquarium
- Includes a Marina Slim S15 clip on filter with quick change filter cartridges
- Includes everything you need to get your aquatic home started
- Measures: 20" L x 10" W x 12.5" H
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Where Can You Buy An Axolotl In The Uk?
There are a number of places you can buy your axolotl from. Private breeders are your best bet as they will have the colors and traits you desire in your axolotl.
Also, ethical breeders take care to not inbreed these creatures. This is very important to reduce genetic health issues.
You can also buy your Axie from an exotic or aquatic pet store.
Here are some links for you to check out:
- Angel Fish Aquatics
- Private breeder – Harrogate Axolotls
- Exotic Pets UK
- PreLoved
Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit with LED Lighting 10
- All the equipment needed to get started in one box!
- Low profile full hood contains vibrant cool white LED lighting to bring your aquatic environment to life
- Filter has a red LED light that flashes to indicate when it’s time to change the cartridge
- Simply add your favorite style of plants and decor
- Preset heater will keep your aquarium temperature at a constant 78 degrees, appropriate for most tropical fish
Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQs
Can I buy an axolotl in the UK? How much do they cost?
Yes, axolotls are legal pets to keep in the UK – you can get them from a breeder or an aquatic pet store. They cost between £20 and £35 although rare colors/varieties like blue, silver/lavender, copper, and firefly axolotls can cost a lot higher.
Are axolotls good for beginners?
Axolotls need very specific conditions like water flow, temperature, pH, and other parameters like ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. All these can be a bit daunting for newbies. Also, a small mistake could cost you your axolotl. Therefore, axolotls do not make good pets for first-time owners. However, once you learn the nitty-gritty, axolotls do make entertaining and easy to care for pets.
Also read: What to Know Before Keeping Axolotl as Pets
What is the most expensive axolotl?
Axolotls like copper, blue, firefly, silver/lavender, and chimera are very rare and also quite expensive. Some of these varieties sell for hundreds of pounds.
Are axolotls easy pets?
Once you know how to manage your axolotl’s environment and diet, it is fairly easy to care for as a pet. Most well-bred axolotls are also quite healthy and hardy but you must make sure to stay up-to-date with weekly water changes, and water testing, and also take care of your pet’s diet.
Conclusion – How Much Do Axolotls Cost In The UK?
It is legal to keep axolotls as pets in the UK. You can buy them from a breeder or an aquatic pet shop.
Expect to spend around £20- £35 on standard colors. The price varies based on the axolotls’ genetics, color, and the breeder/store you buy from. Shipping costs will be extra based on your location.
The cost of an axolotl’s tank setup can come to £100- £150 depending on what you buy.
Monthly maintenance costs can come to around £20 to £50 per month – mainly on food, water test kit, conditioner, and emergency/vet care.
We hope this guide helps you plan your axolotl’s care and upkeep properly.