Axolotls can survive for a limited time in dry places, but they are aquatic animals and not designed for long-term survival without water. The exact duration depends on factors like humidity, temperature, and their overall health, but they would typically be able to endure a few hours to a couple of days out of water. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Humidity: Higher humidity levels can help axolotls survive longer out of water, as they can absorb moisture from the air through their permeable skin. If the environment is too dry, they can dehydrate rapidly.
Temperature: Cooler temperatures can slow down their metabolism, allowing them to conserve energy and survive without water for a slightly longer period compared to warmer conditions.
Health: A healthy axolotl is more likely to tolerate brief periods without water compared to one that is already stressed or sick.
Age: Younger axolotls with less developed lung tissue may struggle more to breathe out of water compared to adults.
However, it's important to note that prolonged absence of water can lead to severe dehydration, health issues, and eventually death. Axolotls need water to thrive, maintain proper health, and perform essential functions like feeding, digestion, and reproduction.
To ensure the well-being of axolotls, it's crucial to provide them with a suitable aquatic environment, proper water quality, and adequate humidity levels, especially if keeping them as pets. Brief periods out of water might be tolerable under certain conditions, but they should always be returned to water as soon as possible.