what is the best living place for mexican salamanders

The best living place for Mexican salamanders, or axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum), is in a carefully maintained and controlled environment that replicates their natural habitat as closely as possible. Here are some key elements to consider:

1. Water Quality: Clean, dechlorinated water with a pH of around 7-8.0 is crucial. Hardness should be moderate to soft, and ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels need to be kept low.

2. Temperature: Axolotls thrive in water temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). They need a stable environment, so fluctuations should be avoided.

3. Oxygen: Adequate oxygen levels are necessary, so ensure good water circulation or use an air stone to provide oxygen.

4. Hideouts: Provide hiding spots such as caves, rocks, or PVC pipes to mimic their natural sheltering behavior and for stress reduction.

5. Space: Adequate space is needed for swimming and exploring. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for one axolotl.

6. Diet: A varied diet of worms, insects, and specially formulated axolotl pellets to ensure proper nutrition.

7. Lighting: While axolotls do not need specific lighting, a day-night cycle can help regulate their metabolism.

8. Tank Mates: Axolotals can be social but may nip at each other's gills. Therefore, it's better to house them separately unless they are siblings from the same clutch.

9. Water Depth: Shallow water depths that allow them to swim freely yet still access the surface for air.

10. Enrichment: Add live plants, floating leaves, or other decorations to create a stimulating environment.

For wild axolotls, the best living place would be their original native habitat in the lakes and canals near Mexico City, which are unfortunately under threat due to pollution and urbanization. Conservation efforts aim to preserve these habitats and also maintain captive populations as a safety net against extinction. If you're considering keeping axolotls as pets, make sure to research thoroughly and provide the best care possible to ensure their health and well-being.