GFP Axolotl: Beginner’s Care Guide & Species Profile

GFP Axolotl (standing for green fluorescent protein) are albino axolotls that have a protein in their bodies that make their bodies shine. They’re amazing, but like any other pet, they have particular requirements that owners have to be aware of.

Tanaka Max Planck Institute has created a transgenic GFP axolotl which is a half-foot-long salamander found within the Aztec canals of Mexico City. While axolotls are threatened they hold great potential for human amputees.

Axolotls are an awesome amphibious pet option that is widely available across the nation. Axolotl life is full of an array of exciting experiences to show you.

They are fascinating for their distinct personality, their bizarre exterior appearance, and their exotic colors, it’s all that is something worth discussing.

One of these varieties includes the GFP axolotl which is widely praised for its stunning color trait and its unique source.

GFP axolotls are quite popular because of their unique trait of glimmering in UV lights. The axolotl species are easily cared for in a 20-gallon tank with a good intake of carnivores as well as a frequent water change.

Genetics of GFP Axolotl

The first time it was discovered, it was in a species of jellyfish, this trait affects the majority of cells inside the body of the axolotl to produce the bright yellow protein which glows neon green under a UV light.

Color and Pattern: GFP Wild Type axolotls appear green, tan, or gray in color. They have dark eyes and glowing red gills.

These animals are made up of Green Fluorescent Protein, a protein found in jellyfish which makes them glow green under blacklight.

What Is So Special About GFP Axolotls?

Through animal research, some axolotls received an upgraded version of their genomes which is the reason for the rise of the GFP (Green fluorescent protein) trait.

In one jellyfish species, the GFP trait makes most cells within the body of axolotl produce a vibrant yellow-colored protein. Additionally, it adds an illuminating neon green effect to the body of GFP variations under UV light.

This trait can be extremely beneficial in aiding researchers to work in organ transplants and limb regenerations in humans.

Furthermore, the trait is able to be quickly transferred from one generation to the next. This effect is not only restricted just to pigment cells and does not be impaired by leucism which is a characteristic of the axolotl.

How to Take Care of a GFP Axolotl?

GFP axolotls have the same requirements in their care as any other axolotl. However, they’ll cost you $70 on average. That’s approximately $40 higher than the price of a wild or regular albino axolotl.

It is recommended to have a 20-gallon tank for your axolotl and filtered water that is maintained at a temperature of 58 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to their attractive appearance and expensive prices, GFP axolotls are no different than regular axolotls which is why taking care of them is exactly the same as regular. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy, however.

Axolotls are happy species that require particular living conditions in order to thrive. They have an extensive maintenance schedule.

Overview

The most common knowledge about axolotls is that these salamanders are a common sight in the Xochimilco lake in Mexico City. While they are in the face of danger and are on the way to extinction, several species are in the labs and aquariums.

Scientists have picked this distinctive species for study and research reasons due to a range of factors.

Axolotls tend to possess amazing regeneration of the limbs, which makes them a fascinating topic for research and scientific studies.

The exotic color morphs of axolotls aren’t just the result of natural breeding. Some of them have been developed in laboratories.

Additionally, GFP Axolotls are among those varieties whose colors are created by man.

GFP Axolotls are typically the albino types and are that are injected with a particular kind of protein in order to create a unique body glow.

GFP is a green fluorescent protein, which can be explained by the fact that the body glows because of the presence of this specific protein within the body.

Appearance

The particular axolotl kinds are distinctive because of the presence of GFP genes within their bodies. They are exposed to this altered DNA protein in a lab environment.

The development of GFP Axolotls occurred for conducting scientific research on the growth of cancer-related cells. Since then, the gene has evolved into a recessive one that is passed down from generation to generation.

Do you want to know the effects of this protein’s existence in axolotls? Its presence allows them to shine brightly under light, whether blue or UV lights.

It is a GFP trait that is typically prevalent among albino varieties. The lower the pigment within the body part of an axolotl the brighter it will shine.

The funniest thing is that every axolotl alteration can turn into a GFP one. Thus, the axolotls who are able to carry GFP genetics are believed to be distinct enough.

Size

GFP Axolotls can grow to the size of 10-18 inches. This means that these axolotls tend to be longer and more substantial than other types of axolotls.

But, there isn’t any difference in their sizes with respect to the various varieties that are part of the GFP axolotl specie. They tend to increase in size to the same length depending on the food and care they receive.

Behavior & Temperament

There’s nothing special in the behavior of GFP Axolotls compared to their normal variations. Their calm and gentle behavior makes them perfect to be kept in a home tank. Therefore, let’s take a brief look at their traits of behavior.

• They’re friendly with their owners since they can be interacting with them following a few often scheduled interactions.
• They may exhibit cannibalistic behavior towards their types and species, which is why it’s a good idea to keep them in a single species tank.
• GFP Axolotls can sometimes try to eat fish that fit easily in their mouths.
• In the course of breeding, male specimens will often chase females often which can lead to breeding over and killing the female.

Lifespan

A GPF axolotl with similar color morphs is long-lived. With the right care and nutritious diet, the axolotl could last for 10-15 years.

However, you must be extremely cautious when it comes to regular water changes and also be aware of the presence of harmful components such as ammonia and nitrite within your tank water.

Care

In terms of axolotl treatment, you’ll be paying close focus on the Axolotl’s tank along with water, as well as food. These three places are where the largest problems axolotls encounter most often begin.

GFP Axolotls require a specific amount of attention. This is why you be required to take all steps that are essential to help you take better care of this artificial color shape. This is a comprehensive maintenance guide for GFP axolotls to help you.

• Don’t touch them with your hands when transferring your axolotls into another tank when you do periodic water changing. They have delicate and soft skin and are prone to damage. Thus, it is recommended to use the fishnet.
• GFP Axolotls like clean water. It is therefore essential to ensure those parameters for their water tank.
• Don’t feed your pet the fish or crustaceans that you gathered through fishing. Food items that contain fish or crustaceans may have the presence of microbes, bacteria, and other bacteria in these food items, which could cause acute infections in your pet.
• Axolotls’ excrement of GFP Axolotls is among the major issues that could result in ammonia production within the tank. Therefore, it is essential to frequently take all debris from the tank to ensure a clean living space for your pets.
• When working with GFP Axolotls make sure you don’t touch them with your hands. Instead, it is more beneficial to employ a mesh net to catch them as you move them to a different tank.

Tank Setup

Do you want to know how to set up your GFP Axolotl’s tank to provide them with the finest treatment? Check out this article to learn more about their tank configuration.

Tank Size

It is essential to adhere to an appropriate tank configuration to give the highest level of treatment to GFP Axolotls at home. It is essential to place greater emphasis on the dimensions that are the tank.

It is essential that the aquarium that you select for your axolotl must be large enough to accommodate your needs inside it.

There should be enough space in the tank for the axolotl to move around and hide according to their needs. The 20-gallon tank is good enough for one GFP axolotl.

If you are planning to add larger quantities of Axolotls (even though they are not suggested) then you’ll need to increase the capacity by 2-3 gallons of capacity per additional specimen in order to avoid any conflict.

Tank Lid

Whichever size tank you choose you should get the tank lid. Axolotls naturally react to leap out of water when they’re afraid. If there’s no lid and the lid is not closed, the axolotl will leap into the tank.

Axolotls can’t live without water, therefore should they get into the tank when you’re away, they may be injured severely. Do not do this. Get a tank cover.

Substrate

The substrate is an important factor to be considered when designing an area that is suitable for the GFP axolotl. It is best when you ditch the sharp surface in the tank. Small stones in gravel are extremely harmful to Axolotls.

They tend to take a sip of anything that is suitable for their mouth. Therefore, it shouldn’t be unheard of to find GFP Axolotls to consume any tiny stones that could harm their stomach.

It is best to think about the addition of soft sand as a substrate for the tank. A few axolotl owners prefer leaving them with the tank bare-bottom.

The problem with a bare-bottom tank is the surface may be slippery for your axolotl and cause stress to your pet.

Water Parameters

The water parameters are essential for water parameters in the tank of GFP Axolotls. They are usually tough enough. They can handle a variety of pH between 6.5-8. But, the most ideal pH range is 7.4-7.6.

The temperature of the water in the tank must be within 60-64 deg Fahrenheit.

Additionally, the level of ammonia in the tank in the water of your axolotl should not exceed 0 ppm; anything more than this could be an immediate threat to the life of your pet.

The nitrate levels inside the tank of axolotl should be maintained at 2-40 ppm. If the level is higher than this the result could be very hazardous for the health of your axolotl.

It is vital to do 20% of water changes every week if you have the best filter. If you’re drinking tap water, you should consider making use of a conditioner and doing a regular water change.

Filtration

Filtration is vital to your tank that houses the GFP axolotl. It’s difficult for them to remain well if the water isn’t clear. Therefore, a high-quality filter is imperative to your pet’s tank for your animal.

However, the filter you put in should not cause a high-speed current in the water that is straining them out.

Thus it is suggested that a sponge filter is good in these situations because it isn’t able to make waves but effectively cleanses the water.

Food & Diet

It’s not too difficult for you to feed your axolotl. The carnivore salamanders are able to eat many different kinds of food.

You must also provide the best quality, balanced food which will aid in their growth and development.

So, here are a few typical foods that you can serve to your GFP axolotl.

• Snails
• Worms
• Small fish
• Crustaceans
• Brine Shrimp
• Lean beef
• Salmon fish pellets

It is best that you do not feed the axolotls fish and worms you’ve captured yourself. Sometimes, the food you catch may contain parasites. So, it’s best to avoid this.

Does GFP Axolotl Make a Great Tank Mate?

Are you intrigued by the idea of glowing axolotl wandering about in your tank? Then you need to determine if they’re appropriate for a tank habitat or not. Here’s what you should be aware of.

• There isn’t any scientific method to take care of GFP axolotls. They can be handled quickly if you’ve got some prior experience in keeping fish. As a novice, it can be difficult but eventually, you’ll master it.
• The axolotl species are quite simple to care for. It is not necessary to look for their preferred food source since they are able to take an array of protein-rich commercial food items that are readily available.
• The maintenance of all parameters within their tank isn’t too difficult. Furthermore, they are tough enough to function as a salamander.

Cost

GFP axolotls for sale near me: GFP Axolotls look really awesome, truly cool. These animals are already adorable however being capable of seeing through their bodies when in the ultraviolet as well as black light just makes them more attractive.

It comes with a cost. It’s estimated that you’ll pay $70 extra for buying a GFP Axolotl than the typical axolotl.

The challenges persist. Although axolotls are not unusual, GFP Axolotls don’t just appear everywhere.

It is important to search for the best places to purchase these critters. The issue here is how to be confident online.

There are plenty of online traders that don’t have your best interests in mind So finding reliable resources can be a difficult task.

In the meantime here are a few alternatives to consider: Axolotl Factory, Caudata.org, and ReptilesNCritters.

Axolotls are usually sold by private breeders, which means you’re likely to be able to bargain and reduce the cost if you feel the price they’re offering is excessive.

If you can locate an exotic pet dealer close to you then you can go about the transaction in person. If this isn’t possible then you’ll likely be required to discuss this online to trade for the cost for the axolotl.

If you are negotiating or looking for bargains for axolotls be aware of the fact that juvenile axolotls will be significantly less expensive when compared to adult axolotls.

This is due to the fact that juvenile axolotls are harder to take care of, and you’ll have to put in more effort when you end up choosing a less mature alternative.

FAQs

Conclusion

Have you decided to buy an axolotl? Before you buy one there are some crucial things you need to take care of first.

• Get a properly-sized tank as well as all the required equipment to run your axolotl.
• Check to see if you have set up an appropriate Nitrogen Cycle within your tank.

It’s thrilling to be able to have an aquatic fish-like creature in your tank that can walk on its tiny limbs and shine under certain lighting conditions.

Do you want to cuddle these GFP Axolotls and increase the look in your tank? Then, make sure you’re aware of their specific needs and preferences for healthy growth and health.