Are Axolotls Blind? [This Surprised Me Too]

If you’ve decided that an axolotl is for you, one of the first things you will naturally wonder likely include: “can they see me? Do they recognize their surroundings or even me as its caregiver?”

It’s not uncommon to be intrigued, or even a bit confused, by the axolotl’s unique behavior and appearance.

With countless online discussions and captivating footage of axolotls in various settings, the question of their visual capacity often surfaces.

Today, I’m here to break it all done for you.

I’ll be walking you through the fascinating world of axolotl eyesight, addressing common misconceptions and shedding light on the true nature of their vision.

But first and foremost…

Are Axolotls Blind?

Axolotls are not blind. They have eyes and can perceive light and movement, but their vision isn’t as developed as some other amphibians and other animals.

It is in fact a common misconception about axolotl eyesight, that they are completely blind.

This likely stems from their clouded eye appearance and limited reactions to visual stimuli.

However, they can perceive light, detect movement, and have a basic sense of their surroundings, just not in sharp detail like some of their amphibian cousins.

How Well Can Axolotls See?

Axolotls cannot see very well, they primarily perceive light and detect movement. Their eyesight is less developed than many other amphibians, and they often rely more on touch and smell for navigation and sensing their environment.

Axolotls, with their curious and distinctive appearance, possess a pair of lidless eyes that are often clouded or appear glossy.

These eyes are embedded within a layer of skin, giving them a slightly bulged look.

When comparing their eyes to other amphibians, axolotls’ vision is relatively rudimentary.

While frogs, for instance, have well-developed eyes that can distinguish details and have a broad field of view, axolotls rely more on other senses like touch and smell.

Their natural habitat in murky waters of Mexican lakes doesn’t necessitate keen eyesight.

Factors Affecting Axolotl Vision

Environmental Factors

Axolotls are native to murky lakes in Mexico, where the light levels are naturally low.

In this dim environment, their eyes have evolved to detect minimal light and movement.

When in captivity, the light levels can be significantly brighter, which might be stressful or harmful for axolotls if not moderated.

Sudden changes in lighting can also be disorienting for them.

Genetic Factors

There are variations in eye color among axolotls, with some having darker eyes and others bearing a golden hue.

While these variations indicate genetic differences, there isn’t conclusive evidence to suggest that eye color directly impacts the quality of their vision.

However, certain genetic mutations related to albinism might affect vision slightly.

Age

Like many living beings, axolotls’ vision can deteriorate with age.

Older axolotls might not respond as quickly to visual stimuli as their younger counterparts.

However, since axolotls rely heavily on other senses, this deterioration is often compensated by an increased reliance on touch and smell.

How To Care For An Axolotl Given Their Poor Vision

Optimal Lighting and Environment

Ensuring the right lighting is paramount for axolotls, given their natural habitat’s dim conditions. Consider the following for their well-being:

Adjustable Lighting: Use aquarium lights that can be dimmed. This provides the flexibility to create a more comfortable environment, mimicking their natural habitat.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Never place the tank in direct sunlight. Axolotls are sensitive to abrupt changes in lighting and can become stressed in overly bright conditions.
Natural Day-Night Cycle: Maintain a natural day-night light cycle. This helps regulate their biological rhythms.
Tank Decorations: Provide hiding spots like caves or plants. These allow axolotls to retreat to shaded areas if the light feels too intense.

Addressing Vision Problems

If you suspect your axolotl has vision issues:

Review Tank Conditions: Ensure the tank’s lighting and decorations don’t pose a hazard or stress to the axolotl.
Dietary Adjustments: If your axolotl is having trouble finding food, consider using more aromatic or live foods to appeal to their other senses.
Consult a Veterinarian: If vision problems persist or if there are physical changes to the eyes (like cloudiness), consult with a veterinarian experienced with amphibians. They can provide guidance on care adjustments or medical treatments.
Reduce Stress: Minimize sudden environmental changes, as stress can exacerbate health issues. Handle them minimally and maintain consistent feeding and lighting routines.

Common Signs of Vision Problems in Axolotls

Determining Vision Issues

Axolotls with vision problems may exhibit several noticeable behaviors. They might:

Miss their food frequently, even when it’s placed directly in front of them.
Display an increased sensitivity or aversion to light, seeking out the darkest parts of their tank or becoming more active during dim conditions.
Show unusual swimming patterns, like bumping into tank walls or decorations more than usual.
Seem more startled or disoriented when there are sudden movements or changes in their environment.

Natural Behavior vs. Poor Vision Behavior

It’s crucial to distinguish between an axolotl’s inherent behavior and signs of compromised vision.

Axolotls are naturally curious creatures, often exploring their habitat and occasionally bumping into things.

Such behavior doesn’t necessarily indicate a vision problem.

However, if these actions become more frequent or are combined with other symptoms like a consistent inability to locate food or a pronounced light aversion, it might be indicative of vision issues.

Finally

Axolotls, with their often-clouded eyes and minimal reactions to visual stimuli, has inadvertently given rise to misconceptions about their vision, leading many to believe they are blind.

This is in fact not true.

While their eyesight is limited, it is there. It’s just far more primitive.

As such, if you are (or are soon to be the proud owner of an axolotl), it’s essential to recognize this nuanced difference to provide appropriate care in captivity.