{"product_id":"melanoid-axanthic-copper-mac-axolotl","title":"Melanoid Axanthic Copper Axolotl (MAC)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo protect our animals and to ensure they arrive healthy, axolotls ship directly from our dedicated breeding partner using expedited overnight service.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMelanoid Axanthic Copper Axolotl (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmbystoma mexicanum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, usually shortened to MAC, is a striking and highly sought-after morph that layers three separate traits into one animal: copper coloring, melanistic darkening, and the yellow-stripping axanthic gene.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination produces a deep, smoky copper with dark accents and no golden warmth. MACs are one of the rarer axolotls in the hobby and are usually available only in small numbers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout This Axolotl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCopper lightens the base pigment, melanoid pushes the remaining dark pigment deeper and removes reflective iridophores, and axanthic strips out the yellow. What is left is a matte, richly toned animal in bronze, charcoal, and deep taupe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause three recessive traits are stacked, no two MACs look quite alike. Some lean dark and smoky, others hold more visible copper. Coloring typically deepens through the first year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAxolotls are neotenic salamanders, meaning they retain their larval features and external gills for life rather than transforming into a terrestrial adult. They remain fully aquatic from hatching onward.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Care\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAxolotls are cool-water amphibians and must be kept in a fully cycled aquarium with stable water quality. They are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, so the aquarium should be established and tested before an axolotl is introduced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature is the single most important factor in axolotl care. They do best in cool water and become stressed once temperatures climb into the mid 70s Fahrenheit. A tank placed in a cool room is usually sufficient, although a chiller or clip-on fan may be needed in warmer climates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the current gentle. Strong flow causes stress and can fold the gill filaments back against the body. A sponge filter, or a canister outlet fitted with a spray bar, works well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubstrate choice matters more than almost anything else in the aquarium. Use a bare bottom or fine sand only. Gravel and small stones are readily swallowed during feeding and are a leading cause of impaction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide caves, PVC pipe, terracotta pots, or other shaded retreats. Axolotls have no eyelids and prefer subdued lighting. Live or artificial plants and a partial cover will help them feel secure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 20-gallon long aquarium is the practical minimum for a single adult, with roughly 10 additional gallons for each further axolotl. Floor space matters more than depth. Pale sand gives the deep, smoky coloring the contrast it deserves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid sharp decorations and any ornament with narrow openings an axolotl could become trapped in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAxolotls are carnivores. Sinking axolotl pellets or soft carnivore pellets make an excellent staple diet, supplemented with earthworms, nightcrawlers, live blackworms, and frozen bloodworms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuveniles are generally fed daily, while sub-adults and adults are fed every two to three days. Offer food at the bottom of the aquarium where the axolotl naturally hunts, and remove anything uneaten to protect water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid feeder fish, mammalian meats, and hard-shelled foods. These can introduce disease or cause digestive problems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTankmates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAxolotls are best kept alone or with other axolotls of a similar size. Anything small enough to fit in the mouth will eventually be eaten, including nano fish, dwarf shrimp, and small snails.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish are not recommended. Many species nip at the exposed gill filaments, and most community fish require temperatures far too warm for an axolotl.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen housing more than one axolotl, keep them closely matched in size and provide separate hiding places and generous floor space. Smaller individuals may lose limbs or gills to larger tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreeding Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAxolotls generally reach breeding condition between 12 and 18 months of age. The male deposits spermatophores that the female collects, after which she lays several hundred eggs on plants, decor, and aquarium glass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEggs hatch in roughly two to three weeks depending on temperature. Larvae need live foods such as baby brine shrimp and microworms from the moment they begin feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMAC stacks three recessive traits, so offspring will not reliably match the parents without carefully planned pairings. Larvae are cannibalistic and must be sorted by size, and a single clutch can produce far more young than most keepers are able to house.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Water Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 60° to 68° F (optimal 62° to 64° F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.5 to 8.0 (optimal 7.4 to 7.6)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3 to 8 dKH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 7 to 14 dGH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum tank size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 20-gallon long for a single adult, with approximately 10 additional gallons per further axolotl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 9 to 12 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTypical purchase size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Varies by option selected, from 3 to 5 inches for juveniles to 8 inches or more for adults\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Captive-bred; the wild species is native to Lake Xochimilco, Mexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat We Like About This Axolotl\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Three traits combined into one uncommon morph\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Deep, smoky copper with dark melanistic accents\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Matte finish with no reflective flecking\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Every animal is visibly different from the next\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• One of the rarer axolotls in the hobby\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Hardy and straightforward to keep in cool water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImportant Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause three traits are stacked, appearance varies considerably between individuals. Some animals read as predominantly dark, others hold more visible copper. Coloring normally deepens through the first year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAxolotls are a cool-water species and should never be kept in a heated aquarium. Sustained temperatures in the mid 70s Fahrenheit and above will cause stress and can lead to illness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFine sand or a bare bottom is strongly recommended, as gravel and small stones are a common cause of impaction. Axolotl skin is delicate and the skeleton is largely cartilaginous, so handling should be kept to a minimum and never done with dry hands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAxolotl ownership and sale are restricted in certain U.S. states and jurisdictions. Customers are responsible for verifying that axolotls are legal to own and receive in their state and local area before ordering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShrimpy Business cannot ship to jurisdictions where axolotls are prohibited or require permits that have not been obtained. We are not responsible for animals refused, confiscated, or restricted due to local laws or regulations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelect your preferred size above, from juvenile through adult male or female. Color, size, and markings vary between individual animals, and the axolotl you receive will not be identical to the photographs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"axolotlsuperstore","offers":[{"title":"Juvenile (3–5 in.)","offer_id":52548796154146,"sku":"sku-49120877936892","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sub-Adult (5–8 in.)","offer_id":52548796186914,"sku":"sku-51215964799228","price":130.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Adult Male (8+ in.)","offer_id":52548796219682,"sku":"sku-51215964831996","price":160.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Adult Female (8+ in.)","offer_id":52548796252450,"sku":"sku-51215964864764","price":160.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0078\/9227\/1189\/files\/Melanoid_Axanthic_Copper_Front_White.png?v=1789404054","url":"https:\/\/shrimpybusiness.com\/products\/melanoid-axanthic-copper-mac-axolotl","provider":"Shrimpy Business","version":"1.0","type":"link"}