108 FRESH WATER AQUARIA. 



The Axolotls, like the tritons and other animals, have, as I 

 have seen proved, the power of reproducing lost limbs. 

 Though these animals are generally of the colour described 

 above, there is a white variety, a specimen of which may be 

 seen, or used to be seen, at the Bedford Conservatories, 

 Covent Garden. It is, I believe, very rare : I have never 

 seen another. 



These animals seem to prefer to seize their food before it 

 reaches the bottom of the water. If they do not take it as it 

 falls the first time, it is a good plan to withdraw it and let it 

 drop again, as close to their noses as possible. Some aquarium- 

 keepers feed their Axolotls only once a week, and others 

 every second or third day; but I think that it must be better 

 to feed them regularly every morning, and this I do, and 

 always find them ready for their food. They seem to know 

 their feeding hour, for they swim towards me as I go near 

 the tank. Axolotls wLLl soon learn to eat raw meat, which 

 need not be so oa.refully cut as for the newts, for they have 

 wide mouths and take their food at one gulp. 



Though the Axolotls wUl grow, under favourable circum- 

 stances, almost as large as the water-vole (water-rat), it is 

 not necessary for that reason to keep them in a proportion- 

 ately large aquarium. Four full-gi-own animals might be 

 kept in a tank 2ft. Gin. long by 1ft. broad and Sin. deep. If 

 they are well and regularly fed they wUl not attack fish of 

 a fair size ; but if, on the other hand, they are neglected, 

 they will attempt to devour not only the fish, but even one 

 another. In Mexico, Axolotls are eaten by the natives ; they 

 are prepared and cooked in the same way that eels are 

 prepared and cooked in this country. 



Axolotls can be bought in London of the principal dealers 

 in aquarium requisites. 



