Axolotl and clawed frog

[UncleChester]

A good read when considering mixing aquatic species Caudata Culture Articles - Species Mixing Disasters

The particular combo of Axolotl and ACF isn't on the list but you can see what kinds of atrocities they have committed to tank mates and how it's been reciprocated.

[mpmistr]

As the old saying wisely goes .. "When in doubt, leave it out.".

[Truffs1178]

Why does everyone think the African clawed frog which on average reach like 6 inches would kill the 8 to 12 inch axolotl

[Jenste]

That is assuming you put them together as adults.

The frog will be extremely tempted to go after the axolotls gills (the frilly extensions on the side of their head). This will be quite painful and could lead to infection.
The axolotl has ridges on the inside of it's mouth at the gum line which are used to grab and tear. This could severely injure the frog and frog's do not have the regenerative capabilities that axolotls do. Bear in mind that the older the axolotl gets, the slower they regenerate.

I have kept and bred both species and I would not house them together. Axolotls also should be housed at cooler temperatures than the frogs.

[mpmistr]

Why does everyone think the African clawed frog which on average reach like 6 inches would kill the 8 to 12 inch axolotl

What Jen said. Axolotls external gills are a tempting target to ACF or even small nippy fish. Constant damage to their gills stresses Axolotls out very fast, even if they can regenerate it puts tremendous strain on the animal. If the Axolotl gets a hold of the small delicate arm of an ACF, it could be torn off, why would you want to risk your frog being damaged for life?

Even if these two animals never physically injured one another, like Jen said one is a cold water species and the other is a subtropical species. So it's either going to be too cold for the frog or too warm for the axolotl.. inadequate water temperatures for prolonged periods leads to a compromised immune system, then disease sets in.

Both these animals are fantastic and enjoyable pets but they don't belong together. It's just a bad idea to mix amphibians of different species, period. You wouldn't house a Pacman frog with an African Bullfrog would you?

[rodsboys]

Why does everyone think the African clawed frog which on average reach like 6 inches would kill the 8 to 12 inch axolotl

Because axi's need their gills. Hard to thrive without them.

[SanderB]

I had 2 frogs and 1 axolotl that grew up in the same tank. But after a while the axolotl started to get much bigger then the frogs. Never had any problems. But when you add them as adults they will eat eachother, so I DON´T recommed it.