How To Sex An Axolotl

Once an axolotl reaches the age of about a year and a half, their sexual characteristics become more apparent. One way to sex them is by examining the size of their cloaca, a small vent located just behind their rear legs. Male axolotls typically have a more pronounced and larger cloaca compared to females. In contrast, females usually have a smaller and less prominent cloaca. In general, female axolotls tend to have wider bellies, often due to their larger body size and the presence of eggs. Conversely, male axolotls typically exhibit a flatter belly, with a slimmer appearance compared to females. While these physical differences can aid in sexing axolotls, it is important to note that they are not always foolproof, and some individuals may still be challenging to identify. In such cases, DNA or surgical sexing may be required for absolute certainty.

Above are two photos of a pair of wild axolotls from the same clutch. The photo on the left is unmarked. The photo on the right is marked with circles showing what differentiates male axolotls and female axolotls. The female is a wild axolotl named Termenator and the male is a wild axolotl named Zoom.