New Names, Same Harm: How Fireflies are being rebranded to hide surgical modification
As Firefly axolotls become more widely recognized as surgically modified animals, breeders have begun renaming them with whimsical, morph‑like labels. These new names hide the invasive procedures behind the pattern. Here’s how to recognize rebranded Fireflies and avoid misinformation.
Early‑Phase MBD Project Receives Support from the New England Herpetological Society
Our early phase axolotl metabolic bone disease (MBD) project has received a $2,000 grant from the New England Herpetological Society, supporting careful, welfare centered research with several of the Cheese Babes already in our care.
Holtfreter’s Solution: What it is and why axolotls need it
Holtfreter’s solution is more than a salt mix: it restores the minerals axolotls rely on for healing, fluid balance, and slime coat repair. This guide explains what it is, why it works, and how it supports recovery in quarantine or tub setups.
What Is a Firefly Axolotl and Why Is It Unethical?
Firefly axolotls aren’t a morph at all—they’re the result of post‑hatching surgical grafting, where part of one axolotl’s tail is cut off and attached to another to create a cosmetic pattern. This blog breaks down how the trend started, how the procedure works, and why it raises not only serious ethical, but also welfare concerns for the animals involved.
Axolotl Water Quality 101: A beginner’s guide to safe, stable water
A beginner friendly guide to the core water parameters every axolotl keeper needs to understand, how to test them, and what safe levels look like. Stable water is the foundation of axolotl health, and this post explains the basics in clear, accessible language.
How to safely introduce a second axolotl to your tank
Introducing a new axolotl to an established tank takes planning, patience, and the right setup. This guide walks you through quarantine, tank sizing, filtration, and safe introduction techniques so your axolotls can settle in comfortably. Whether you’re adding a companion or expanding your group, these steps help keep everyone healthy and stress free.
Olive The Little Warrior — A One-Year Gotcha Day Celebration
Olive arrived at Libertyland tiny, anemic, and barely an inch long. In this first‑person account, Cora — our Adoptions Coordinator — traces Olive’s slow, steady rehab: the water care, the blackworms that changed everything, and the day Olive finally joined the big‑girl tank.
Octavius’s Battle with a Bacterial Infection — and His Happy Ending
When Octavius the axolotl suddenly stopped eating and showed alarming swelling, his foster knew something was wrong. A vet visit confirmed a bacterial infection, and with two weeks of Baytril treatments Tavvy made a remarkable recovery — even reuniting joyfully with his brother. This inspiring story highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms early and seeking proper care for axolotls.
The Unsung Heroes of Aquatic Health: Nitrifying Bacteria
A behind-the-scenes look at the bacteria that keep axolotls safe. Foster and board member Cora Hanlin explains how Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter work together to transform toxic compounds into manageable ones — and why understanding this process is essential for aquatic animal care.
Short Toe Syndrome in Axolotls — Causes, Signs, and Rescue Guidance
A clear, compassionate guide to Short Toe Syndrome in axolotls, covering causes, common signs (shortened toes, limb malformations, loss of limb regeneration), associated urogenital and renal problems, and rescue policies including non‑breeding recommendations and humane care options. The post emphasizes veterinary consultation, quality‑of‑life decisions, and how rescues handle intake and euthanasia when necessary
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