Axolotls are fascinating aquatic salamanders that have captured the fascination of pet owners and biologists alike with their unique features and appearances. If you’ve ever wondered what the rarest type of axolotl is, you’ve come to the right place!
If you’re short on time, the rarest and likely most expensive axolotl morph is the Platinum Albino Axolotl which lacks all pigmentation.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the magnificent and mysterious platinum albino axolotl including its origins, genetics, appearance, care requirements, and pricing.
Understanding Axolotl Color Morphs and Genetics
Basic Axolotl Color Genetics Overview
Axolotls display a variety of stunning colors and patterns, which are determined by pigment cells called chromatophores found in their skin. The most common chromatophores are melanophores (black/brown pigment), xanthophores (yellow pigment), and iridophores (metallic looking pigment).
The combinations and distributions of these chromatophores lead to the different color morphs seen in axolotls. For example, a “Wild Type” axolotl has melanophores covering its body, while a “Golden Albino” lacks melanophores.
The genetics behind chromatophore development and placement is complex, but generally follows basic Mendelian inheritance patterns when axolotls are bred.
Common Axolotl Morphs and Colors
Some of the most popular axolotl morphs include:
- Wild Type – Dark brown/black skin with golden speckles
- Albino – Pinkish-white skin due to lack of melanophores
- Leucistic – White skin with dark eyes due to reduced melanophores
- Golden Albino – Light yellow/gold skin without melanophores
- Melanoid – Very dark, sometimes black skin from excess melanophores
In addition, some rarer morphs like axanthics (grey/purple skin) and charcoal (dark grey skin) axolotls occasionally crop up. There are likely even more color variants waiting to be discovered!
The Rarity Scale of Axolotl Morphs
Since exotic color patterns tend to be controlled by rare recessive genes, the rarity ranking of the main axolotl morphs is:
- Albino – Very common, widely bred.
- Leucistic – Less common than albino but still frequently available.
- Golden Albino – Uncommon, limited breeds available.
- Wild Type – Rarely seen anymore except conservation efforts.
- Melanoid – Very rare, limited breeding stock.
The axanthic and charcoal morphs are so rarely seen they have almost legendary status in the axolotl community. According to leading online axolotl breeders like TC Axolotls, these ultra-rare morphs can cost $350-$500 compared to $30-$60 for common morphs!
Introducing the Platinum Albino Axolotl
Origins and History
The platinum albino axolotl is one of the rarest color morphs of the axolotl species. While axolotls originated in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City, the platinum albino variant is believed to have first appeared in captivity in Europe or the United States sometime in the late 20th century.
Axolotl breeding became popular in the aquarium hobby during that time, leading to the development of new color varieties like the platinum albino through selective breeding. The striking pale pink or white appearance of the platinum albino axolotl quickly made it a prized specimen among collectors.
While the origins of the first platinum albino axolotl remain unclear, the morph is thought to have resulted from a spontaneous genetic mutation that inhibited melanin production. Breeders selectively mated axolotls exhibiting the albino traits over multiple generations to stabilize the trait and produce a true-breeding platinum albino line.
Today, platinum albinos remain quite rare compared to more common color varieties like wild-type grey, melanoid black, or leucistic white axolotls. Their striking coloration and scarcity have made platinum albino axolotls highly desirable in the exotic pet trade, often commanding prices over $200 each.
Genetic Makeup
The platinum albino axolotl’s pale pink coloring results from a genetic mutation that prevents melanin synthesis. Like all albinos, platinum albinos lack tyrosinase, the key enzyme needed to produce melanin pigments. Two copies of the recessive albinism gene are required to exhibit the trait.
When bred with a non-albino axolotl, the offspring typically develop normal grayish pigmentation.
While lacking black melanin pigment, platinum albinos retain reddish-orange pheomelanin pigments in their skin and eyes. This gives them a light pinkish hue compared to pure white leucistic axolotls that lack both melanin types.
The albino gene also affects eye development, leading to vision problems and sometimes smaller, more rounded eyes compared to wild-types.
Physical Features and Appearance
The platinum albino axolotl is characterized by its striking pinkish-white coloration lacking any dark pigment. Its skin and external gills have a translucent appearance and pale pink tint from pheomelanin pigments. The eyes are also pale pink with ruby-red irises.
Unlike white leucistic axolotls, platinum albinos lack black pupil markings in the eyes.
Aside from color, platinum albinos have typical axolotl features like external gills, wide flat heads, lidless eyes, and finned tails. They reach a similar size as other captive axolotls, typically 6-9 inches long when fully mature.
Platinum albinos may be prone to vision difficulties and slightly smaller, rounder eyes due to their genetics.
Here’s a quick comparison between platinum albinos and other popular axolotl color morphs:
| Type | Skin Color | Eye Color |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Albino | Translucent pinkish-white | Pink with ruby-red irises |
| Leucistic | Opaque white | Black with golden irises |
| Wild-type (Grey) | Dark gray to olive green | Black with gold irises |
| Melanoid (Black) | Solid black | Black with gold irises |
Caring for a Platinum Albino Axolotl
Tank Setup and Water Parameters
Platinum albino axolotls require a tank of at least 20 gallons for one axolotl, with 10 additional gallons per extra axolotl. The tank should have fine gravel or large rocks as the substrate to prevent your axolotl from accidentally swallowing rocks and becoming impacted.
Plants like anubias and java fern can help provide enrichment, but avoid sharp decor. The water should be dechlorinated and cooled to 60-68°F. Axolotls are very sensitive to water quality, so maintain ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm and nitrates under 20 ppm with frequent partial water changes.
Ideal Temperature and Lighting Conditions
Axolotls are cold water creatures and do best between 60-68°F. Temperatures above 74°F can be dangerous. Use a chiller or fan to maintain the ideal temperature range. Since axolotls lack eyelids, lighting should be low to nonexistent.
If you want plants in the tank, opt for low light varieties and limit lighting to 6-8 hours per day. Avoid direct sunlight which can overheat the water.
Feeding and Nutrition
Axolotls are carnivores and should be fed a variety of protein sources like earthworms, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and pellet foods specifically formulated for axolotls. Feed juveniles daily and adults every 2-3 days.
Provide just enough food that they can consume within 5-10 minutes, and remove any uneaten food to avoid fouling the water. A varied diet, including live foods, provides the best nutrition. Axolotl pellets should not be the sole food source.
To prevent choking, feed food items that are narrower than the axolotl’s head.
Health Issues to Watch Out For
Some common health issues in axolotls include fungal infections, stress, constipation, and impaction from swallowing substrate. Look for signs like lack of appetite, lethargy, abnormal feces, swelling, lesions, or red gills. Maintain excellent water quality and temperature to avoid diseases.
Quarantine new axolotls before introducing them. Use aquarium salt or antifungal baths for mild fungal infections. More serious issues may require medication like ampicillin. With good care, axolotls can live 10+ years.
The Extreme Rarity and Expense of Platinum Axolotls
Where to Find a Platinum Albino Axolotl
Platinum albino axolotls are one of the rarest color morphs, making them extremely difficult to find from a reputable breeder. Only a handful of breeders worldwide produce these unique amphibians. Many hobbyist breeders advertise platinum axolotls that are actually just light leucistic axolotls rather than the true platinum morph.
According to axolotl expert sites like Caudata, confirmed sightings of platinum axolotls are rare. Your best chance of finding one is through highly specialized breeders that focus specifically on rare color mutations.
Pricing and Availability Issues
The rarity and demand for platinum axolotls leads to high prices, low availability, and long waitlists from breeders. Expect to pay at least $200-300 for a single platinum axolotl, with some breeders charging upwards of $500.
| Leucistic Axolotl | $30-60 |
| Platinum Axolotl | $200-500+ |
Even if you’re willing to pay the high price, you aren’t guaranteed to get one right away. Most breeders have long waitlists of buyers hoping snag one of these rare amphibians. You may wait over a year before obtaining your prized platinum axie!
Is the Cost Worth It for This Morph?
The stunning appearance of platinum axolotls makes them highly desirable for any collector. Their bright white bodies glitter as if speckled with platinum dust. Solid black eyes contrast boldly against the light coloring.
However, some argue the high cost and limited availability outweigh the benefits. Platinums tend to be less hardy with more health issues than other color morphs. Their extreme rarity also leads to massive inbreeding.
Ultimately, it comes down to your budget and dedication to owning a rare axolotl. If you have the discretionary income and don’t mind long wait times, platinums are worth the effort for enthusiasts seeking exclusive morphs!
Conclusion
The platinum albino axolotl remains one of the most rare and coveted color morphs in the axolotl community. Its unique lack of pigmentation sets it apart from all other known varieties.
Caring for this extremely rare animal comes with challenges due to its sensitivity, but many owners feel the uniqueness and allure of the platinum albino is worth the demanding care and steep price tag.
We hope this guide gave you lots of useful information on the origins, genetics, appearance, care, cost and rarity score of this magnificent salamander. Let us know if you have any other axolotl-related questions!
