The Axolotl is a passive aquatic mob introduced in Minecraft version 1.17 (Caves & Cliffs Update: Part I). Known for its adorable appearance and utility in underwater combat, Axolotls add life to aquatic environments and can assist players in battling hostile underwater mobs. They come in various colors and are inspired by the real-life critically endangered Mexican salamander.
Supported Platforms and Support Version
| Platform | Supported Version |
|---|---|
| Java Edition (PC/Mac) | 1.17 and higher |
| Bedrock Edition (Windows 10/11, Xbox, PS, Switch, Mobile) | 1.17.10 and higher |
| Education Edition | 1.17.30 and higher |
Note: In Bedrock Edition, Axolotls cannot spawn naturally in buckets of tropical fish as bait.
Background of the Axolotl
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Hostility Level | Passive |
| Health Points | 14 (7 hearts) |
| Where to Find | Lush Caves biome, Underground Water Pools |
| Weapon | N/A (Assists player by attacking hostile underwater mobs) |
| Attack Method | Bites hostile underwater mobs (Guardians, Elder Guardians, Drowned, Fish) |
| Drops | None |
| Experience Points | 1–7 XP (when bred) |
| Special Skills | Playing dead to regenerate health; assisting players in underwater combat |
Hostility Level
The Axolotl is a passive mob. It will not attack players but will target certain hostile aquatic mobs when in the presence of a player.
Health Points
The Axolotl has 14 health points (equivalent to 7 hearts).
Where to Find Axolotls
Axolotls spawn in water inside lush caves biome, below sea level (Y = 63). They require complete darkness for natural spawning and must be below Y=63 in Java Edition or in lush caves in Bedrock Edition.
Weapon
The Axolotl does not use a conventional weapon. Instead, it uses its bite to attack hostile aquatic mobs.
Attack Method
Axolotls bite hostile aquatic mobs such as:
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Guardians
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Elder Guardians
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Drowned
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Fish (including cod, salmon, pufferfish, tropical fish, squid, glow squid)
They will play dead (become temporarily invulnerable) if they take too much damage, regenerating health and confusing enemies.
Behavior
Axolotls swim in water and move toward hostile aquatic mobs to assist players in underwater combat. If injured, they play dead, regenerating health and causing enemies to lose interest. On land, they quickly dry out and can die if not returned to water within 5 minutes.
They can be attached to leads or picked up using water buckets, becoming “bucket of axolotl.”
Axolotls also exhibit the following behaviors:
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Follow players holding buckets of tropical fish
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Breed when fed buckets of tropical fish
Drops
Axolotls do not drop any items upon death.
Experience Points
Axolotls drop 1–7 XP when successfully bred. They do not drop XP upon death.
Special Skills
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Playing Dead: When taking substantial damage, Axolotls will play dead, regenerating health and preventing further attacks.
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Assisting Players: They actively target hostile underwater mobs and can help players in underwater fights.
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Health Regeneration: After defeating a target, Axolotls grant the player the Regeneration effect and remove Mining Fatigue (useful during Guardian/Elder Guardian fights).
Spawn Eggs
In Creative mode, Axolotl Spawn Eggs can be used to spawn Axolotls instantly. Available in various colors: pink (leucistic), wild (brown), cyan, gold, and rare blue.
Things to Do with the Axolotl
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Underwater Companion: Bring Axolotls into ocean monuments to help fight Guardians and Elder Guardians.
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Breeding: Breed different colors of Axolotls using buckets of tropical fish.
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Collect Rare Colors: Try to breed a blue axolotl, which is very rare (~0.083% chance).
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Aquarium Pet: Keep Axolotls in an aquarium or pond as a decorative mob.
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Exploration Helper: Use Axolotls to gain Regeneration when exploring dangerous underwater areas.
Commands for the Axolotl
You can summon an Axolotl with a specific variant (color) using this command in Java Edition:
/summon minecraft:axolotl ~ ~ ~ {Variant:4}
Variant codes:
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0: Lucy (pink)
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1: Wild (brown)
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2: Gold (yellow)
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3: Cyan
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4: Blue (rare)
Bedrock Edition uses similar syntax but variant selection may vary.
Spawn Events for the Axolotl
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In Java Edition, Axolotls spawn naturally in lush caves underwater.
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In Bedrock Edition, Axolotls only spawn when lush caves generate.
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Axolotls can also be spawned via Spawn Eggs or Commands.
Axolotl Fun Facts
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The blue axolotl is the rarest variant.
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In real life, Axolotls are critically endangered.
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Axolotls play dead as a survival tactic, both in Minecraft and in the wild.
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Originally planned to spawn in ocean biomes but was later changed to lush caves.
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Players can carry Axolotls in buckets, making them portable pets.
Advanced Tips for Farming
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Use lush caves with controlled water pools for farming.
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Place light sources above water to control unwanted spawns.
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Use bucket of tropical fish for breeding Axolotls efficiently.
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Maximize breeding attempts to increase the chance of obtaining a blue Axolotl.
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Automate breeding using dispenser + bucket of tropical fish setup with Redstone (advanced technique).
How the Axolotl Interacts with Other Game Mechanics
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Villagers: No direct interaction.
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Redstone: Can be automatically bred using Redstone devices to dispense buckets of tropical fish.
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Water mechanics: Axolotls require water to survive and thrive. They die after 5 minutes on land unless raining or in water.
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Leads: Players can attach leads to Axolotls and move them.
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Bucket mechanics: Axolotls can be collected and transported in buckets of water.
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Combat mechanics: Axolotls can be used tactically in ocean monument raids for Regeneration effect and to help fight Guardians.
