GFP Melanoid Axolotl
Price range: $169.99 through $269.99
GFP Melanoid axolotls feature an elegant black color with piercing green eyes. The contrast between its body and eyes alone make it seem as if it were from another planet.
What is a GFP Melanoid Axolotl?
A GFP Melanoid Axolotl is a unique combination of two fascinating traits:
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GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) — a genetic marker that makes the axolotl glow bright green under UV or blue light.
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Melanoid — a morph that produces extra melanin, giving the axolotl a deep black or dark gray coloration with no shiny iridophores (reflective pigments).
When combined, this morph results in a dark, velvety axolotl that glows neon green under certain lighting, creating an otherworldly appearance.
🌈 Appearance
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Base Color: Deep black, dark brown, or grayish-black.
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Under UV Light: Glows vibrant green due to the GFP gene.
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Eyes: Typically dark or black with no shine.
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Gills: Dark purple or blackish tones; may faintly glow under UV light.
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Skin Texture: Smooth and velvety, especially under ambient light.
🔬 Genetics
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Melanoid gene (m/m): Suppresses iridophores and xanthophores (no gold or shiny specks).
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GFP gene: Introduced from jellyfish DNA in lab breeding; it’s heritable and can appear in any morph if one parent carries the GFP trait.
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Inheritance: Dominant — if one parent has GFP, some offspring will glow.
🧡 Behavior and Temperament
Like all axolotls, GFP Melanoids are:
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Calm, slow-moving, and mostly nocturnal.
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Curious about their surroundings.
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Solitary by nature — they can be kept with others of similar size, but avoid overcrowding or mixing morphs of very different sizes.
💧 Care Requirements
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Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for one adult.
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Water Temperature: 60–68°F (16–20°C).
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pH Range: 7.0–8.0.
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Substrate: Fine sand or bare-bottom tank (avoid gravel).
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Diet: Earthworms, bloodworms, pellets, or axolotl-safe frozen foods.
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Lighting: Low light (UV only for occasional viewing of the GFP glow).
🌟 Special Feature – The Glow
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The GFP glow does not harm the axolotl.
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It’s visible only under UV or blue LED light.
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Do not expose them to strong UV light for long periods — use it only briefly for observation or photography.
🐣 Breeding Notes
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GFP is dominant, so some offspring of a GFP parent will inherit the glowing trait.
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The Melanoid gene must be inherited from both parents to express the dark coloration.
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You can produce non-glowing melanoids, glowing non-melanoids, or glowing melanoids depending on parental genetics.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
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Rare and visually striking.
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Unique glowing trait.
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Hardy and easy to care for.
⚠️ Cons
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Slightly higher cost than non-GFP morphs.
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Some may fade slightly with age under normal light.
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Requires gentle handling and stable tank conditions.
💲 Market Insight
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Price Range: Typically $70–$150 (depending on breeder, size, and glow intensity).
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Popularity: High among collectors and enthusiasts due to its glow-in-the-dark appeal.
| Size |
Juvenile(3-5 in.) ,Sub-Adult (5-8 in.) ,Adult Male (8+ in.) ,Adult Female (8+ in.) |
|---|
Before Purchasing Your First Axolotl...
Are you ready to purchase an axolotl? Before you do, there are a few super important things you should do first:
Purchase a properly-sized tank and all of the necessary equipment for your axolotl. To learn more about this, read The Best Axolotl Care Guide in the World
Make sure you have established a healthy Nitrogen Cycle in your tank. To learn more about the nitrogen cycle, read our guide that explains How to Cycle an Aquarium.
Read and understand the Western Aquatics Axolotls Shipping / DOA Policy.
If you are a first-time axolotl owner in North Florida, we highly recommend coming by our store location to meet with our axolotl experts and learn all about what you need to do to prepare the perfect new home for your axolotl. If you aren't in North Florida, be sure you read both of the guides above, then visit our Blog to get more information about raising these amazing aquatic pets.
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Light Hypomelanistic Melanoid Axolotl
Light Hypomelanistic Melanoid Axolotl: A Rare and Stunning Morph Explained
The Light Hypomelanistic Melanoid Axolotl is one of the most unique and visually striking axolotl morphs. Known for its subtle coloration, smooth texture, and captivating appearance, this morph is highly sought after by axolotl enthusiasts and breeders alike.
What Is a Light Hypomelanistic Melanoid Axolotl?
A Light Hypomelanistic Melanoid Axolotl combines two rare genetic traits — hypomelanism and melanoidism.
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Hypomelanistic means the axolotl has reduced melanin, resulting in a lighter or faded coloration compared to normal melanoids.
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Melanoid axolotls, on the other hand, lack iridophores (the shiny pigment cells), giving them a smooth, matte appearance.
When these traits are combined, the result is a soft gray or smoky brown axolotl with an elegant, muted tone and dark eyes — a perfect blend of mystery and beauty.
Appearance and Coloration
The Light Hypomelanistic Melanoid axolotl typically features:
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Light gray or beige skin with subtle undertones of lavender or brown
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Dark, non-shiny eyes due to the melanoid gene
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Minimal to no iridescence, giving the body a velvety look
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Occasionally, a faint golden or cream hue under strong lighting
This morph is especially admired for its balanced contrast — not too dark, not too pale — making it a showpiece in any aquarium.
Genetics and Rarity
Both melanoid and hypomelanistic genes are recessive, meaning they must be inherited from both parents for the morph to appear. Because of this, Light Hypomelanistic Melanoids are relatively rare and often bred intentionally by experienced axolotl breeders.
Breeding this morph requires:
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Careful pairing of genetically compatible axolotls
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Knowledge of lineage to prevent inbreeding
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Patience, as not every clutch will produce this specific color variation
Care and Habitat Needs
Despite their rare genetics, Light Hypomelanistic Melanoid Axolotls require the same care as other axolotl morphs. To keep them healthy and vibrant:
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Maintain water temperature between 60–64°F (16–18°C)
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Keep pH levels between 6.5 and 8.0
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Provide clean, dechlorinated water and perform regular water changes
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Offer a balanced diet of earthworms, pellets, or bloodworms
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Avoid strong lighting, as axolotls are naturally light-sensitive
Personality and Behavior
Like other axolotls, the Light Hypomelanistic Melanoid is calm, curious, and non-aggressive. They enjoy exploring, resting on smooth surfaces, and occasionally interacting with their surroundings. Their gentle demeanor makes them ideal for both beginner and experienced keepers.
Why They’re Popular
Collectors love this morph for its rare genetics and subtle elegance. Its soft, smoky appearance contrasts beautifully with brighter morphs like Leucistic or Golden Albino axolotls. Because of its scarcity, Light Hypomelanistic Melanoids are often seen as a premium or showcase morph among axolotl enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
The Light Hypomelanistic Melanoid Axolotl is a fascinating and graceful morph that highlights the incredible genetic diversity of these beloved amphibians. Whether you’re a dedicated breeder or a passionate hobbyist, this morph’s rarity and understated beauty make it a prized addition to any collection.
Melanoid
The Melanoid axolotl is a striking color morph of the axolotl, distinguished by its completely dark, almost black appearance. Unlike other axolotl variants that may have pigmentation patterns, the Melanoid’s coloration is uniform, including the gills, skin, and eyes, giving it a sleek and dramatic look.
Physical Traits
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Color: Deep, dark brown to black; lacks the golden or iridescent shimmer seen in wild types.
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Eyes: Typically dark, blending seamlessly with the body.
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Gills: Dark-colored, often black or deep brown, enhancing its overall uniformity.
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Size: Comparable to other axolotls; adults typically grow 9–12 inches (23–30 cm) in length.
Behavior and Temperament
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Docile and calm: Like other axolotls, Melanoids are slow-moving and enjoy hiding in aquatic plants or caves.
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Nocturnal tendencies: They may be more active during low-light periods.
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Feeding: Carnivorous; enjoys worms, small fish, and specialized axolotl pellets.
Care Requirements
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Tank: Minimum 20 gallons for one adult; prefer clean, cool water (~16–18°C / 60–64°F).
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Water quality: Sensitive to poor water conditions; regular water changes are crucial.
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Substrate: Fine sand or bare-bottom recommended to prevent ingestion of gravel.
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Tank mates: Best kept alone or with other Melanoids; avoid smaller fish that could be eaten.
Genetics
The Melanoid morph is the result of specific genetic traits that reduce reflective pigment cells (iridophores) and yellow pigment (xanthophores), leaving only black pigment (melanophores). This makes them one of the most uniform and visually striking morphs available.
Popularity
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Highly sought after by axolotl enthusiasts for their unique, dramatic appearance.
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Often paired with other morphs for breeding to explore new color combinations.
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