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"Raspberry Beret" UPDATE!
Oh. My. Goodness! Yesterday, we got the good word that our adult male, "Raspberry Beret", arrived safely to Coatesville, PA from Marshfield, MA! We overnight-ed this 12 inch "monster" with ease! The new owners are already in love! And, he looks SO good! I got to see photos of his GIANT tank set up just after he was acclimated! It made my day to learn how happy his human family of five is (now plus one amphibian)! Thanks for being such awesome clients! -Lizzy
Elisabeth Harper
Apr 151 min read


Customer Update on "Wollaston"!!!
It's "Wollaston", DNA confirmed male leucistic, from our MBTA clutch! We're currently coaching his new owner on tank cycling with water parameter help via text messages! Meanwhile, he hangs out in his tub eating and enjoying all the things! The nitrogen cycle in his main tank continues to progress. And, it will be ready for occupancy very soon! Wollaston now hails from Pembroke, MA--I love that the new owner kept his original name! See his name tag in the upper right
Elisabeth Harper
Apr 31 min read


We're So Happy to Be Axolotl Sitting Cookie
We're so happy to be axolotl sitting "Cookie" of Walpole, MA this week! She is a DNA confirmed female hailing from our MBTA clutch! It's lovely seeing her again! How do you like 'dem gills!!!!!!??? Wow! Meet Cookie, Our Special Guest This week, we are thrilled to care for Cookie. She is a DNA confirmed female axolotl from our MBTA clutch. It is always a joy to see her again. Her gills are vibrant and full of life. Why Axolotl Sitting is Important Axolotl sitting is a great
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 212 min read


Meet Lizzy (of the lotls)
🦎 Meet the Breeder: Elisabeth “Lizzy” Harper Elisabeth “Lizzy” Harper is the passionate owner and founder of Lizzy’s Lotyls, LLC , a Massachusetts-based axolotl breeding and boarding business dedicated to producing healthy, ethically bred pet axolotls. With a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from the University of New Hampshire (2002) , Lizzy has built a career rooted in animal care, science, and welfare. She has spent over 20 years at Tufts University in Boston, M
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 182 min read


Customer Update!
Well look who is the literal "Queen" of her new tank!!!!??? It's our DNA proven female, "Longwood", now known as "Squish"! Her new owners came to us locally from Whitman, MA. They recently experienced the loss of their 12 year old albino axolotl and were ready for a new journey with this baby gal! According to her new family, "She is just the best!".
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 171 min read


Congratulations to the Hingham Middle School of Hingham, Massachusetts!!
HEYY YOU GUYS!!!!! This just in! A representative teacher from the Hingham Middle School just picked up our axolotl known as "Spring Hair"! The students have been working hard on getting a tank ready with our tank cycling coaching since late January! Whelp, as of yesterday, we confirmed that this middle school's tank was fully cycled! "Spring Hair" (pictured) is now bagged and in route to the school to ensure a happy friday for all! Hoorayyyyy! And, we'll be here for t
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 131 min read


Axolotls & PCR Genetic Sex Sampling
The Lizzy’s Lotyls Difference: At Lizzy’s Lotyls, we believe informed keepers make the best caretakers—and that starts with science. Sexing axolotls can be difficult, especially in juveniles or individuals that don’t show clear physical traits. That’s why we utilize PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) genetic sex sampling to determine sex accurately and responsibly. Using a non-invasive slime coat swab and following the most humane standard operating procedures developed by Lizz
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 91 min read
Axolotl Tissue Grafting (“Fireflies”, "Checkerboards", "Dinosaurs", "Candy Corns", and "Moon Bugs") in the Pet Trade
Every once in a while something surfaces in the exotic pet trade that makes you stop and ask a simple question: Just because something can be done… should it be? Recently, conversations have once again begun circulating about “checkerboard axolotls” and other animals with dramatic patchwork patterns. In some cases, these patterns are not the result of natural genetics or selective breeding. Instead, they are created through skin grafting , where pieces of tissue from one a
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 83 min read


🧠 The Reality of Online Axolotl Breeder Communities
Most animal breeder communities eventually divide into two groups: Builders. focused on animals focused on education supportive of responsible breeding Competitors with a desire for conflict, aka "trolls". focused on market share focused on controlling narratives often engage in conflict and enjoy baiting for conflict publicly The healthiest animal breeder communities tend to be the ones that set standards and refuse to participate in bullying, gossip, and baited tactics from
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 81 min read


Tips and Tricks for Avoiding Online Axolotl Scams!
The Risks of Buying from Unestablished Sellers 1. No Business Identity A reputable breeder or business should have: A business name A website or official page Public policies A visible history of customer reviews When someone only sells through private messages, there is often no accountability and no verifiable reputation. If something goes wrong, buyers may have no way to contact them again. 2. No Animal Care Standards Responsible breeders invest significant time and resour
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 72 min read


Artificial vs. Live Plants in Axolotl Tanks--Well, why not Both!?
This setup is one of our favorites because it shows how artificial plants and living plants can work cohesively in an axolotl tank. Artificial plants Zero maintenance No surprises Always choose soft plants (with no sharp edges to prevent tail tears and injuries) Live plants Help with water quality Add natural enrichment Create that lush, underwater jungle vibe One of our absolute live favorites? Lucky bamboo It’s hardy, axolotl-safe, and thrives with its roots submerg
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 71 min read


Why Lizzy's Lotyls Does NOT Wholesale Axolotls or Mass Distribute Axolotl Eggs
We’re often asked for wholesale axolotls or axolotl eggs in bulk--including occasional requests from the bigger box distributors and larger aquatic pet stores, but frequently from others as well! Why do we say no? We believe that the answer is simple: We feel the future of this salamander species matters MORE than scale, ease, and quick profits with less overhead costs. Axolotls and their eggs sold for mass distribution may very well lose all and/or be given indirect, inaccur
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 71 min read


Our Thoughts On Purchasing More Than One Unsexed Axolotl
We say this with love: but, buying two unsexed axolotls on a whim can quickly turn into a stressful situation—for you and for them. Here’s why Sex is not visually obvious until maturity. Two “cute babies” can later turn into a male + female combo without warning. Surprise breeding is NOT harmless Unplanned breeding can result in hundreds of eggs, health risks for the female, and ethical responsibility for babies you didn’t plan, prepare, or have homes for. Cohabitation of m
Elisabeth Harper
Mar 71 min read
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