Axolotl
Mexican axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) salamanders are amphibians that spend their whole lives underwater. They exist in the wild in only one place—the lake complex of Xochimilco (pronounced SO-chee-MILL-koh), a network of artificial channels, small lakes, and temporary wetlands that help supply water to nearby Mexico City’s 18 million residents.
- Common Name:
- Axolotls
- Scientific Name:
- Ambystoma mexicanum
- Type:
- Amphibians
- Diet:
- Carnivore
- Average Life Span In The Wild:
- 10 to 15 years
- Size:
- Up to 12 inches
- Weight:
- 2.11 to 8 ounces
Think axolotls are super cute? That makes sense: These animals have a rare trait (called neoteny) where they retain features from their their baby stages throughout their whole life. Most amphibians transition from living in water to living in land as they reach adulthood (think of a frog going from a tadpole to an adult frog). But not axolotls: They live underwater, so they hang on to their tail and feathery gills—sort of like a forever tadpole.
These animals also fascinate scientists for their ability to regenerate damaged limbs. Axolotls can regrow a leg in about a month! That's useful for these critters because if another axolotl gets too close, the disturbed animal may bite off the intruder's gills or feet. By studying axolotls, scientists may someday learn if it's possible to regrow human limbs, too.
Axolotls eat whatever they can get their jaws on, including mollusks, worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, tadpoles, and some fish.
These animals are named after the Aztec god of lightning, Xolotl, who is said to guide the dead. According to one myth, Xolotl could escape his enemies by turning into this water creature.
Not all axolotls are pink! In fact, almost all wild axolotls are brown, except for some that are born with a genetic condition that makes them pinkish white.
As Mexico City has grown, the lake complex has shrunk and parts have become contaminated, shrinking the axolotl population. The introduction of large numbers of carp and tilapia fish, which compete with axolotls for food and also eat axolotl eggs, has further lowered their population.
Another problem? These animals are so cute, people want them as pets. Today, are critically endangered. You can help these animals by telling people to leave them in the wild, where they belong.