What Is an Axolotl?

What Is an Axolotl? An axolotl is a unique type of amphibian known for its ability to remain in its larval form throughout its life, making it fully aquatic.

It is often kept as an exotic pet due to its fascinating appearance and regenerative abilities.

Native to the lakes of Mexico, particularly Lake Xochimilco, axolotls are critically endangered in the wild but have gained popularity in captivity as pets.

Understanding Axolotls: A Unique Amphibian

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) belong to the salamander family, but they are distinct in that they exhibit neoteny, a phenomenon where they retain juvenile traits into adulthood. Unlike most amphibians that undergo metamorphosis, axolotls stay in their larval stage, complete with gills, throughout their entire life.

Neoteny: Axolotls Never Fully Grow Up

Neoteny is one of the most defining characteristics of the axolotl. While most salamanders undergo metamorphosis to become terrestrial, adult axolotls remain fully aquatic and keep their external gills.

• Gills and breathing: Axolotls breathe through their gills and lungs, but they rely primarily on their gills for oxygen. These feathery gills give them their distinct look and enable them to thrive in water.

• Adaptation: This unique adaptation to stay in the water makes axolotls different from other amphibians. As a result, they spend their entire lives swimming rather than venturing onto land.

Learn more about axolotls on Wikipedia.

Axolotl Habitat and Origins

Axolotls are native to the lakes and canals of Mexico, specifically Lake Xochimilco. Unfortunately, due to urbanization, pollution, and habitat destruction, their natural environment has been drastically reduced, leading to their classification as critically endangered in the wild.

• Lake Xochimilco: This lake is the last remaining habitat for wild axolotls, but it is under severe threat from human activities and invasive species.

• Conservation status: While they are thriving in captivity as pets, their numbers in the wild are declining at an alarming rate.

Regenerative Abilities

One of the most fascinating features of axolotls is their incredible ability to regenerate. Unlike other amphibians, axolotls can regenerate entire limbs, spinal cord tissue, and even parts of their heart and brain.

• Regrowth of limbs: If an axolotl loses a limb due to injury, it can fully regrow the lost appendage without any scarring.

• Medical research: This extraordinary ability has made axolotls a subject of interest in scientific research, as scientists study them to better understand tissue regeneration, hoping to apply this knowledge to human medicine.

According to a study by National Geographic, axolotls are considered “masters of regeneration,” and their ability to regrow limbs and organs makes them invaluable to biological research.

Why are Axolotls Sometimes Called Waterdogs?

While the term “waterdog” is rarely used in the UK, it is a colloquial name in the USA for the larval stage of the Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), which does undergo metamorphosis into a terrestrial adult.

The name “axolotl” itself is derived from the Aztec words for water (atl) and dog (xolotl), referencing the god Xolotl, often depicted as a dog-headed deity.

Xolotl was associated with several aspects, including lightning and monsters, and is known as the twin of Quetzalcoatl, one of the principal Aztec gods.

In Aztec mythology, all gods agreed to sacrifice themselves for humanity’s creation. Xolotl, however, chose to hide, transforming into three objects, one of which was the axolotl.

Despite his attempts to evade capture, he was ultimately found and killed.

Thus, the name axolotl translates to “water-dog,” linking it to its mythological ties, while in North America, “waterdog” refers to the Tiger Salamander due to its vocalizations resembling a dog’s bark.

Axolotls as Exotic Pets

Axolotls are gaining popularity as exotic pets due to their unique looks, low maintenance needs, and interesting behaviors.

They offer a distinctive alternative to traditional pets like cats and dogs, but they require specific care for optimal health.

These fully aquatic creatures need a spacious tank of at least 20 gallons with clean, filtered water, ideally kept at cool temperatures between 60-64°F (16-18°C).

It’s important to avoid gravel substrate, as axolotls may ingest it, leading to blockages; sand or bare-bottom tanks are safer.

While they can recognize their owners and may surface during feeding, handling should be limited due to their sensitive skin and protective slime coating.

Axolotls are solitary animals that are best kept alone, as keeping them with other species can be harmful.

Feeding Axolotls

In the wild, axolotls are opportunistic predators, reacting to food that resembles their natural prey.

Their diet consists of worms, invertebrates, crustaceans, and fish. They are not picky eaters and should be fed two to three times a week as adults, with juveniles requiring more frequent feeding to support growth.

Some keepers choose to feed axolotls in separate containers to reduce mess, although this may cause unnecessary stress.

Offer a variety of foods for optimal health, complemented by a high-quality staple diet. The NT Labs Pro-f Axolotl Pellet provides a balanced daily diet and comes in sizes for both juveniles and adults, ensuring proper nutrition.

Additionally, axolotls enjoy occasional treats such as earthworms, bloodworms, and lance fish, but be sure to remove any uneaten food to prevent water pollution.

For more information on feeding exotic pets, refer to our feeding guide for axolotls.

Fascinating Axolotl Facts

Axolotls are not only intriguing because of their appearance and regenerative abilities, but also because they are one of the most studied amphibians in scientific research. Here are some quick facts about these exotic pets:

• Lifespan: Axolotls can live up to 15 years in captivity with proper care.

• Colors: In addition to their natural dark coloration, captive-bred axolotls come in a variety of colors, including albino, leucistic (pale pink with black eyes), and golden.

• Eyes: Axolotls have lidless eyes, giving them a unique, almost “wide-eyed” expression.

Conclusion

An axolotl is a fascinating amphibian known for its ability to remain in its larval form throughout its life, its incredible regenerative abilities, and its popularity as an exotic pet.

Native to Mexico’s lakes, these creatures are critically endangered in the wild but are thriving in captivity.

Their unique care requirements, such as their aquatic habitat and carnivorous diet, make them an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a distinct and low-maintenance animal.

However, due to their endangered status, it’s essential to consider their conservation when choosing to keep them as pets.

FAQs

Axolotls can be kept as pets and are favored for their unique appearance and low maintenance needs, though they require specific water conditions and diet to thrive.

In captivity, they can live 10 to 15 years with proper care.

As carnivores, axolotls should be fed a balanced diet consisting of worms, small fish, and commercial pellets formulated for them.