The Axolotl (pronounced /ˈæk.səˌlɑ.təl/) is a species from the Ambystoma genus. The species originates from Lake Xochimilco underlying Mexico City.
| Axolotl | |
|---|---|
 White Axolotl Closeup | |
| Information | |
| Common Name | Ajolote |
| Range | Lake Xochimilco, Mexico |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Caudata |
| Family | Ambystomatidae |
| Genus | Ambystoma |
| Species | Ambystoma mexicanum |
| Conservation Status | |
 Critically Endangered | |
Description
The axolotl (; from Classical Nahuatl: āxōlōtl (listen)), Ambystoma mexicanum, is a paedomorphic salamander related to the tiger salamander. The species was originally found in several lakes, such as Lake Xochimilco underlying Mexico City. Axolotls are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis. Instead of taking to the land, adults remain aquatic and gilled.Axolotls should not be confused with the larval stage of closely related tiger salamander species (A. tigrinum ), which are widespread in much of North America and occasionally become paedomorphic. Neither should they be confused with mudpuppies (Necturus spp.), fully aquatic salamanders from a different family that are not closely related to the axolotl but bear a superficial resemblance.As of 2020, wild axolotls were near extinction due to urbanization in Mexico City and consequent water pollution, as well as the introduction of invasive species such as tilapia and perch. They are listed as critically endangered in the wild, with a decreasing population of around 50 to 1000 adult individuals, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Axolotls are used extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate limbs, gills and parts of their eyes and brains. Axolotls were also sold as food in Mexican markets and were a staple in the Aztec diet.
Etymology
The word "axolotl" is a borrowing from Classical Nahuatl āxōlōtl which is a compound of the words ātl meaning "water" and xōlōtl meaning "slippery or wrinkled one, servant, slave".
Appearance
Axolotls have feather-like external gills, and lidless eyes. They are closely related to Tiger salamanders, and many mistaken axolotls for Tiger Salamander larva
Color Variations
Axolotls of various colours occur in captivity, including grey, shades of brown, leucistic (white with black eyes), golden albino, white albino, as well as other varieties, such as the melanoid (a near-black animal). The normally coloured axolotl, the "wild type", can be near-black, or even creamy in colour, and anywhere in between. There are even "piebald" axolotls in various colours, and a variety that is piebald in more than one colour, known as the "harlequin".
Behaviour
Axolotls are more active at night than during the day. In bright light, they tend to rest under cover of vegetation or under overhangs. Axolotls are cannibalistic when different size ranges are kept together or if they are underfed.
Diet
Type
Earthworms, insects, small crustaceans; narrow strips of raw lean beef, fish or chicken, fed by hand and wiggled; many will learn to take pellet food for carnivorous fish, e.g. salmon pellets with a preference for softer pellets. Hatchlings take brine shrimp, tubifex worms, water fleas and small insects.
Quantity
Feed adults three times a week, with as much as they will consume within about one hour. Feed juveniles more often. Remove uneaten food and excreta promptly.
Essential dietary needs
Axolotls require a variety of food items, as monotonous diets may cause nutritional deficiencies.
Lifespan: Needs Information
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A wild axolotl lives up to 12–15 years.
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Facts
- Axolotls can regrow lost body parts.
- Axolotls have external gills.
- Scientists do not know the population of axolotls, but know they are still decreasing.
- Axolotls used to live in two lakes in Mexico until one of them was drained to prevent flooding.
- Axolotls and Tiger Salamander Larvae are closely alike, and many mistaken axolotls for Tiger Salamander Larvae.
- Axolotls are amphibians (salamanders) and are also known as the Mexican Walking Fish.
- Axolotls remain in their larval state as an adult and can't live on land.
- Axolotls are carnivorous and have small stump like teeth.
- Axolotls can be grey,white,gold,and brown.
- Axolotls are related to Tiger Salamanders and lay eggs.
- Axolotls are native to Mexico.
- Axolotl comes from the Aztec language (Nahuatal) and names are close to Xolotl their god of death and deformations and the translation is (water dog.)
- While you can find axolotls in aquariums and laboratories all over the world, it’s much harder to spot them in the wild. The animals can only be found in the lakes and canals of Xochimilco, Mexico, a borough of Mexico City. The axolotl eats small fish, worms, and anything else it can find that will fit in its mouth even other salamanders.