Axolotl

The Fascinating Water Dragon

An axolotl image

Image: "Axolotl" by th1098 [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

General Information

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a paedomorphic (retaining juvenile features as an adult) salamander that lives underwater. Although it is native to the lakes of Maxico, it is now critically endangered by urbanization and water pollution leading to its status as "critically endangered", with a decreassing wild population of less than 1000 adults.

Physical description:

  1. Ranges in length from 15 to 45 cm
  2. Has external gills and a caudal fin extending from behind the head
  3. Wide Heads with lidless eyes
  4. Have three pairs of external gill stalks (rami) behind their heads.

Color variations (resulting from mutations of pigmentation genes)

  1. Leucistic: pale pink body
  2. Xanthic: grey body
  3. Albino: pale pink or white bodies, with red eyes
  4. Melanoid: all black or dark blue body

Axolotl's special ability!

Axolotls have an ability to regenerate limbs, organs, and other parts of their central nervous system.
As a result, Axolotls are researched extensively, to see how this can be applied in humans.

Check out the source article: Axolotol - Wikipedia to learn more.

Learn about Axolotl Habitats or discover their fascinating Behavior!