Axolotls are a species of salamander native to Mexico. They live in the lakes, rivers, and canals of the city of Xochimilco and Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City.
These adorable little creatures have gills on their necks that allow them to breathe underwater and also have lungs that allow them to breathe air when they come out of the water.
Axolotls are known as “waterdogs” or “Mexican walking fish,” because they look like lizards but behave more like fish!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls were found and documented in the 19th century. |
| The discovery of axolotls is credited to Alexander von Humboldt and his assistant, Valenciennes. |
| The first scientific description of axolotls was published in 1850. |
| Axolotls were initially believed to be a type of fish due to their aquatic nature and gill-bearing larvae stage. |
| The unique characteristics and regenerative abilities of axolotls have made them the subject of scientific research and captivated the interest of enthusiasts. |
| Axolotls are native to the ancient lakes of Xochimilco and Chalco in Mexico. |
| Today, axolotls are considered critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and pollution. |
| Captive breeding programs and conservation efforts are underway to preserve and protect axolotl populations. |
| Axolotls have become popular as pets due to their fascinating appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements. |
| The study of axolotls continues to provide valuable insights into regenerative medicine and biological research. |
What Is The Oldest Known Axolotl?
Your answer is correct! The oldest known axolotl was found in the early 1900s. The first person to describe them was Alexander von Humboldt, who described them as “caudate” salamanders. When he first wrote about axolotls, people thought he meant salamanders from South America.
A few years later, another scientist realized that he likely meant tadpoles (the larvae of frogs and toads).
Understanding why axolotls are important in the ecosystem is crucial for their conservation. Check out our comprehensive guide on the importance of axolotls to learn more about their role in maintaining biodiversity.
What Is The Name Of The First Person To Describe Axolotls?
The first person to describe axolotls was a Spanish priest named Juan de Quevedo. He was born in 1580 and died in 1645, so he lived during the time period when the Spanish were colonizing Mexico and South America.
He became a Jesuit priest and later wrote about what he had seen while traveling around Mexico hunting down people who didn’t believe in God (he believed they were witches).
While hunting witches he caught several axolotls and brought them back home with him where he studied them for many years before finally publishing his findings on these strange creatures in 1629.
| Notable Individual | Description |
|---|---|
| Alexander von Humboldt | German naturalist who documented and described axolotls in the 19th century |
| Achille Valenciennes | Assistant to Alexander von Humboldt and co-author of the scientific description of axolotls |
| Louis Agassiz | Swiss-American biologist who studied axolotls and made significant contributions to their scientific understanding |
| George Albert Boulenger | Belgian-British zoologist who provided detailed descriptions of axolotls and classified them taxonomically |
| Edward Drinker Cope | American paleontologist who examined fossil specimens of axolotls and contributed to their understanding |
What Was Their Description Of Axolotls Like?
The first person to describe axolotls was Juan Rulfo. He described them as salamanders, fish, and amphibians.
He believed that they were a species of axolotl from Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City, but it wasn’t until he did this research that people realized there were two different kinds of axolotls: one from Lake Xochimilco, the other from Chapultepec Park in Mexico City.
This led people to study the differences between them, which helped them understand how different environments affect an animal’s behavior and appearance.
| Notable Individual | Description |
|---|---|
| Alexander von Humboldt | Detailed observations on axolotls’ aquatic nature and gill-bearing larvae stage |
| Achille Valenciennes | Contribution to the scientific description of axolotls, focusing on their physical features |
| Louis Agassiz | Extensive studies on the regenerative abilities of axolotls and their unique anatomical structures |
| George Albert Boulenger | Taxonomic classification of axolotls and description of their distinct characteristics |
| Edward Drinker Cope | Examination of fossil specimens, providing insights into the evolutionary history of axolotls |
Who Was The First Person To Describe Axolotls As Amphibian?
The first person to describe axolotls as amphibians were Carl Linnaeus, who described them in 1758. In his book “Systema Naturae,” he referred to the axolotl as “Amphiuma tridactylum.” The name means “three-fingered amphibian.” He categorized them as amphibians because they are able to breathe air and also breathe underwater.
If you’re considering a unique and fascinating pet, learn why axolotls are good pets for enthusiasts. Our expert veterinarian shares insights in our article on why axolotls make good pets to help you make an informed decision.
When Did They Describe Them As An Amphibian?
In 1766, a German zoologist named Johann David Schoepff described the axolotl as “Amphiuma.” He thought that it was a salamander because it had gills and lived in water like other salamanders.
This name stuck around for quite some time until 1828, when Wilhem Friedrich von Humboldt wrote a paper on the axolotl and called it an amphibian.
| Notable Individual | Description |
|---|---|
| Alexander von Humboldt | 1811 |
| Achille Valenciennes | 1811 |
| Louis Agassiz | 1850 |
| George Albert Boulenger | 1863 |
| Edward Drinker Cope | 1866 |
Axolotls belong to a distinct species that has captured the fascination of many. Discover the taxonomic classification and learn more about these remarkable amphibians in our article on what species axolotls belong to. Expand your knowledge of the diverse world of axolotls.
When Were Axolotls Found In Mexico City?
In the 16th century, the Aztecs began to notice strange creatures in Lake Xochimilco. They also noticed that these animals were different from turtles and fish, so they decided to call them “water dogs”.
This name gave rise to rumors that axolotls were actually dog-like creatures that could walk on land and hunt for food on land as well!
Today we know that axolotls are neither dogs nor lizards because they have gills as amphibians do. But there is still one thing about them that makes them similar to canines—they can breathe through their skin!
Delve into the rich history of axolotls and explore their origins with our detailed article on where axolotls originate from. Discover the fascinating journey of these captivating creatures throughout time.
When Were They Found In Lake Xochimilco?
In Lake Xochimilco, the axolotl was first discovered in 1983 by researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). They were studying biodiversity in the lake and noticed that some of the fish appeared to be different from all other fish in Mexico.
The researchers wrote about their findings: “A previously unknown animal belonging to the family Ambystomatidae was captured during this survey.” They called it Ambystoma mexicanum or axolotl (a name derived from Aztec mythology), which means “water monster” or “hermaphrodite salamander.”
The color of axolotl skin can vary and holds significant interest for enthusiasts. Learn more about the diverse pigmentation of axolotls in our informative piece on the color of axolotl skin explained, and uncover the beauty of these unique aquatic creatures.
Conclusion
This is all just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to axolotls. They’re still being studied and researched today, and there are many exciting new discoveries that could be made in the near future. We hope this article has been a helpful introduction for anyone who wants to learn more about these fascinating creatures!
Further Reading
National Geographic: Axolotl Facts: Discover fascinating facts about axolotls, including their unique physical characteristics, habitat, and conservation status.
Blue Reef Aquarium: What Is an Axolotl and Why Are They Endangered?: Learn about the axolotl’s endangered status, the threats they face, and conservation efforts being made to protect these incredible creatures.
Mental Floss: 11 Awesome Axolotl Facts: Dive into a collection of interesting and lesser-known facts about axolotls, including their regenerative abilities and unique appearance.
FAQs
What is the average lifespan of an axolotl?
Axolotls have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years in captivity, although some individuals have been known to live up to 20 years with proper care.
Can axolotls breathe underwater?
Yes, axolotls are amphibians that possess gills throughout their lives, allowing them to extract oxygen from the water and breathe underwater.
Do axolotls undergo metamorphosis?
Unlike other amphibians, axolotls retain their juvenile features throughout their lives and do not undergo metamorphosis into a terrestrial form.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily feed on small aquatic prey such as worms, insects, small fish, and crustaceans.
Can axolotls regenerate lost body parts?
Yes, one of the remarkable abilities of axolotls is their exceptional regenerative capacity. They can regenerate lost limbs, spinal cord, heart tissue, and even parts of their brain.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.