It’s hard to find a more unusual-looking creature than the axolotl. This amphibian can be identified by its elongated body, wrinkled skin, and long tail. Axolotls are also known as Mexican walking fish because they have four legs which are used for locomotion on land and water.
They have very large heads and eyes which makes them look like aliens! The weirdness doesn’t stop there they can regenerate limbs, organs, or parts of their brain even after being injured! They can even regrow their own limbs if they lose them in an accident or injury!
The fact that these creatures exist should make us appreciate all life forms on Earth even more than we already do today. It reminds us how much we still don’t know about our planet and all its inhabitants
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls have gained significant popularity due to their unique and fascinating characteristics. |
| Their cute and charismatic appearance, including their smiling face and fringed gills, make them endearing to many. |
| The ability of axolotls to regenerate body parts, such as limbs and organs, adds to their appeal and intrigue. |
| Axolotls are relatively low-maintenance pets, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced pet owners. |
| The popularity of axolotls is further boosted by their compatibility with various aquarium setups and their peaceful nature. |
Most Amphibians Lose Their Olfactory Capabilities As Adults, But Axolotls Continue To Use Their Sense Of Smell
Most amphibians lose their olfactory capabilities as adults, but axolotls continue to use their sense of smell.
The caraiba salamander, which is closely related to the axolotl, also retains this ability. This may be due to the fact that both animals live in similar environments and have a poor sense of smell in comparison with other species.
Although our noses help us identify different scents and odors, we don’t necessarily need them to do so—we can also use our tongues or taste buds!
Because they don’t have noses, axolotls are not good at detecting odors with either method; instead, they rely on chemicals dissolved in water droplets on their skin for much of their information about what’s going on around them.
If you’re wondering why axolotls make such great pets, our comprehensive guide on why axolotls make good pets provides all the answers. Discover the unique qualities that make these adorable creatures a perfect addition to your home aquarium.
Axolotls Are Bred To Come In Three Color Varieties
Axolotls come in three color varieties: black, white, and olive green. Most axolotls are either black or white, but if you’re lucky enough to have an olive green one, you can expect to be the envy of all your friends.
Axolotls can also be bred to have more than one color so there’s a possibility your axolotl may grow up being two different colors!
| Color Varieties |
|---|
| Golden |
| Wild Type |
| Leucistic |
They Can Regenerate Injured Limbs And Organs, And Even Lost Brain Tissue
Axolotls can regenerate lost limbs and organs, even brain tissue. Axolotls are frequently used in scientific research to understand how regeneration works. They’re particularly useful in studying heart regeneration because they can regrow heart tissue after having their hearts removed.
Axolotls have also been used in spinal cord regeneration research. This type of study is important because it could lead to new treatments for people who have suffered spinal cord injuries or paralysis from other causes (e.g., stroke).
Their Name Is A Portmanteau
- Axolotls are known as axolotl salamanders, and their name is a portmanteau of both words: axolotl and salamander.
- To say “Axolotl,” you would say AX-o-lot-ul. Sala is pronounced the same way as in salami or salad, it comes from Latin meaning an “eel” or “fish.” It’s pronounced SALA-mander!
| Portmanteau Name |
|---|
| Axolotl |
| Ambystoma mexicanum |
They Have Plenty Of Health Benefits For Humans, Too
The health benefits of axolotls can also be applied to humans. The regenerative properties that these creatures possess are being used in medical research to help with skin disorders, muscle regeneration, nerve regeneration, and bone regeneration.
Other studies are looking into the use of axolotls for lung regeneration and heart regeneration.
While axolotls are undeniably fascinating, it’s important to understand why they should not be kept as pets. Our veterinary experts explain the reasons in detail in our article on why axolotls should not be pets. Learn about the challenges and considerations before deciding to bring one home.
But Axolotls Are Critically Endangered In The Wild
But axolotls are critically endangered in the wild. They’re native to Mexico and Central America, but their habitat has been destroyed by urbanization and pollution. Axolotls are also threatened by overfishing though they never grow up into frogs, they can be eaten as food by humans.
Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to help the axolotl population without directly contributing to their decline.
They Can Stay In Larvae For Their Entire Lives
Axolotls are known as neotenic salamanders, which means they can stay in larval form their entire lives. They don’t metamorphose into adults but remain in a juvenile state called an ambystoma mexicanum. This is not unique to axolotls other amphibians do it too. It’s just one reason why they’re so popular with pet owners who want a lower-maintenance pet that also happens to be adorable and comes from Mexico (which is becoming increasingly more popular).
There are other reasons why axolotls are so beloved among animal lovers:
| Insect | Lifespan in Larval Stage |
|---|---|
| Fruit Fly | 7-10 days |
| Mosquito | 7-14 days |
| Butterfly | 1-4 weeks |
| Dragonfly | Several months |
| Mealworm | 1-3 months |
| Silkworm | 4-6 weeks |
| Mayfly | 1-2 years |
Axolotls Have Adorable Little External Gills On The Sides Of Their Heads.
Axolotls are known for their external gills, which are actually a remnant of the aquatic ancestors of axolotls. The external gills that you see on axolotl heads are called neotenous characteristics referring to traits that appear in adults and relate back to juvenile forms.
In this case, you’re looking at an aquatic animal with lungs like most other animals on land and a full set of gills like those found in fish.
Beyond their popularity, axolotls play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Explore the significance of these remarkable creatures in our informative piece on why axolotls are important. Gain insights into their ecological impact and understand why their conservation is vital.
They Have Three Hearts And Blue Blood
Axolotls are unique in that they have a double circulatory system. Their blood is blue and they have three hearts.
Two of the hearts pump blood to their gills, while the third pumps oxygenated blood to their lungs. This allows them to breathe air when out of the water but ultimately means that axolotls must always be kept in water or else they will die.
Curious about what makes axolotls truly awesome? Our experts share their insights in our article on why axolotls are awesome. From their regenerative abilities to their captivating appearance, discover the unique aspects that make axolotls stand out.
They Love To Eat Bugs — And Each Other!
Axolotls are also known to be cannibalistic, which is another reason why they’re so fascinating. Yes, that’s right — axolotls can and do eat each other! This trait may seem strange, but it makes sense if you consider their natural habitat in the wild.
If there aren’t enough insects or other food sources available, they’ll eat each other to survive. In captivity they won’t have to resort to this thanks to feeding them a diet of crickets and other small animals instead of one another; however, as long as they have water, an axolotl will live on it alone without any problems at all!
You Can Feed Them With Chopsticks. (Seriously)
Axolotls are not picky eaters and will consume anything that is small enough to fit in their mouths. They have also been known to eat fish, worms, insects, and even other axolotls. Axolotls are carnivorous animals but they aren’t picky about what kind of food they eat!
If you love feeding your pet with chopsticks, then this might be the right pet for you!
Axolotls are truly unique creatures, and their distinct features contribute to their popularity. Explore the fascinating world of axolotls and learn why they are so special in our expert-backed article on why axolotls are unique. Uncover the extraordinary traits that make them a subject of fascination.
Axolotls Are Unique Creatures That Deserve Our Attention And Conservation Efforts
Why are axolotls so popular? Because they’re pretty darn cool. Axolotls are unique creatures that deserve our attention and conservation efforts.
They can help us understand how other organisms work, they make great pets (if you aren’t afraid of amphibians), and they have inspired a lot of art over the years. Axolotls might not be as cute as pandas or tigers, but there is still plenty to enjoy about them!
Let’s start with their role in the ecosystem: axolotls eat mosquito larvae and tadpoles, which keep some aquatic populations down. They also eat fish eggs, so this means that if you have an axolotl in your aquarium instead of fish it will still be able to keep those populations down even if it doesn’t eat your fish directly!
The culture surrounding axolotls is another reason why people like them so much—they’ve been part of Mexican folklore for centuries now!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further explore the world of axolotls:
Facts About Axolotls – Discover Wildlife: Delve into interesting facts about axolotls and learn more about their unique characteristics and behavior.
Axolotl: The Salamander Was Added to Minecraft – GPB News: Discover the popularity of axolotls in the gaming world, specifically their inclusion in the popular game Minecraft.
Axolotl – National Geographic: National Geographic provides an informative overview of axolotls, highlighting their natural history, habitat, and conservation status.
FAQs
Have questions about axolotls? Here are some common queries and their answers:
How long do axolotls live?
Axolotls have a relatively long lifespan, typically ranging from 10 to 15 years in captivity with proper care.
Can axolotls regrow their limbs?
Yes, axolotls are renowned for their remarkable regenerative abilities. They can regrow lost limbs, including their limbs, tails, and even parts of their organs.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily feed on small aquatic creatures like worms, insects, and small fish. They can also consume commercially available axolotl pellets.
Can axolotls breathe underwater?
Yes, axolotls are fully aquatic and primarily breathe through gills. They are specially adapted to an aquatic lifestyle and lack the ability to breathe in air like other amphibians.
Can axolotls change their color?
Axolotls can exhibit color variations, but they do not undergo dramatic color changes like some other animals. Their coloration is primarily determined by genetics and can vary from pink to brown to black, among other shades.
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.