Axolotls are a type of salamander that has been in the news lately for being able to regrow lost limbs. They’re also ancient and can live for a long time.
Axolotls are incredibly cute and fun to watch in their aquariums, but there’s so much more to them than meets the eye! Let’s learn more about these amazing amphibians:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls are fascinating amphibians with unique qualities. |
| They have the ability to regenerate body parts, including limbs and organs. |
| Axolotls are popular pets among amphibian enthusiasts. |
| Their popularity stems from their charming appearance and captivating behavior. |
| Understanding the importance of axolotls in the ecosystem is crucial for their conservation. |
| Expert opinions provide valuable insights into the awesomeness of axolotls. |
| Axolotls require specific care and a suitable habitat to thrive as pets. |
| Appreciating the endangered status of axolotls emphasizes the need for conservation efforts. |
| Learning about axolotls can be an exciting and educational experience. |
| Axolotls have gained widespread popularity due to their unique and remarkable characteristics. |
Axolotls Are Unique Amphibians
Axolotls are unique amphibians. Unlike most of their evolutionary counterparts, axolotls have no metamorphosis. They remain in their larval form for the entirety of their lives, retaining the gills and other traits that make them look like tadpoles. This is called neoteny, or “juvenile longevity”.
This is advantageous to axolotls because they can reproduce much more quickly than most amphibians thanks to this extended lifespan.
If you’re wondering why axolotls are awesome, our expert veterinarians explain why they also make great pets. Discover the fascinating qualities of axolotls that make them perfect companions in our comprehensive guide on why axolotls are good pets.
Axolotls Are Ancient
Axolotls are a type of salamander, and they’re known for their regeneration capabilities. First discovered in Mexico, axolotls have been around for an estimated 200 million years—that’s longer than dinosaurs!
These unique creatures were thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in the 1960s, but now you can find them thriving in aquariums all over the world.
There Are Four Different Types Of Axolotl
The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a type of salamander that can most commonly be found in the lakes and rivers of Mexico. There are four different types of axolotl, the most common being the wild type.
These creatures were once very popular in captivity because they breed easily and have interesting body shapes and behaviors. Today, they’re still popular as pets but are also used by scientists to study regeneration and aging.
The Mexican axolotl is also known as Ambystoma mexicanum variegatum or Mexican tiger salamander. It was once believed that these creatures were a subspecies of tiger salamander until DNA testing revealed them to be genetically different enough to justify their own species name. This amphibian has black spots on its back that make it look like a leopard or jaguar when it arches its back while walking on land!
| Axolotl Types |
|---|
| Wildtype |
| Leucistic |
| Golden Albino |
| Melanoid |
Axolotls Can Regrow Limbs
Axolotls are a special kind of salamander that can regenerate their limbs if they lose them. This makes them the only vertebrates with this capability, and one of only two species (the other being zebrafish) known to regenerate in captivity.
The process is called regenerative healing, and it works by dividing existing cells without forming new ones. Once the limb has been lost or damaged, all that’s left behind are bones, blood vessels, and skin.
The axolotl will grow a new limb out of its tail within about two months—but since the regenerated limb is smaller than its original one, researchers believe it may have more room for muscles as well as nerves needed for sensation and movement.
Axolotls hold immense significance in the ecosystem, and understanding their importance is key to appreciating their awesomeness. Explore our expert veterinarian insights on why axolotls are important to gain a deeper understanding of their ecological value.
Axolotls Can Regrow Other Organs, Too
You might have heard that axolotls can regrow their own limbs, but did you know they can also regrow other organs? Axolotls can regenerate their hearts, lungs, intestines and stomachs. This means that if an axolotl loses a limb or two to a hungry cat (or a human) it’s not necessarily game over—that creature may just grow new ones.
To study this fascinating ability in more detail, scientists took advantage of the fact that axolotls are very transparent when young and put some under ultraviolet light to see how their internal organs develop. (They found out some interesting things about how heart function develops.)
In addition to being awesomely regenerative animals with which to compare yourself as a teenager growing up in the suburbs (seriously though: what is your favorite organ?), axolotls make great pets because they’re low maintenance and don’t require much attention at all! Except maybe keeping them away from cats who want to snack on them…
Axolotls Have Lots Of Teeth
You might be wondering why we’re talking about axolotl teeth at all, but there’s actually a really good reason for this! Axolotls have very few teeth: they have only about 20 on each side of their mouth, which is more than many animals (some snakes have none), but less than some other amphibians like frogs and salamanders.
The key thing to remember here is that the axolotl’s mouth is shaped like a pair of pincers, so they don’t need a lot of them in order to eat food.
If you’re still not sure why this matters or how we got here in the first place, let me explain: an axolotl has an upper and lower jaw with rows of sharp teeth along each side but those rows don’t meet in front; rather, they angle inward toward one another at roughly 30 degrees from vertical.
This means that when an axolotl bites into something solid enough to compress its jaws together (which isn’t too hard), it can cut through whatever it catches without breaking any teeth!
While axolotls are undeniably awesome, their endangered status is a cause for concern. Discover the top reasons contributing to their endangered state in our informative article on why axolotls are endangered. Let’s work together to protect these amazing creatures.
Axolotls Can Live A Long Time
Axolotls can live for a long time, though it varies depending on the animal’s age and diet. In their natural habitat, axolotls usually live around 4–5 years; this number increases to 8–10 years in captivity. Axolotls have been known to live up to 15 years when cared for properly!
Unfortunately, most axolotls die from other causes before old age becomes an issue: predation and pollution are common killers.
Axolotls Can’t Always Reproduce In Captivity
In the wild, axolotls are able to breed and lay eggs. However, when they are kept in captivity, there is a genetic defect that prevents them from breeding successfully.
The National Fish and Wildlife Service has been working on this problem for years and hopes to one day create a line of axolotls that can reproduce in captivity so they don’t become extinct.
| Reproduction in Captivity |
|---|
| Variable |
| Some difficulties |
| Dependent on environmental factors |
| Not guaranteed |
They’re Easy To Care For In Captivity
The axolotl is known as the “Mexican walking fish”, but it’s not a fish at all. Axolotls are amphibians and require special care because they are air-breathing animals that live in water.
In captivity, axolotls can be kept in containers or tanks with other axolotls or alone. Because these animals do not hibernate, they can be kept year round indoors at room temperature (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) with access to food and water.
Make sure your container has adequate space for your pet to move around comfortably since they need room to swim around while feeding on their favorite foods: worms, insects and crustaceans such as shrimp or krill (which would make great snacks for your pet!).
You should also consider adding rocks or driftwood pieces into the tank since these items will provide resting spots which allow them easier access out of water so they don’t have worry about drying out too quickly when moving around during feeding times!
If you want something more interesting than just an ordinary aquarium setup – check out those really cool aquariums like “The Great Barrier Reef” Impressively realistic looking scenery coupled with its shimmering colors makes this edition one that’ll surely take anyone’s breath away!
They’re Fun To Watch, But Don’t Like Loud Noises, Bright Lights Or A Lot Of Handling
As a nocturnal animal, axolotls don’t like bright lights or loud noises. They also don’t like being handled. If your axolotl gets scared, it will stick its head under the substrate and sulk. This is called “going turtle” because they’re trying to hide from you! It’s super cute, but if you want to see your axolotl doing something other than sulking, it’s best not to scare them into hiding!
Curious about why axolotls have gained such popularity among pet enthusiasts? Our comprehensive guide on why axolotls are so popular delves into their unique charm and captivating characteristics, shedding light on their widespread appeal.
They Eat Everything That Moves
Axolotls are not picky about their food sources. They will eat anything that moves, including worms, fish, insects and other axolotls. If you have an axolotl in your tank and it isn’t eating much (or anything at all), its best to try feeding him another type of food. Axolotls are carnivores by nature and will eat most things that move.
If you want to give your axolotl the best chance of living a long life and surviving under the care of an inexperienced owner or one who is new to keeping animals as pets then we recommend doing some research before buying one.
There are many factors which make up an ideal habitat for these creatures – temperature control is especially important as they prefer cooler waters than what most people like using when they go swimming outdoors during hot summer months!
Some Axolotls Might Be Older Than You Think They Are
Axolotls can live up to 15 years in captivity, which is pretty impressive considering they’re technically fully aquatic salamanders. Unlike other amphibians, axolotls are not born with the same number of limbs or gills each time they hatch.
Their limbs and gills grow in as they get older, so it’s possible for an axolotl to have more limbs or fewer gills than its siblings.
Axolotls are also known for their ability to regrow lost body parts through a process called regeneration—so if you drop one on your foot, don’t worry about finding it again in one piece!
| Axolotl Age |
|---|
| Variable |
| Potential age discrepancies |
| Growth rate influenced by environment |
| Lifespan up to 20 years |
Adopt, Don’t Shop!
If you’re really interested in learning about axolotls, the best thing you can do is adopt one instead of buying one. Pet shops don’t typically screen their animals for quality or health and may not be able to provide them with adequate care.
Axolotls sold through the internet are usually much more expensive than those adopted from a local rescue group, which means that many people will buy these animals without knowing what they’re getting into and end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for an animal that dies within weeks because it wasn’t cared for properly.
So what’s with all this talk about “adopting”? It might sound strange at first but there are several good reasons why adopting axolotls is better than purchasing them:
Axolotls Are Adorable
The first thing that comes to mind when you see an axolotl is probably a baby animal. And, well, they do have those cute little faces. But they’re also kind of like a cross between a cat and a dog—they’re pack animals, so it’s not unusual to see them all cuddled up together in their tank. They sleep in groups and are even more social than most reptiles (like tortoises).
So if you’ve ever wanted your own mini-me or felt like adopting a pet but don’t want to deal with the responsibility of having a full-grown animal around, get yourself an axolotl!
Or maybe you want something with more personality than your average fish tank inhabitant? Axolotls come in lots of different colors and patterns: pinkish-reds; blues; greys; silvers; browns—the list goes on. You can even find albinos sometimes which makes for an especially cool looking pet for anyone who enjoys unusual things (or just wants something pretty!).
Axolotls are truly one-of-a-kind creatures with remarkable qualities. Explore our expert veterinarian insights on why axolotls are unique to uncover the fascinating traits and adaptations that make them awe-inspiring in the animal kingdom.
They’re Incredibly Smart
Perhaps the most amazing thing about axolotls is their intelligence. These critters are incredibly smart, and can be trained to recognize their name, learn tricks, walk on a leash and fetch objects. They can even be trained to swim through hoops or jump through hoops!
One study found that when given food as a reward while performing tricks, axolotls quickly learned how to perform those tricks with little effort (and no food). In fact, they were able to remember how to do these tricks even when they were returned back into their natural habitat after being removed from captivity for up to two years!
They’re One Of The Few Species Of Amphibians That Regularly Breed In Captivity
There’s a good chance you can take your axolotl to a pet shop and buy one, but it’s also quite possible that one will never make it to its enclosure.
In fact, axolotls are endangered in the wild due to habitat destruction and the introduction of non-native species. They’re difficult animals to breed because they need very specific conditions clean water at a consistent temperature and they have very high nutritional requirements (more on this later). Luckily for us humans, we don’t need their survival as much as they do!
So why bother breeding these guys? Well…
Axolotls Live Long Lives In Captivity, With A Lifespan Of 10 To 15 Years.
Did you know that axolotls can live up to 20 years in captivity? If you’re thinking about getting an axolotl as a pet, this is probably one of the first things you might want to know about them. Axolotls are excellent for beginners because they don’t need as much attention and care as other pets they’re not very energetic or active, so they’ll just hang out most of the time without needing much attention.
Plus, they make great starter pets because they grow slowly and stay small (the largest ones only get up to 10 inches long).
They have another thing going for them: unlike many other salamanders who can’t survive outside their natural habitats (like fire salamanders), axolotls are not endangered or threatened.
While some places may restrict people from keeping certain kinds of amphibians due to laws against importing certain species into their area without permits, an exception has been made for this variety since there’s no danger of wild populations being harmed by having people keep them as pets or breeders’ stock at home!
They Can Regrow Many Body Parts, Including Limbs And Internal Organs.
Axolotls can regenerate lost body parts, including their limbs, eyes, hearts and brains. This is a rare ability in the animal kingdom and one that scientists are still studying.
- They’re the only amphibians that can do this.
- How exactly axolotls regenerate has been debated for years—some researchers believe it’s due to their unique genome; others think it’s because of their diet or environment.
Since They Skip Metamorphosis, They Don’t Lose Their Gills, Allowing Them To Stay Aquatic Throughout Their Entire Lives
Axolotls are neotenic, meaning they don’t need to undergo metamorphosis. This is why they retain their gills and remain aquatic throughout their entire lives, allowing them to stay underwater for a long time without coming up for air. Because of this characteristic, axolotls can be kept in aquariums.
However, care must be taken when setting up an aquarium for these creatures because both ammonia and nitrites (two types of dangerous chemicals) can kill axolots quickly if not monitored closely by owners who know what they’re doing.
Their Unpigmented Axolotl Form Is Called Leucistic
In the wild, axolotls are typically brown or grey. As they age, they may take on a greenish tint. In captivity, you can keep your axolotl in any color you like; some people even dye their pets to look like famous cartoon characters!
But what if your pet isn’t ready for such an extravagant makeover? Fear not there’s another option: leucistic animals are born with unpigmented skin (or other organs).
The name leucism comes from the Greek word for “to be white.” In terms of taxonomy, leucistic animals aren’t albinos; instead, they have less pigment than normal but not none at all.
That means that unlike albino species (which have no pigment at all), leucistic ones have eyes that can see colors. So why do we call them leucistic? Well…it’s because…they’re white!
Conclusion
Axolotls are fun to watch, but don’t like loud noises, bright lights or a lot of handling. They’re also one of the few species of amphibians that regularly breed in captivity. Axolotls live long lives in captivity, with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
They can regrow many body parts, including limbs and internal organs. Since they skip metamorphosis, they don’t lose their gills allowing them to stay aquatic throughout their entire lives.
Further Reading
National Geographic – Axolotl Facts: Explore the fascinating world of axolotls with National Geographic’s comprehensive collection of facts and information about these unique amphibians.
Mental Floss – 11 Awesome Axolotl Facts: Discover 11 intriguing and lesser-known facts about axolotls in this entertaining article by Mental Floss.
San Diego Zoo – Axolotl: Get to know the axolotl species in detail through the San Diego Zoo’s informative page dedicated to these incredible creatures.
FAQs
How long do axolotls live?
Axolotls have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, with some individuals living up to 20 years in optimal conditions.
Do axolotls need a special habitat?
Yes, axolotls require a suitable aquatic habitat with clean water, appropriate temperature, hiding spots, and a balanced diet to thrive.
Can axolotls regenerate body parts?
Yes, axolotls are known for their impressive regenerative abilities. They can regrow lost limbs, spinal cord, heart tissue, and even parts of their brain.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily feed on small aquatic organisms like worms, insects, crustaceans, and small fish. They may also consume pellets and live or frozen foods specifically formulated for axolotls.
Can axolotls be kept as pets?
Yes, axolotls are popular pets among amphibian enthusiasts. However, they require specific care and a suitable habitat, including proper water conditions and temperature, to ensure their well-being.
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.