The axolotl is a unique salamander that never grows up. They are closely related to the tiger salamander, but unlike their relatives, they maintain their cute gilled appearance into adulthood. Instead of turning into land-loving creatures, they stay in the water their whole lives. Originally discovered in the lakes beneath Mexico City, these fascinating amphibians are truly one-of-a-kind!
Axolotls have broad heads and their eyes don't have lids. Their arms are not fully developed and have long, slim fingers. They have three pairs of external gill stalks behind their heads, which help them breathe in oxygenated water. These gills have filaments that increase the surface area for exchanging gases. Underneath the external gills, there are four hidden gill slits with gill rakers that prevent food from entering and letting particles filter through. All these features work together to help axolotls thrive in their environment!
When an axolotl reaches the point of being a full-grown adult (usually between 18 and 27 months), they can measure anywhere from 15 to 45 cm (6 to 18 in) in length. However, most of them tend to hover around 23 cm (9 in) in size.
Axolotls are used extensively in the world of scientific research because of their incredible regenerative abilities. They can grow back tails, limbs, parts of their central nervous system, eye tissues, and even less vital parts of their brains! Plus, they can accept transplants from other axolotls, like eyes and brain parts — restoring these alien organs to full functionality. It's worth mentioning that as axolotls get older, their regenerative abilities may start to decline, but they never completely disappear! These little critters keep growing steadily as they age, and some even believe that this ongoing growth is a key factor in their impressive regenerative powers.
Axolotls have almost invisible little teeth that start to grow when they go through metamorphosis. They like to eat by sucking in their food, using their special rakers to close their gill slits. For breathing, they usually use their external gills, but they can also gulp air from the surface to get oxygen for their lungs. Axolotls are meat-eaters and enjoy munching on small creatures like mollusks, worms, insects, other arthropods, and teeny fish when they're out in the wild. They have an excellent sense of smell, which helps them sniff out yummy food. When they find something tasty, they quickly "snap" it up with their strong sucking power and swallow it down into their stomachs.
Axolotls have four pigmentation genes. When these genes mutate, they can create different color variations in these adorable creatures. The typical wild-type axolotl is brown or tan with gold speckles and an olive undertone.
Here are the five most common mutant colors you might come across:
Leucistic: These axolotls are a lovely pale pink color with striking black eyes.
Xanthic: If you see an axolotl that is grey with black eyes, you've found a Xanthic variant.
Albino: Albino axolotls are either pale pink or white and have red eyes, which is more common in axolotls than in other species.
Melanoid: These axolotls are all black or dark blue and have no gold speckling or olive tone in their coloring.
Additionally, axolotls come in a variety of colors and patterns, with each individual having their own unique speckling. Some even transform into a striking black-and-white piebald look as they grow older. It's common for pet breeders to mix different color variations, leading to adorable white or pink axolotls with pink eyes that are double homozygous mutants. These little guys also have the amazing ability to adjust their color for better camouflage by changing the size and thickness of their melanophores.
Have you noticed the rise in popularity of axolotls as pets? These amazing aquatic salamanders are loved for their unusual looks and fascinating biology. With their regenerative powers and frilly gills, axolotls make wonderful pets for all ages. But if you're unable to raise a real axolotl for any reason, why not consider getting a cuddly axolotl plush toy instead? MorisMos offers a variety of adorable axolotl plush toys that you're sure to love. Check them out and find the perfect one for you!
