Muoviperheet

Muoviperheet (also known as axolotls in the scientific community, with the species name Ambystoma mexicanum) is a Mexican salamander that belongs to the order urodela. One of the primary characteristics of the muoviperheet is their ability to retain their larval features even as adults. This is unique among salamanders as most typically undergo metamorphosis after hatching, resulting in a change from a larval to an adult form.

Muoviperheet are ectothermic animals, relying on external sources of heat to regulate their temperature. They are carnivorous, feeding on meat-based diets of bloodworms, earthworms, and other small invertebrates. They are aquatic and primarily found in Lake Xochimilco and surrounding canals and ditches in Mexico City. Their natural habitat consists of murky waters with vegetation.

In the wild, muoviperheet are susceptible to environmental factors such as pollution, habitat destruction, and collection for the pet trade. Additionally, their ability to retain their gills makes them susceptible to respiratory problems due to low oxygen levels in the water. They have also been used as a model organism in biomedical research.

Conservation efforts, led by organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), aim to protect this unique species. They recommend habitat preservation and reduction of the pet trade's impact on wild populations. In captivity, muoviperheet are kept in aquariums with specific water conditions to mimic their natural habitat.