axolotit

Axolotl is a colloquial name for a specific species of salamander, Ambystoma mexicanum. Native to Lake Xochimilco and the surrounding canals of Mexico City, axolotls are neotenic, meaning they retain their larval features throughout their adult lives. This includes external gills and a finned tail, giving them a perpetually juvenile appearance. Unlike most salamanders, axolotls typically do not undergo metamorphosis to adapt to terrestrial life. They remain fully aquatic, preferring cool, deep freshwater environments.

Axolotls are renowned for their remarkable regenerative abilities. They can regrow lost limbs, damaged spinal cords, parts of their brains, and even internal organs without scarring. This characteristic has made them a subject of intense scientific research, particularly in the fields of developmental biology and regenerative medicine. In their natural habitat, axolotls are carnivores, feeding on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and small fish. Their wild populations are critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of invasive fish species.

In captivity, axolotls are popular pets and are bred in a variety of colors, including wild type (dark with speckles), leucistic (pale with pink gills), albino (pink or white with red eyes), and golden albino. They require specific water parameters, including cool temperatures and good water quality, to thrive. Despite their unique appearance and scientific significance, their continued survival in the wild remains a pressing concern.