axolotlit

The axolotl, scientific name Ambystoma mexicanum, is a neotenic salamander native to Lake Xochimilco and the surrounding canals in southern Mexico City. Unlike most amphibians, axolotls retain their larval features throughout their adult lives, including external gills and a finned tail, a phenomenon known as neoteny. This means they remain aquatic and do not typically undergo metamorphosis to a terrestrial form.

Axolotls are characterized by their distinctive feathery external gills that protrude from the sides of their heads, their wide mouths, and lidless eyes. They exhibit a variety of colors in captivity, including wild type (dark brown/black with speckles), albino, leucistic (white with pink gills), and golden albino. In their natural habitat, they are typically darker to blend with their surroundings.

These creatures are carnivores, feeding on small insects, crustaceans, and worms. They are well-known for their remarkable regenerative abilities, capable of regrowing limbs, organs, and even parts of their brain without scarring. This characteristic has made them a subject of significant scientific research.

The wild population of axolotls is critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species like tilapia and perch. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their remaining natural habitat and captive breeding programs are crucial for the survival of the species. In captivity, axolotls are popular as pets and laboratory animals.