Axolotl: Description, Habitat, Diet, Lifespan, Pictures
Have you ever seen a walking fish? You might think I am crazy, but hear me out. Have you ever seen an Axolotl? It is a species of lizard-like salamander.
The axolotl is widely known as “Mexican salamander” or even “Mexican walking fish.” However, axolotl is not technically a fish but rather an amphibian, though it looks like a fish.
These axolotls are found mostly in Xochimilco, Mexico. People from all over the world keep axolotls as captive animals or domestic pets. Though axolotl pronunciation is hard, the cute axolotl is pretty to look at.
Physical Attributes
| Common Name | Axolotl |
| Scientific Name of Axolotl | Ambystoma Mexicanum |
| Species Type | Amphibians |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Average Life Span | 10 to 15 years |
| Size | Till 12 inches |
| Weight | 2.11 to 8 ounces |
| Axolotl Colors | Brown, black axolotl, albino, grey, and pink. Blue axolotl is very rare. |
| Wild Population | 700-1,200 approximately. |
| L.ife Span | 10-15 years. |
What Is An Axolotl?
Axolotls are a species or type of salamander that have a very specific and unique build-up. They still retain their larval characteristics even in their adulthood. This is an exceptional condition
These neoteny features are like a tadpole, with long feathery gills and a dorsal fin like that of a quill. Axolotl is known to be carnivorous in nature, They live upon small insects and worms. Molluscs, small fishes, and even crustaceans.
Distribution Of The Axolotl
The axolotl is found primarily in the Xochimilco region in the Mexico lake complex in Mexico City. In 1998, only 6,000 axolotls were found. But in 2014, it was reported that no axolotl was found.
Axolotl has a rare and unique ability to regrow or regenerate any of its lost limbs. This is the reason why the axolotl is widely studied scientifically. You will find this creature all over the world in laboratories, zoos, and aquariums.
Axolotl Habitation
Axolotls are mostly found underwater. Moreover, you will find most of them underwater at the bottom of Xochimilco Lake or even in the canal. Furthermore, they often take shelter with reeds and rocks for their protection and security.
If you are keeping an axolotl in a domestic environment, you have to ensure you keep them in a temperature-controlled aquarium. You can decorate the aquarium with decorative rocks and plants that resemble their normal, natural habitat.
Axolotl Diet
Axolotls are carnivorous in nature. They live on small insects and worms. Molluscs, small fishes, and even crustaceans. If you have a pet axolotl, you can feed them blackworms, bloodworms, white worms, Daphnia, and even small salmon pellets.
Axolotl With Human Interaction
Axolotls are one of the most researched amphibians in the world. They have made a permanent residency in many laboratories. These axolotls are able to regenerate their limbs and every other body part.
Domestication
As domesticated, Axolotl salamanders are very popular in the aquarium business. People are taking more and more of this species from the wild, and keeping them in zoos and aquariums.
Moreover, people are taking them and keeping them in laboratories and science facilities to conduct research.
Does The Axolotl Make A Good Pet?
Yes, being exotic animals, the axolotls are great as pet axolotls. They are very popular as pet axolotls. Being unique in nature, they are great pets. People often keep them in their homes as decorative exotic pets.
Axolotl Care
For pet axolotls, you will need to maintain a particular temperature, and that is between 61°F and 64°F. If the temperature is any lower, then it would be risky for the salamanders to live. And if the temperature is higher, then it would increase their metabolism.
The Behaviour Of The Axolotl
Though axolotls are among the unique species of salamanders, they are a rather boring type of amphibian. Unlike dogs or cats, lizards are not as active and fun as pets.
These axolotls love to hide behind rocks and plants and are rather slow in movement. They move faster when they are in the mating process. During the mating season, you will notice male and female axolotls engaging in a mating dance.
Axolotl Reproduction
Any axolotl salamander reaches sexual maturity after five months of age. Their physical attributes, such as health, water temperature, and nutrition, are appropriate for mating.
The male axolotl usually reaches sexual maturity before the female ones. The female axolotls usually lay more than 1,000 eggs at any time. The females usually have a bit more prep time than the male axolotl.
The female and the male axolotl usually go through a courting phase before mating. The male axolotl leaves packets of sperm known as spermatophores, which the female picks up for fertilization. And then baby axolotl is born after 15 days of time.
Why Is Axolotl Endangered?
According to IUCN, the axolotl has been endangered a lot over the years. And in the future year.s, they are going to be critically endangered. The numbers are declining rapidly both in nature and in captivity.
There are a lot of factors that are at work for axolotl being endangered.
- Water pollution
- Overfishing
- Habitat loss
- Invasive species
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)!
Axolotl amphibians are neotenic in nature. They have juvenile traits well into adulthood. They have feathery gills with dorsal fins. They help with their survival.
Axolotls are known for their regeneration capabilities and also their body parts. Like their limbs, legs, tail, and parts of the heart and brain.
GFP axolotl nature makes them very unique. It is a type of genetic material that mixes up with body protein to make the axolotls glow.
They are not easy pets and need a lot of care. They are good fr experienced pet owners and not first-time parents. Moreover, they will need a cool, temperature-controlled tank with a filter, and you will also have to change the water frequently.
Approximately, there are fewer than 1,000 axolotls left in the wild. They are an endangered species. Their number is decreasing because of pollution and habitat degradation.
Let The Species Live!
Even though axolotls are not so prevalent in nature or in captivity, you can get a lot of axolotl squishmallow in the market. Also in certain shops, build a bear axolotl are available. Axolotl stuffed animal and axolotl drawing are all very popular.
Axolotl plush, squishmallow axolotl, and axolotl costumes or axolotl build a bear are very popular among the masses.
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