An Introduction to the Mexican Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) (2024)

FAQs

What is the significance of the axolotl in Mexico? ›

Named after the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, the axolotl has been an important symbol of Mexican culture for centuries. Monstruo del Agua means “water monster,” which is the Spanish translation of the word axolotl from Nahuatl, the language of the ancient Aztecs.

A. mexicanum, also known as the Mexican Axolotl, is a long, cylindrical salamander, reaching lengths of about 30 centimeters (12 inches). A neotenic salamander, its most notable physical feature is its gills, which protrude from the back of its wide head and remain there throughout adulthood. Its legs are short.

Description: Axolotls are also known as Mexican walking fish. Their name stems from an Aztec word meaning water dog or water monster. Axolotls have cylindrical bodies, short legs, a relatively long tail and feathery external gills. They have four toes on the front feet, five toes on the back feet and moveable eyelids.

The Axolotl is a species scientists are apprehensive about going extinct soon; they estimate that there are only about 50 to 1,000 left in the wild. That number is greatly decreasing and is too fast for humans to be sure that they can help stabilize their numbers.

The word “axolotl” comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, and means “water dog.” Its mythological connection is to Xolotl, the god of fire, lightning, deformities, and death. The Spanish word for axolotl is ajolote, but is used colloquially in Mexico to encompass all forms of salamander.

Axolotls are carnivores.

Their diet consists of crustaceans, worms, small fish, and insects. They suck their prey through their sweet smile, almost like a vacuum. Due to not undergoing metamorphosis, they never grow teeth, so everything has to be filtered through their smile.

Wild axolotls are a mottled brown-grey colour, but they can also be albinos. These are missing brown pigments and look pinkish-white. This attractive colouration is desirable in the pet trade and has been selectively bred for.

Like most marine and aquatic animals, they are only harmful if they happen to carry diseases that can affect humans. However, the body of an Axolotl does not contain any poison. Humans can touch an Axolotl anytime. There is nothing on their skin that can hurt a human.

Conservation. A 2019 assessment by the International Union for the Conservation of Species found only between 50 and a thousand axolotls are left in the wild—and their populations are dropping.

This aquatic character may have a slightly strange appearance and a curious smile, but its personality and engagement with owners makes it rather lovable. Easy to care for, simple to feed, entertaining to watch and boasting a considerable life span, axolotls can provide you with reams of pet fun.

Can you buy an axolotl? ›

Axolotls make great pets due to their unique appearance, fascinating biology, low maintenance requirements, and docile nature. However, it is essential to purchase from reputable breeders, such as Axolotl Planet or Fantaxies, who track lineages and ensure the health and well-being of their axolotls.

The axolotl is a freshwater salamander that spends its entire life underwater. This highly intelligent amphibian's behavior can range among individuals from social to solitary and active to dormant.

While axolotls are relatively hardy to slight fluctuations in their environment, they also have delicate, soft bodies with permeable skin. In fact, most of their body is made of cartilage rather than bone. That means they should not be handled unless absolutely necessary.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are fewer than 100 adult axolotls left in the wild. The species is considered critically endangered. An axolotl swims around a tank at the Axolotl Museum and Amphibians Conservation Centre in Mexico City in February.

As well as the golden eagle, Mexico also has an official national dog (the Xoloitzcuintli), a national arthropod (the Chapulin, a type of grasshopper), a national feline (the ocelot), and a national amphibian (the axolotl).

The name "Axolotl" comes from Nahuatl, the Aztec language. One translation of the name connects the Axolotl to Xolotl. The most common translation is "water-dog" . "Atl" for water and "Xolotl" for dog.

Like lizards that can regrow their tails, axolotls can regrow multiple body parts including its limbs and internal organs such as the brain, lungs and even heart! This makes them one of the most resilient animals on earth. Axolotls look like babies their whole life!