The axolotl known as a Mexican salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) or a Mexican walking fish, is a neotenic salamander, closely related to the tiger salamander. source
The axolotl known as a Mexican salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) or a Mexican walking fish, is a neotenic salamander, closely related to the tiger salamander.
The axolotl is colloquially known as a "walking fish", it is not a fish, but an amphibian. source
The axolotl is colloquially known as a "walking fish", it is not a fish, but an amphibian.
Axolotls are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis. source
Axolotls are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis.
Axolotls should not be confused with waterdogs, the larval stage of the closely related tiger salamanders (A. tigrinum and A. mavortium)0 source
Axolotls should not be confused with waterdogs, the larval stage of the closely related tiger salamanders (A. tigrinum and A. mavortium)0
As of 2010, wild axolotls were near extinction due to urbanization in Mexico City and consequent water pollution. source
As of 2010, wild axolotls were near extinction due to urbanization in Mexico City and consequent water pollution.
Axolotls are used extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate limbs. source
Axolotls are used extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate limbs.
Axolotls were also sold as food in Mexican markets and were a staple in the Aztec diet. source
Axolotls were also sold as food in Mexican markets and were a staple in the Aztec diet.
The city is currently working on conserving axolotls by building "axolotl shelters" and conserving remaining and potential habitats for the salamanders. source
The city is currently working on conserving axolotls by building "axolotl shelters" and conserving remaining and potential habitats for the salamanders.
A sexually mature adult axolotl, at age 18–24 months, ranges in length from 15–45 cm (6–18 in). source
A sexually mature adult axolotl, at age 18–24 months, ranges in length from 15–45 cm (6–18 in).
A size of axolotl close to 23 cm (9 in) is most common and greater than 30 cm (12 in) is rare. source
A size of axolotl close to 23 cm (9 in) is most common and greater than 30 cm (12 in) is rare.
Axolotls possess features typical of salamander larvae, including external gills and a caudal fin extending from behind the head to the vent. source
Axolotls possess features typical of salamander larvae, including external gills and a caudal fin extending from behind the head to the vent.
Axolotls have barely visible vestigial teeth, which would have developed during metamorphosis. source
Axolotls have barely visible vestigial teeth, which would have developed during metamorphosis.
Axolotls have four pigmentation genes; when mutated they create different color variants. source
Axolotls have four pigmentation genes; when mutated they create different color variants.
Axolotls have some limited ability to alter their color to provide better camouflage by changing the relative size and thickness of their melanophores. source
Axolotls have some limited ability to alter their color to provide better camouflage by changing the relative size and thickness of their melanophores.
The axolotl is only native to Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in central Mexico. source
The axolotl is only native to Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in central Mexico.
Unfortunately for the axolotl, Lake Chalco no longer exists. source
Unfortunately for the axolotl, Lake Chalco no longer exists.
The axolotl is carnivorous, consuming small prey such as worms, insects, and small fish in the wild. source
The axolotl is carnivorous, consuming small prey such as worms, insects, and small fish in the wild.
Axolotls locate food by smell, and will "snap" at any potential meal, sucking the food into their stomachs with vacuum force. source
Axolotls locate food by smell, and will "snap" at any potential meal, sucking the food into their stomachs with vacuum force.
