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Introduction
Discovered in the 13th century, the Ambystoma Mexicanum also known as an Axolotl normally lives for 10-15 years. According to local mythology, the creature is an embodiment of an Aztec god who disguised himself as a salamander to avoid sacrifice. An axolotl is also an amphibian, meaning it lives on land and in water.
Appearance
Appearance
An axolotl has many different colours. These colours include, blue, pink, brown, white, purple, black and they can even be pale. There are many more colours including multi coloured. Axolotls can grow up to 9 inches (22cm) and weigh 300 grams (0.3kg). They have a flat body and a large head donning its signature feathery gills. Its mouth is often twisted into slight grin or is otherwise expressive . Fun fact, did you know that axolotls can regrow the same limb up to 5 times?
Diet
Diet
The average axolotl eats worms, insects, small fish and pretty much anything that fits in their miniature mouth and swallow whole, including other salamanders. Axolotls are carnivores meaning they only eat meat, they usually eat 2 times per day. In the lab, an axolotl is fed brine shrimp, salmon pallets, California blackworms and Lumbriculus varigatus, In some cases axolotls, will bite each other and even eat each other. This means they are mildly cannibalistic , however this is only under some circumstances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEKQ8khEdLY
Watch this video to see how an axolotl eats
Habitat
Habitat
Axolotls mainly live in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico. They need at least 40L of freshwater to survive and they can live on land as well as in water. Water temperature around 20 degrees Celsius all year, even in winter. When in water, axolotls need their gills to breath and stay alive. You can also find axolotls in canals waterways of Mexico. They need a high altitude of body water. This is unique to axolotls with other salamanders having a much wider distribution.
Movement
Movement
Axolotls have a unique style of movement. They use almost snakelike reflexes to lunge at their prey. It enjoys hiding in plants and rocks however when it does move, it moves rather slowly. Ax axolotl can move up to 10mph (16kmph) but they generally don't have enough room to really cruise. So their practical speed could be very limited by the fact that they don't have enough space to reach their full potential. Axolotls rarely move quick but they tend to move quicker when in a hunt.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The axolotl is a beautiful creature living in Mexico. They're critically endangered, an estimated 700-1200 axolotls remain on the planet. They have a few predators in the wild, although they may be taken by storks and herons and even large fish. Did you know that axolotls are 1000 times more resistant to cancer than mammals are? Pretty impressive!
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