Axolotls are carniverous meaning they eat other animals.  Their diet mainly includes small fish, worms, snails, other axolotls, and even small crustaceans. They're ambush predators, waiting for the perfect moment to snap up their food with their wide mouths.

Axolotls are freshwater creatures and live in remnants of the Xochimilco (sow·chee·meel·kow) system of lakes and canals near Mexico City.  They prefer a habitat with plenty of aquatic vegetation and hiding places like rocks and caves.

Axolotls are critically endangered.  Their population has been declining due to habitat loss from pollution and loss of habitat due to growth in human population (urbanization). Conservation efforts are ongoing to help protect and increase Axolotl's numbers.

Axolotls face threats from larger predatory birds, invasive fish species, and even humans.  However, they have a cool defense mechanism, which you can learn about in our "Fun Facts".

Axolotls are native to one specific spot on earth, the system of lakes and canals around Xochimilco (sow·chee·meel·kow), near Mexico City. 

Conservation efforts include cleaning up Axolotl's habitate, protecting the areas they live, and growing baby axolotls in safe place before returning them ot their natural home.