10 Fascinating Facts About Axolotls

Axolotls, also known as Ambystoma mexicanum, are one of the most unique and fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom. Often called "walking fish," these adorable amphibians have captured the hearts of scientists and pet lovers alike. Here are 10 fun and surprising facts about axolotls!

1. They Never Grow Up (Literally!)

Axolotls exhibit a trait called neoteny, meaning they retain their juvenile features throughout their lives. While most amphibians undergo metamorphosis (like tadpoles becoming frogs), axolotls stay in their larval stage and remain aquatic, keeping their feathery external gills.

2. Masters of Regeneration

Axolotls can regenerate entire limbs, organs, and even parts of their brain and spinal cord! If an axolotl loses a leg or tail, it regrows without any scarring. Scientists are studying their regenerative abilities to unlock secrets that could benefit human medicine.

3. They Come in a Variety of Colors

Wild axolotls are usually a dark brown or olive color to help them blend into their natural habitat, but captive-bred axolotls display a range of colors, including albino (white with pinkish features), leucistic (pale pink or white with black eyes), golden, and even melanoid (solid black).

4. Endangered in the Wild

Although axolotls thrive in captivity, they are critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. Their natural habitat is the Xochimilco canals in Mexico City, where their population has dwindled drastically.

5. They Breathe in Three Ways

Axolotls have external gills that allow them to extract oxygen from water, but they can also breathe through their skin and use rudimentary lungs if necessary. This triple respiratory system makes them incredibly adaptable.

6. They’re Part of Mexican Mythology

Axolotls are named after Xolotl, the Aztec god of fire and lightning who could transform into different shapes to avoid death. According to legend, Xolotl transformed into an axolotl to escape sacrifice, but was ultimately captured.

7. They Eat Anything That Fits in Their Mouths

Axolotls are opportunistic predators and will eat anything they can swallow, including worms, insects, small fish, and even other axolotls! In captivity, they are usually fed a diet of bloodworms, brine shrimp, and special pellets.

8. Their Eyes Don’t Have Eyelids

Unlike most amphibians, axolotls do not have eyelids. Their eyes stay wide open all the time, giving them their signature wide-eyed, curious appearance.

9. They Can Grow Up to 12 Inches Long

While most axolotls average around 6-9 inches, some individuals can grow up to a foot long in optimal conditions. Larger axolotls generally live longer and tend to be more active.

10. They Have Teeth But Don’t Chew

Axolotls have tiny, vestigial teeth, but they don’t use them to chew. Instead, they suck in their food and swallow it whole, relying on suction to capture prey.