Axolotl
Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House
Did You Know?
- Axolotls are one of the most-studied salamanders in the world because they can regenerate their lungs, heart, limbs, jaws, spine, and even parts of their brain.
- Axolotls are neotenic, meaning they keep their juvenile characteristics—like webbed feet, feathery gills, a body fin, and a tail—as adults.
- Wild axolotls are usually black or mottled brown.
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Why aren’t animals visible at all times? To promote positive animal welfare, we provide animals with choices. They can choose to spend time in areas that are out of public view.
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Overview
Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum
Class: Amphibians
Diet: Worms, mullusks, crustaceans, insect larvae, and small fish
Range: Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco near Mexico City
Endangered Status: Critically Endangered
More Information
Axolotls are a type of salamander that can get to 18 inches long and weigh between 2–8 ounces. They are descended from tiger salamanders and are considered a “young” species (from the last 10,000 years) with deep cultural significance. They are a lentic species, meaning that they live in still water lakes—just two, in fact, making them critically endangered. Axolotls hunt by inhaling their prey using suction and are more active at night.
These animals mate in the wild between March and June, starting the process with a waltz-like display. Once females have collected the males’ genetic material, they will lay between 500–1,000 eggs laid individually on plants or rocks. Axolotls are independent from birth and reach maturity at the age of six months.
