What is an Axolotl?
Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an amphibious salamander with unique genetics. The axolotl is about 25 cm long. It has a large head, thick neck, weak and long legs. They have fins that start from the back of their head and extend to the tail. Three pairs of feather-like gills on the side of their heads allow them to take oxygen from the water. Axolotls are rare creatures that do not have eyelids. With these features, it is also defined by many as the Mexican Walking Fish. One of the most distinctive features of axolotls are the branched structures in their gills and their distinctively curved tail. The axolotl can come in many different colors and patterns. Axolotl species can usually be yellow, brown or black in color. Colorless albino axolotls are often kept in aquariums.
Although it does not resemble any known salamander species, its features cause us to evaluate it in this class. Other salamander species undergo metamorphosis and leave the water, even if not completely. The axolotl can regenerate its body, but cannot metamorphose. They are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without metamorphosis. It does not have the features to adapt to the land. Although it is thought to be immortal due to its self-renewal feature, it is not immortal. Axolotls live an average of 15 years. The axolotl reaches adulthood around 2 years of age.
Axolotls are confused with the larval stage of Ambystoma tigrinum, common in North America, or with Necturus, which bears a superficial resemblance but is an entirely different species.
What Does Axolotl Eat?
The axolotl eats both meat and plant-based diets and, being a predator, eats small fish, worms, insects and small crustaceans. The axolotl can also feed on plant-based foods and algae. Thanks to their developed sense of smell, they locate their prey and hunt with their long tongues.
The axolotl salamander is at the top of the food chain in its region. However, due to the arrival of sea bass, tilapia and heron birds to the region, it has become a prey today.
Where Does the Axolotl Live?
The axolotl lives in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico as its natural habitat. It is fed in aquariums and traded in axolotls almost all over the world. For these reasons, their numbers are decreasing day by day. They are listed as critically endangered in the wild due to their declining population by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are listed in Annex II of the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Unfortunately, the axolotl population has been in decline in recent years. The axolotl population is decreasing due to reasons such as natural habitats, environmental pollution, water depletion, the arrival of alien species and commercial hunting. For this reason, many studies are carried out to protect the axolotl salamander.
How Does Axolotl Reproduce?
They reproduce through internal fertilization. Mating seasons are from December to June, but can happen once or twice at other times of the year. The most successful mating takes place in December and January. After the male axolotl completes the courtship dance, the female accepts the sperm.
Spawning takes place in a few days. Sticky eggs attach to plants with the help of the female's hind legs. According to the water temperature, the fry hatch after 2-3 weeks. If the water temperature and nutrients are sufficient, their height will be 12-17 cm until the winter season. When the water temperature drops below 10 degrees, axolotls hibernate because they do not get enough nutrients.
Axolotl in Mythology
The Axolotl salamander is also mentioned in mythology: According to legend, an Aztec god, while fleeing from sacrifice, disguised as a lake Xochimilco and became an Axolotl salamander.
Axolotl and Science
The axolotl is a creature that attracts the attention of researchers in the scientific world. This living thing has the restructuring and regeneration features of its tissues. When an axolotl limb is severed, a new one develops within 2 months. It has the ability to regenerate faster than even lizards and starfish. It can regenerate all its organs, even brain cells. By examining these properties of the axolotl, researchers are trying to develop potential treatment methods that can be used for tissue restructuring in humans as well. In particular, the development of axolotl-inspired treatment modalities to improve tissue loss after traumatic injuries and cancer treatment is the focus of research.
Feeding the Axolotl
The axolotl is a popular choice for animal lovers, especially those interested in aquatic animals. However, axolotl care is a bit more complicated when compared to other animals. Factors such as water quality, water temperature and nutrition are important to the health of the axolotl. Also, the axolotl aquarium should be arranged in a similar way to their natural habitat.
