What is an Axolotl?
Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an amphibian salamander with unique genetics. The axolotl is approximately 25 cm long. It has a large head, thick neck, and weak and long legs. They have fins that start from the back of their heads and extend all the way to their tail. Three pairs of feather-like gills on the side of their heads allow them to take in oxygen from the water. Axolotl is one of the rare creatures that does not have eyelids. With these features, it is also described as the Mexican Walking Fish by many people. One of the most distinctive features of axolotls is the branched structures on their gills and their distinctly curved tail. The axolotl can come in many different colors and patterns. Axolotl species can generally be yellow, brown or black in color. Colorless albino axolotls are generally kept in aquariums.
Although it does not resemble any known salamander species, its features cause us to consider it in this class. Other salamander species undergo metamorphosis and leave the water, although not completely. The axolotl can regenerate its body, but cannot metamorphose. They are unusual among amphibians in reaching adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis. It does not have the features to adapt to 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 the age of 2.
Axolotls are often confused with the larval stage of Ambystoma tigrinum, which is common in North America, or with Necturus, which bears a superficial resemblance but is a completely different species.
What Does an Axolotl Eat?
The axolotl eats both meat and plant-based diets, and since it is a predator, it eats small fish, worms, insects and small crustaceans. The axolotl can also feed on plant-based foods and algae. They detect the location of their prey thanks to their developed sense of smell 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 prey today.
Where Does the Axolotl Live?
The axolotl lives in the Xochimilco lake in Mexico as its natural habitat. They are kept in aquariums and axolotls are traded almost all over the world. For these reasons, their numbers are decreasing day by day. They are listed as critically endangered in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to their declining populations, and are listed in Annex II of the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Unfortunately, the axolotl population has been declining in recent years. The axolotl population is decreasing due to reasons such as natural habitats, environmental pollution, water shortage, introduction of alien species and commercial hunting. For this reason, many studies are being carried out to protect the axolotl salamander.
How Does an Axolotl Reproduce?
They reproduce through internal fertilization. Their mating season is from December to June, but may occur once or twice at other times of the year. The most successful matings occur in December and January. After the male axolotl completes the courtship dance, he accepts the female sperm.
Ovulation occurs within a few days. The sticky eggs stick to the plants with the help of the female's hind legs. The fry hatch after 2 - 3 weeks, depending on the water temperature. If the water temperature and nutrients are sufficient, their length will be 12 - 17 cm by winter. When the water temperature drops below 10 degrees, axolotls hibernate because they cannot get enough nutrients.
Axolotl in Mythology
The axolotl salamander is also mentioned in mythology: According to legend, an Aztec god, while escaping from sacrifice, disguised himself and entered Lake Xochimilco and became the Axolotl salamander.
Axolotl and Science
Axolotl is a creature that attracts the attention of researchers in the scientific world. This creature has tissue restructuring and regeneration properties. When an axolotl limb is severed, a new one grows within 2 months. It has the ability to regenerate even faster than lizards and starfish. It can regenerate all its organs and even brain cells. By examining these features of the axolotl, researchers are trying to develop potential treatment methods that can be used to reconstruct tissues in humans. In particular, the focus of research is on developing axolotl-inspired treatment methods to improve tissue loss after traumatic injuries and cancer treatment.
Feeding an Axolotl
The axolotl is a popular choice for animal lovers, especially those interested in aquatic animals. However, axolotl care is a little more complicated compared to other animals. Factors such as water quality, water temperature and nutrition are important to the health of the axolotl. Additionally, the axolotl aquarium should be arranged similar to its natural habitat.
