Mexican axolotl

The Mexican axolotl is an amphibian belonging to the salamander family. Its relatives include smooth newts, also found in Finland.

Nowadays, the only habitat of the Mexican axolotl is Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City. The species has lost its habitats due to the draining of lakes and flood control measures. In fact, the majority of axolotls live in aquariums and have been bred into several different colour variants, such as albino. Their natural colour is brown. Mexican axolotls are also frequently used as laboratory animals.

Even as adults, Mexican axolotls live in the larval stage and breathe with gills. Usually amphibians undergo metamorphosis from an egg to a tadpole and then to an adult and start breathing with lungs. However, the axolotl’s development stops in the larval stage. Larval features include external gills on the sides of the head, larval skin and a fin-like tail. Only very rarely do the axolotl undergo metamorphosis and take to the land. Just like with many amphibians, the eggs of the axolotl develop underwater.