Axolotls, also called Mexican Salamanders, are aquatic animals that have stunned scientists for many years. They have distinct features that may provide the solution to curing diseases like cancer and even aiding people with torn limbs.
However, as distinct as they are, axolotls are severely endangered and have suffered a decline in their population due to the introduction of invasive species in their native habitats.
Today, we will look at 10 interesting facts about axolotls certified to blow your mind. So sit back and enjoy the fun facts.
Key Takeaways
- Axolotls are severely endangered salamanders that hold the secrets to many of humanity’s problems.
- They have many wonders that shock the scientific community and here are some.
Taxonomy and Flash Facts
| Domain | Eukaryota (Membrane-bound nucleus) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Urodela |
| Family | Ambystomatidae (Gray, 1850) |
| Genus | Ambystoma (Tschudi, 1838) |
| Species | mexicanum (Shaw and Nodder, 1798) |
| Scientific Name | Ambystoma mexicanum |
Name Origin: Named after the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, who could turn into a salamander.
Year of Discovery: 13th Century.
Habitat: Aquatic.
Predominant Region: Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco, Mexico City, Mexico.
Alternative Names: Mexican axolotl, salamandra axolote, Mexican salamander.
Endangered Status: Critically Endangered.
A Coat of Many Colors
After entering Paris in 1864, axolotls gained immense popularity. In a short time, they became pets throughout Europe.
Those bred in captivity gained brighter colors, leading to the beginning of the popular blue and pink axolotls. Wild axolotls still have their brown or golden-specked colors.
Axolotls Exist in Only one Part of the World
That’s right, axolotls are endangered salamanders that exist in only one spot on Earth, Lake Xochimilco and its surrounding waterways, in Mexico City.
What’s even weirder is that they were first native to Lake Chalco, but it got drained to prevent flooding. The reduction in water levels in Xochimilco and the introduction of predatory fish species has only led to a further decline of the axolotl population.
Children for Life
Axolotls are among the few animals on Earth to exhibit neoteny, a condition where an organism retains juvenile features into adulthood. With this, it is safe to say that they never become full adults.
Some scientists suggest they never fully mature because their habitats do not dry up, an event that should trigger a metamorphosis, where they trade their tails for limbs as tadpoles do.
Special Abilities
Axolotls have the weird ability to regenerate their body parts, a unique characteristic of salamanders. They take things up a notch though, as some can regenerate parts of their brain.
The animals’ unique abilities have been an area of study for scientists, who believe humans can benefit from them.
It’s cool to regrow one’s brain, right? We would love to hear what you think in the comments.
A Cruel Start
‘Aww, what a cute animal,’ you might say. However, beneath the cuteness lies a dark secret: Cannibalism. Young axolotls are opportunistic feeders who sometimes eat their siblings.
Some may bite off their siblings’ limbs, which will eventually grow back. However, others, especially the bigger ones, eat their siblings completely. A dog-eat-dog world underwater, or should we say a fish-eat-fish world?
The Power of Stealth
Besides being able to regrow lost limbs, Axolotls have another trick up their gills (You get it? Gills because, ahh… explaining a joke makes it unfunny). They can change their appearance to blend into their surroundings; this gives them a chance against predators.
A Massive Genome
Before the Lungfish’s genome with 43 billion DNA strands was discovered, the Mexican Salamander was the record holder for the animal with the largest genome sequenced.
Their genome is 10 times larger than a human’s, with 32 billion DNA strands. Scientists have been studying the DNA of the Axolotl in hopes of finding the secrets to their unique characteristics.
A Cancer Killer?
As scientists dived deeper into axolotl physiology, they made a remarkable discovery about cancer. They are 1000 times more resistant to the disease than mammals.
Their unique regeneration abilities were the key to their resistance, and scientists kept studying it.
Maybe someday, a breakthrough will occur. Till then, the fight continues.
Just How Endangered Are They?
Unknown to people, there are estimated to be only about 1000 axolotls left in the wild. This is an alarming situation for creatures that could be the key to so many medical breakthroughs.
Many animal groups are already working to protect the Mexican Salamander and prevent it from extinction.
They Can Change Breathing Mechanisms
Even though they remain juvenile most of their lives, axolotls can change their breathing mechanisms. If they stay in shallow waters for a prolonged period, they switch from gills to using lungs. However, if they remain in deeper waters, they use gills.
Talk of selective breathing. Who else wishes they could switch how they breathe? Living underwater for a day or two before returning to land would be cool.
Conclusion
That’s all we have for you for now. We hope you have learned new and cool axolotl facts. Would you like to get a Mexican salamander pet? What color would you prefer? Also, tell us if you would love to see more Axolotl weird facts.
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