# Axolotl (*Ambystoma mexicanum*) The axolotl is a special kind of salamander that never grows up completely! It can stay young and playful all its life while living in water. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Lakes and canals in Mexico - **Also known as:** Mexican Walking Fish ![Axolotl](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424334/objects/5744.jpg) ## Appearance The Axolotl has a unique flattened head and a broad mouth, with lidless eyes that give it a perpetually smiling look. Its most distinctive feature is the three pairs of feathery external gills that sprout from either side of its head, often appearing pink, red, or dark depending on its coloration. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Caudata - **Family:** Ambystomatidae - **Genus:** Ambystoma ## Interesting facts - Axolotls can breathe using both their feathery gills and simple lungs! - Some can change their skin color to blend in with their underwater world! - They are actually a type of salamander that never grows up! - Wild axolotls are critically endangered in their only natural lake home. ## Special abilities - **Master Regenerator:** Axolotl can regrow lost limbs, jaws, and even parts of its brain because of special cells that help repair damage. - **Forever Young:** Axolotl has the power of neoteny, meaning it stays in its aquatic larval form for its entire life. - **Healing Without Scars:** Axolotl can heal major injuries and lost body parts without forming any scars, due to unique cellular processes. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 15-45 cm - **Weight:** 0.06-0.3 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-15 years - **Speed:** 1 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 300-1000 ## Diet & Feeding Tiny hunters, they snack on insects, worms, and small fish in their watery home. - **Primary Foods:** worms, small fish, insect larvae, crustaceans - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Nile Tilapia (*Oreochromis niloticus*) — Introduced fish that preys on axolotls. - **Eaten by:** Goldfish (*Carassius auratus*) — Introduced species that eats axolotl eggs. - **Hunts:** Sludge worm (*Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri*) — A common food source for axolotls. - **Depends on:** Yellow Waterlily (*Nymphaea mexicana*) — Provides shelter and surfaces for egg-laying. ## Traits - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Axolotl? Compare body shape, toes, markings, tail and skin texture. Tadpoles and larvae can look nothing like the adults they turn into. Amphibian Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Axolotl? 15-45 cm ### How much does Axolotl weigh? 0.06-0.3 kg ### How long does Axolotl live? 10-15 years ### How fast can Axolotl move? 1 km/h ### What does Axolotl eat? Tiny hunters, they snack on insects, worms, and small fish in their watery home. ### Where is Axolotl usually found? Lakes and canals in Mexico ### How does Axolotl hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Belle Isle Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/belle-isle-aquarium) — US · Zoo - [Aquarium of Niagara](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/aquarium-of-niagara-new-york) — New York, US · Zoo - [Belle Isle Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/belle-isle-aquarium-us) — US · Aquarium - [Schwarzwaldzoo Waldkirch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/schwarzwaldzoo-waldkirch) — Baden-Württemberg, DE · Zoo - [Tierpark Zittau](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/tierpark-zittau) — Sachsen, DE · Zoo [View all places to see Axolotl](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/axolotl) ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Axolotl: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/axolotl)