Axolotl

(Ambystoma mexicanum)

Category: Amphibians

These completely aquatic salamanders are also known as the Mexican salamander or Mexican walking fish. They are a neotenic salamander, meaning they never lose their gills and live an entirely aquatic existence; they reach sexual maturity without every going through metamorphosis. The axolotl is a voracious carnivore, eating any small fish, worms, and insects that blunder close enough to their vacuum of a mouth. This voraciousness extends to each other, as well -- an axolotl small enough to fit into the mouth of a tank-mate may find itself eaten! And even if they are the same size, they may still bite one another if not well fed.

Learn more about Axolotls at Reptiles Magazine.

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification

Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Amphibia
Order - Caudata
Family - Ambystomatidae
Genus - Ambystoma
Species - A. mexicanum

Did you know?
Interesting Animal Facts

Swiss Army Skin

Amphibian skin is not covered in hair, feathers, or scales. It is thin and permeable, which allows them to actually breathe and drink through their skin! Their skin is not watertight, but they have mucous glands that produce secretions to help keep them from drying out Their skin also serves as a handy defense mechanism: nearly all amphibians have poison glands that make their skin toxic - and on top of that, it can even serve as a tasty treat after they shed it (yes, many amphibians eat their own sloughed off skin)!

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