The axolotl or Mexican axolotl is an amphibian that belongs to the family Ambystomatidae, a group that belongs to the order Ambystoma. Within the latter there are more than 30 species, but we can say that the Mexican axolotl is the most representative of the group for several reasons.
Among the aspects that stand out are: their endemism, the peculiarity of development in amphibians, tones, cultural relations in Mexico and the current state of conservation. As we can see, this animal has many peculiarities.If you want to know in detail the characteristics of the Mexican axolotl, as well as where it lives and its habitat, continue reading this fact sheet that we present to you on PlanèteAnimal.
Origin
- America
- Mexico
Characteristics of the Mexican Axolotl
The main characteristic of the Mexican axolotl is the maintenance of larval traits into adulthood, a biological phenomenon known as neoteny. In this sense, in an adult axolotl, structures common to a larva can be observed, such as the dorsal fin that crosses almost the entire body and three pairs of gills that protrude from the base of the head backwards and look like feathers. All of the above is because this amphibian does not shapeshift.
The average height of the Mexican axolotl is usually 15 cm, although it can measure more, but it will never exceed 30 cm.The legs are short, the front ones have four toes, while the hind ones have five and it has no claws. The head is both broad and robust, the eyes small, without eyelids; the body elongated and flattened on each side. The skin is generally smooth, although there may be rough areas that can only be seen up close.
The other particular characteristic of the axolotl is its coloring, since in the wild its tones are dark, appearing as black, gray, brown or intense green. However, this animal in captivity, through the expression of various color genes and through selective breeding, can exhibit a diversity of dissimilar colors. In this way we can find black axolotls, albinos, pink albinos, white albinos, golden albinos and leucistics (whites with black eyes).
Axolotl habitat
The Mexican axolotl was previously distributed in several habitats in the central valley of Mexico, consisting of lakes and wetlands.Although it is a species of amphibian, it dwells exclusively in aquatic organisms. Where does the Mexican axolotl live? Currently, it has a rather restricted range and is only found in three specific locations: Xochimilco Canals (where the climate is temperate and subhumid), Lake Chalco, and Lake Chapultepec .
The Mexican axolotl needs a deep water habitat, whether natural lakes or artificial channels, in which there will be abundant vegetation that it uses to reproduce as well as to camouflage themselves in the aquatic depths. The ecosystem for its development must be stable, both in composition and in the flow of water. Turbidity, oxygen concentration and temperature not exceeding 20 and 22 o C are important requirements for the habitat of the Mexican axolotl. Thus, the axolotl is a native and endemic species of the Federal District of Mexico.
Habits of the Mexican Axolotl
The Mexican axolotl has solitary habits, and it will approach other individuals almost exclusively to reproduce. It spends most of its time immersed in the cloudy bottom, since it breathes by gas exchange thanks to its gills which it retains even in adulthood. However, since it also has moderately developed lung sacs, it can eventually reach the surface of the water and suck in air.
This animal has a close relationship with the inhabitants of Mexico, not only from a scientific point of view, since it is very studied for its peculiarities, but also has an important cultural significance. In connection with the latter, it is also known as Axolotl which means water monster and is related to the deities of the country's culture. In addition, it is a species that is frequently captured as a pet.
Mexican Axolotl Feeding
What does the Mexican axolotl eat? The Mexican axolotl is carnivorous, with a varied diet when living in the wild.In this sense, it can consume small fish and mainly newborns such as tadpoles, insects, worms, molluscs and freshwater crustaceans. When the eggs hatch, they preferentially opt for copepods, water fleas and rotifers.
In captivity, their diet varies and they are fed worms, crickets and mealworms. Also with pieces of meat, chicken, turkey or beef and industrial turtle food.
When feeding, they suck water and hold the prey with their teeth, then swallow it whole. They can also practice cannibalism.
Reproduction of the Mexican axolotl
The Mexican axolotl reaches maturity at around 1.5 years and breeds only once a year between December and February. They have a sexual dimorphism, since the males differ from the females by presenting a vent longer than the latter.
In these animals, a period of courtship takes place, during which they come together and do a kind of dance. Subsequently, the male moves away from the female a little and performs a series of movements to release the spermatophore that the female will collect to introduce it into her body so that fertilization takes place internally.
Once fertilization has taken place, it takes approximately 24 hours for the female to release up to 1,500 eggs, which she will gradually lay over a few days. She performs this process by placing the eggs in the aquatic plants present in the habitat, so that they are camouflaged and protected from predators. Within 11-15 days, the offspring will be born.
Conservation status of the Mexican axolotl
The Mexican axolotl is declared critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).The Mexican axolotl is a terribly endangered species, so if the necessary measures to stabilize its population are not taken, it will die out in the wild.
The contamination of water and the drying up of these bodies of water are the main cause of the deterioration of the habitat of the Mexican axolotl and therefore of its significant decline in population. Although the international trade of the species for its breeding as pets and the consumption of its meat seems to have ceased, these are still reasons that impact it.
There is an action plan on the Mexican axolotl which includes maintaining several international hatcheries, although these are mainly focused on studies conducted on this one. It has been listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, although it is currently under periodic review.On the other hand, because the main cause of its risk of extinction is habitat alteration, there are also educational projects related to tourism and nature protection.
Mexican Axolotl Pictures
