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The axolotl (pronounced “ax-oh-lot-ul”) is one of the most extraordinary and unique creatures on the planet. With their small, dark eyes, mischievous smiles, and striking external gills, they stand out from the majority of animals. Yet, it's the remarkable abilities hidden beneath their exterior that truly set them apart—and the hurdles they face are equally fascinating.
10. Their Regenerative Power is Unbelievable
While several amphibians possess the ability to regenerate, none come close to matching the axolotl’s extraordinary capabilities. This remarkable creature can regenerate nearly any body part, including its spinal cord, limbs, and even its jaw, with astonishing precision. What’s more, axolotls leave no scars behind when regrowing a limb, making the process nearly seamless.
When faced with danger from predators, axolotls can detach one of their limbs to make a swift escape. The lost appendage regenerates quickly, and astonishingly, axolotls can regrow the same limb over and over, with each new one being completely flawless.
9. Wild Axolotls Are Found in Just One Place on Earth
Although axolotls are widely kept in aquariums and laboratories across the globe, their wild counterparts are far rarer. These creatures are only found in the waters of Lake Xochimilco (“so-chee-mil-ko”) in Mexico.
Sadly, Lake Xochimilco is in a dire state. The water is polluted with trash and overrun by invasive fish species like carp and tilapia, which thrive in the murky environment. In this polluted lake, axolotls feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and anything else they can capture with their mouths.
8. Axolotls Are Critically Endangered
Several factors have contributed to the axolotl's endangered status. In addition to the pollution and neglect of Lake Xochimilco, invasive species like carp and tilapia compete with axolotls for food, usually overwhelming them due to their larger numbers. Furthermore, Lake Xochimilco is famous for its picturesque floating gardens, making it a popular tourist destination, often likened to Mexico’s version of Venice.
However, the influx of tourists has worsened the axolotl’s plight. On weekends, thousands of visitors arrive, leaving behind litter like soft drink cans and fast food wrappers, which pollutes the water and endangers the local axolotl population. A recent study even revealed that no axolotls could be found in the wild, suggesting that they may now exist only in aquariums and laboratories.
7. Axolotls Are Eaten by People
Historically, the native people of Xochimilco considered axolotl tamales a local delicacy, consuming them regularly. The axolotls were typically served whole, accompanied by a side of cornmeal.
Although the consumption of axolotls has ceased due to their endangered status, a restaurant in Osaka, Japan, continues to serve whole, fried axolotls. Those daring enough to try this unusual dish report that it has a flavor similar to white fish, but with a crunchier texture.
6. Axolotls Never Reach Maturity
This unique characteristic of axolotls is called neoteny, which means they never fully mature into adult forms. Instead, they retain their juvenile traits throughout their lives. While they remain in a larval state, they reach sexual maturity and are capable of reproduction.
To put it in perspective, this would be similar to a tadpole living its entire life without ever becoming a frog. Neoteny also explains why axolotls keep their external gills (the peculiar branches protruding from their heads) and remain entirely aquatic, unlike most other salamanders that can venture onto land.
5. They Have the Potential to Heal and Cure Several Severe Diseases
As we know, axolotls possess extraordinary regenerative abilities. Researchers are eager to explore if this talent can be applied to humans, allowing us to regenerate limbs just like axolotls. Across the globe, numerous laboratories are investigating the axolotl to understand what enables such perfect regeneration. They are, in fact, the most researched salamanders in the world. Furthermore, axolotls are more than 1,000 times more resistant to cancer compared to mammals!
Scientists are working to identify specific genes in axolotls that contribute to these remarkable abilities. While progress is slow, Professor Stephane Roy, a leading researcher, believes, “I’m confident we will be able to enhance tissue healing for burn victims, reduce transplant complications, and even find a way to combat cancer. All of this could be a reality within the next 10 to 20 years.”
4. The Axolotl is Linked to Aztec Mythology
The ancient Aztecs found axolotls fascinating due to their distinct appearance and remarkable regenerative abilities. They believed that axolotls were a physical manifestation of the god Xolotl, who served as the ferryman of the dead in the underworld.
Xolotl was depicted with the head of a dog and was said to fear being either killed or exiled, so he transformed into an axolotl to evade capture. This is how axolotls got their name.
3. Numerous Organizations Are Working to Save Axolotls
Due to their popularity, many organizations are dedicated to preventing axolotls from going extinct. In addition to various fundraisers and charities supporting endangered species, there have been some notable initiatives. One such effort was the Darwin Project, led by the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, aiming to clean up Lake Xochimilco and make it a safer, more hospitable environment for axolotls.
A larger-scale proposal to protect axolotls involves creating an ex situ population, which means establishing a breeding colony of axolotls outside their natural habitat. This would provide a safe environment away from the challenges they face in the wild. The plan also includes efforts to restore Lake Xochimilco, allowing the axolotls to eventually be reintroduced to the wild. This gives hope for the survival of these extraordinary salamanders!
2. Wild Axolotls Aren't White
While most of the axolotls we see are a pale, pinkish-white color, wild axolotls typically have a darker appearance, with shades of black or greenish-brown. The white axolotls are referred to as “leucistic,” and they are never found in their natural habitat.
All leucistic axolotls trace their lineage back to a single mutant male axolotl that was brought to Paris in 1963. Following that, scientists began selectively breeding axolotls to produce leucistic specimens.
1. They Make Great Pets
Although they are critically endangered, many businesses breed axolotls and sell them as pets to the public. However, axolotls require very specific care. Owners typically house them in relatively large aquariums due to their high waste production, and feed them large worms and frozen bloodworm cubes.
Since axolotl skeletons are partly made of cartilage, they are fragile and should not be handled. Bright lights should also be avoided as they make axolotls feel shy. Some companies have even developed ways to make axolotls glow in the dark. They are widely available for purchase online, typically costing around $20 to $25.
