Axolotl Vs Newt
Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are a species of salamander unique among their relatives in that they spend their entire lives underwater and don’t go through metamorphosis.
They’re renowned for their remarkable capacity to regenerate limbs and tails throughout life, which provides hope to scientists working on regenerative medicine research. Unfortunately, the wild population of these incredible animals is decreasing rapidly – almost at extinction! axolotl.cyou
Size
An axolotl may appear smaller than a newt, but its powerful jaw allows it to quickly consume worms and other animals with one large gulp!
These salamanders typically appear olive green or grayish brown in the wild. When kept in captivity, they may shift their hue slightly lighter or darker to blend in with their environment and enhance camouflage.
Many axolotls are albinos, or white with just their eyes and some lightly pigmented areas near their head. Additionally, some can be mottled, meaning that they have a blend of colors throughout their bodies.
Axolotls possess four pigmentation genes that give them a range of colors. While they can change their melanophores to camouflage themselves, this isn’t always done.
These solitary creatures reach sexual maturity around one year of age, and females spawn in February. Males deposit sperm packets on the lake floor where females pick them up with her cloaca and fertilize their eggs.
Habitat
An axolotl is a salamander with an unusual genetic makeup. Due to a condition known as ‘neoteny,’ they retain their larval features into adulthood – including legs, tails and even parts of their brain and spinal cord!
Axolotls are carnivores who feed on worms, insects, crustaceans, mollusks and small fish. They use their sense of smell as well as a lateral line to detect changes in water pressure while hunting for prey.
They’re nocturnal and can quickly locate food along the bottom of a lake or river they inhabit. Once they locate their prey, they use powerful vacuums to pull it into their mouths.
Axolotls can also change their color to blend in with their environment, either lightening or darkening it slightly. Light-colored forms often get kept as pets by humans while pink ones appeal to children for their pleasing shade. Unfortunately, Axolotls’ wild population has declined drastically over time due to invasive species like tilapia and carp that threaten their existence.
Feeding
An axolotl is a type of salamander that lives in water, often mistaken for fish due to its long body and broad head that resembles a baby face.
Axolotls are carnivores and will consume a variety of aquatic prey such as snails, worms and crustaceans.
They possess an acute sense of smell that allows them to detect food at the bottom of lakes and rivers. With their powerful vacuum, they are able to pull that food into their mouths.
Axolotls can be kept in captivity and fed brine shrimp, small strips of beef or liver, earthworms, bloodworms, tubifex worms and commercial fish pellets.
Axolotls possess remarkable regeneration powers, so if one of their legs or tails is damaged or removed, they can regrow it within two to three months. Unfortunately, these same abilities make them susceptible to gastrointestinal obstructions so it’s important to feed them coarse gravel that’s big enough to be eaten.
Care
Axolotls are remarkably hardy creatures, though they do need regular care and exercise to stay fit. That includes providing them with plenty of exercise and fresh water to drink.
The tank they live in should replicate their natural habitat. That means leaving the bottom bare; however, avoid adding gravel as this could become an obstruction or cause digestive issues for the animal.
Axolotls feed in the wild by sucking up food from rivers and lakes with strong vacuum forces. This helps them break down food into small particles so they can digest it more easily.
They feed on worms, tadpoles, insects and small fish as well. Furthermore, they inhale grit which aids in grinding up their food for digestion.
They are critically endangered, and their future depends on conservation efforts. Habitat loss, poaching, pollution and overcollecting for food or medicine pose the greatest threats to their survival.
