axolotl

axolotl

  • Submitted By: sophiemay
  • Date Submitted: 03/14/2016 12:45 PM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 455
  • Page: 2

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)
The axolotl is commonly referred to as a fish but it is actually an amphibian. They originally came from Mexico.

Axolotls are a fully aquatic species that appreciate heavily vegetated waters and freshwater lakes at high altitudes. They prefer cool water, as the water from the lake of their origin is glacier fed and cool throughout the year. The ideal water temperature for your Axolotl is a temperature gradient of 10-20°C (50-68°F). Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 23°C can cause an Axolotl to suffer from heat stress
As Axolotls are carnivores, this implies that they survive on a meat based diet, and will eat worms, insects, crustaceans and small fishes due to this their jaws contain fine teeth, which are used only for gripping their prey, which they swallow whole. The axolotl has abilities of regeneration and healing capabilities. It can replace significant portions of its body if damaged e.g. it could regrow a whole limb. The axolotl also retains its larval form into adulthood, unlike most amphibians, which metamorphose from water- to land-dwelling as they grow, the axolotl retains its gills and fins instead of exchanging them for developed lungs and limbs. However, it can be forced to complete its larval stage and transform into a normal adult salamander by applying the metabolic hormone thyroxine. This causes the gills to be absorbed into the body and the lungs to fully develop, as well as causing the eyes to develop eyelids like surface-dwelling animals. It can also transform itself if it leaves its watery environment for an extended period of time, especially if its surroundings are too dry. It does this by absorbing its gills, the lungs become stronger and the skin becomes tougher.
Of the two Mexico City lakes the wild axolotl once survived in, one, Lake Chalco, has been drained to subdue flooding, destroying the axolotls and other animals within it. The other, Lake Xochimilco, has been reduced to a heavily...