Animal Of The Week "The Axolotl"

I thought it was about time that something other than a fluffy tail got a look in :)

So this week's "Animal Of The Week" is from our Aquatics room and is an unusual animal called an "Axolotl". Our one does not have a name but has been with us for a few years now. When he first arrived we had a brown Axolotl but they can be quite territorial so unfortunately the pink one survived but the brown one didn't.


"I'm from Planet Earth - I'm not an Alien!"

 

Axolotls are from Mexico and have an unusual look to them - they are part of the order Caudata/Urodela which Salamanders are also part of. They are in fact a juvenile version of a Salamander and remain in their larval form all their lives which prevents them from developing in to an adult Salamander. This is something called Neotony which is quite unusual in the animal kingdom but does occur with some species and is thought to be a genetic condition or caused by low levels of Iodine. They have gills and can only survive in water.

has been said that on occasion with careful water reduction the Axolotl can grow lungs and go through the metamorphosis process changing  in to a Salamander but is not something generally or recommended to be attempted.