Axolotl
Ambystoma mexicanum
Black axolotlBlack is the most common color for axolotls in the wild, but is not commonly favored by pet owners. | Three white axolotlsAxolotls are social animals and do well in groups. | Baby axolotlWhen axolotls are very young, they are translucent and are just starting to grow legs and feathery gills. |
Black axolotl
Black is the most common color for axolotls in the wild, but is not commonly favored by pet owners.

Adaptations/neoteny
-Wild coloring (black/brown) camouflages with lake bottom
-Can regenerate almost any body part
-Axolotls are neotenous, which means that they do not metamorphose. They keep the tail and feathery gills suited for aquatic life, yet still reach sexual maturity.
(Multiple Organisms, Scientific American, AXO)
-Can regenerate almost any body part
-Axolotls are neotenous, which means that they do not metamorphose. They keep the tail and feathery gills suited for aquatic life, yet still reach sexual maturity.
(Multiple Organisms, Scientific American, AXO)
Axolotl salamanders continue to intrigue researchers
Axolotls are endangered!
Axolotls are listed by IUCN and CITES as critically endangered in the wild. However, they are abundant in captivity.
Why they're endangered:
-Habitat loss (There is barely any of Lake Xochimilco left)
-Bad water quality because of pollution
-Alien predators (African tilapia and Asian carp) introduced to the environment
(EDGE, IUCN, AC)
What is being done:
-Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology assisted Mexico government in developing a plan to conserve axolotl and other animals
-Raising awareness of and restoring Lake Xochimilco
-Promoting nature tourism
-Protection from over-harvesting
(EDGE, IUCN)
Why they're endangered:
-Habitat loss (There is barely any of Lake Xochimilco left)
-Bad water quality because of pollution
-Alien predators (African tilapia and Asian carp) introduced to the environment
(EDGE, IUCN, AC)
What is being done:
-Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology assisted Mexico government in developing a plan to conserve axolotl and other animals
-Raising awareness of and restoring Lake Xochimilco
-Promoting nature tourism
-Protection from over-harvesting
(EDGE, IUCN)