Animal of the day: Axolotl! (Ambystoma mexicanum) The axolotl is a paedomorphic salamander species native to Lake Xochimilco in Mexico! Unlike most amphibians, the axolotl retains most of its juvenile features during adulthood, as seen in the individual above! Although critically endangered in the wild, they do exceptionally well in captivity, and are commonly bred as pets! They have the unique ability to regenerate many parts of their body, including limbs, gills, tails and parts of their brains! The most commonly kept coloration of axolotl is white with pink gills, the leucistic variation, and the individual above is the wild-type or base coloration that exists most commonly in the wild! The axolotl is actually named for the Aztec deity Xolotl, the god of fire and lightning, who according to legend transformed into one of these fascinating creatures to avoid persecution from his fellow gods! CONSERVATION NOTE: If you are considering buying an axolotl, ensure that you get one from a breeder you know does not source their stock from the wild, and NEVER purchase a "firefly" colored axolotl! Image source: https://exopetguides.com/axolotl/axolotl-colors/
