Axolotls are among the most fascinating animals on the planet. With an appearance that resembles a “smiling water dragon”, they belong to the amphibian group and are mainly known for maintaining juvenile characteristics throughout their lives.

In the wild, axolotls are found only in the region of the ancient lakes of Xochimilco, in Mexico City. With urban growth, pollution, habitat loss and the introduction of invasive fish, their population has suffered a drastic reduction in recent decades. Currently, they are among the most threatened amphibians on the planet.

Below, find out some interesting facts about axolotls!

Unlike most amphibians, axolotls remain throughout their lives in a state known as neoteny. This means that they maintain typical characteristics of the larval stage, such as external gills and a fully aquatic life, even after reaching sexual maturity. That adaptation It occurs due to hormonal changes related to the thyroid and allows them to reproduce without having to transform into a land animal.

2. They can regenerate parts of the body

The most impressive ability of axolotls is their extraordinary ability to regenerate. They can reconstruct entire limbs, tail, parts of the spinal cord, jaw, skin, muscles, nerves and even portions of the heart and brain without forming permanent scars. This process occurs thanks to the formation of specialized cells that replace lost tissues.

3. The “feathers” on the head are gills

One of the most striking features of the axolotl are the feather-like or twig-like structures on the sides of the head. In reality, they are highly vascularized external gills, responsible for exchanging oxygen with water. As they are exposed, they greatly increase the efficiency of aquatic respiration. Furthermore, the coloring and the movement of these gills can indicate the animal’s health status.

4. They come in different colors

Although the wild axolotl has a brown or grayish color, captive-bred specimens can be found in different colors. There are white, pink, golden, black, spotted individuals and even with patterns that appear metallic. These variations arose mainly through genetic selection carried out over decades in breeding programs.

5. The famous “smile” is just an anatomical feature

Many people believe that axolotls are always happy because of their facial expression. However, this apparent smile is a result of the natural shape of the mouth and head. They don’t show emotions in the same way as mammals or birds.

6. They need cold water to live well

Axolotls are extremely sensitive to water temperature. In general, they live best between 14 °C and 18 °C, and may suffer stress, loss of appetite and greater predisposition to diseases when they remain in very hot environments.

7. They feed on small animals

In the wild, axolotls are predators opportunists. They feed on insect larvae, small fish, worms, crustaceans and other aquatic organisms that they can capture quickly. In captivity, their diet usually includes specific feed for amphibians, worms, larvae and other foods rich in protein.