Axolotl - aquarium lizard with Mona Lisa smile
It’s an amazing creature, and it’s no wonder they are so popular worldwide. When you see one, you’ll notice its beautiful eyes and friendly smile, which are characteristic of this animal. They can come in various colors, although in the wild they are mostly dark, and lighter colors are more common in captivity.
The name "axolotl" comes from the Aztec Nahuatl language and translates to "water monster." The name is also associated with the mythical name Xolotl, the god of fire and lightning. It could also originate from the first letter of the word Aztec. The reason I chose the axolotl for this article is that for me, it represents the mystery of the aquatic world and the hope of reconnecting people with nature.
Axolotls are amphibians, the same class as frogs. They lay their eggs in water, and once they mature, they can move onto land. Because they partially breathe by absorbing oxygen through their moist skin, they stay close to water. Interestingly, axolotls never complete the metamorphosis to a terrestrial adult form and spend their entire lives in water. The feather-like structures on the sides of their heads are gills, which they would lose along with the dorsal fin if they completed metamorphosis.
If you wanted to find an axolotl in the wild, you would have to go to Mexico, where they can only be found in three locations. They originate from the ancient system of water channels and lakes in the Central Valley of Mexico, including Lake Xochimilco and Lake Pátzcuaro. They require deep-water lakes (natural and artificial channels) with rich aquatic vegetation. However, they are sensitive to changes in water quality. Due to the increasing population and the associated pollution of water bodies, along with the introduction of invasive fish species like carp and tilapia, which eat the eggs these amphibians lay on plants, their wild population has critically declined.
While they are almost extinct in the wild, axolotls can be found in laboratories and home aquariums (so-called axolotariums). However, in some American states, they are banned as pets. They are amazing creatures that can regenerate their limbs and recover without scars from injuries such as crushed spinal cords or damaged hearts. Their remarkable regenerative ability is also why they are studied in laboratories, where scientists hope to unlock their genetic secrets and apply them to human medicine.
Their fame and mystery are documented in Aztec religion and stories. They are also honored on the 50-peso banknote. In Mexico, a project has been established to restore the conditions necessary for the survival of axolotls. This involves agricultural practices that create water channels, known as the Chinampa Refuge Project, and we can only hope that it will be possible to restore the population of this Water Monster and save them from extinction in the wild.
There are several reasons to write about the population and details of this aquatic "monster." One of them is the fact that the demand for these pets has increased due to their depiction in games like Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft. Additionally, their dragon-like appearance resembles the dragon from the animated movie "How to Train Your Dragon." The desire to own such a beautiful creature can end sadly if people do not know how to care for it and understand its needs for survival and reproduction. For example, in 2022, animal shelters in New Zealand were flooded with axolotls due to their popularity from children's games and sharing on TikTok.* An axolotl can live up to 25 years, and its needs and lifestyle are so specific that it should not be taken lightly.
Animals should never be considered as toys but should be respected and treated with proper educated care. To liven up a home with aquarium creatures, there are plenty of less demanding and more suitable animals where every aquarist can test their experience and skills.
Sources: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/1095/53947343 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/facts/axolotl https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/salamander-conservation-nuns-mexico-animals https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/mexico-is-finally-embracing-its-quirky-salamander-the-axolotl https://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/on-exhibit-posts/fast-facts-axolotl
