11 Facts That Give You A Whole New Perspective On This Peculiar Creature: The Axolotl

by N/A, 9 years ago | 1 min read

You have heard of the axolotl, but there is still so much you don't know about the mysterious creature.

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1. They can be pushed to land.

Scientists have given axolotl's a shot of iodine in order to force them out of the water. It causes a sudden maturation due to a rush of hormones.Â

2. They can regenerate.

Axolotl's can regenerate their limbs, rebuild their jaws, spines and even brains.Â

3. They're endangered.

The axolotl is being pushed to extinction because of invasive species, pollution and habitat loss.Â

4. Their frills serve an important purpose.

The frills on the side of the axolotl's head are gills that allow for more surface area for gas exchange.Â

5. There's lots of mythology surrounding the axolotl.

The Xolotl is an ancient Aztec deity with the head of a dog. It would lead the souls of the dead into the underworld. Some say that Xolotl transformed into the axolotl because he feared death.Â

6. Pronunciation is difficult.

Axolotl is pronounced "Ax"-"oh"-"lot"-"ul." "Ax" means water and "xolotl" means dog. They're named after a canine Aztec deity.Â

7. Wild axolotl's can only be find in one place.

Axolotl's in the wild can only be found in canals and lakes in Xochimilco, Mexico. They eat small fish and worms.Â

8. In the wild, you'll be hard pressed to find a white axolotl.

In the wild, they appear as a brownish green or black color. The ones in captivity are usually white and is the result of a mutation.

9. They're edible.

Xochimilco natives used to eat the axolotl before it became an endangered species. It was served whole with cornmeal and is described as similar to the taste of an eel.

10. They undergo an unusual growth process.

They exhibit neoteny, which means that they can reach maturity without going through any kind of metamorphosis. They continue to grow bigger, Â but they keep their gills and don't leave the water, unlike tadpoles, for example, which eventually become frogs. Â

11. Scientists are studying them.

The Salk Institute for Biological studies is conducting research on the axolotl, specifically on its regenerative capabilities. They hope to understand the process and one day recreate it in humans.