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I swear to god Axolotl's have the cutest yawn!

Watch this video!

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Fun Fact, The word “axolotl” comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, and means “water dog.” Its mythological connection is to Xolotl, the god of fire, lightning, deformities, and death. The Spanish word for axolotl is ajolote, but is used colloquially in Mexico to encompass all forms of salamander.

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Axolotl's in the wild

Axolotls are exclusively found in the Xochimilco lake complex close to Mexico City, which comprises of Lake Xochimilco and a series of man-made canals and waterways which criss-cross throughout the Mexican capital. Axolotls, being neotenic, have adapted well to their native habitat, this being a high-altitude region with an average water temperature of around 20°C, even during the winter months.

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Why are Axolot's endangered

On the IUCN conservation index, axolotls are categorised as critically endangered, meaning that their numbers are in sharp decline with a very real threat of them going extinct in the near future. However, this only applies to wild species, and there are now more axolotls in captivity than there are in the natural world.

A lot of factors have contributed to the sharp decline in axolotl numbers in recent years – and it really has been a steep decrease. According to a study carried out by Mexican biologist Luis Zambrano, there were 6,000 axolotls per square kilometre in the Xochimilco lake complex in 1998; today, there are just 35.

here are some reasons for this:

Water pollution – the rapid development of Mexico City has seen a huge spike in water pollution within the Xochimilco network, making some areas inhospitable for aquatic life.

Overfishing – axolotl have become something of a delicacy in Mexico City, leading to a huge increase in demand among local fishermen. Overfishing is now one of the biggest threats to axolotl numbers.

Habitat loss – the rapid development of Mexico City has seen vast swathes of the Xochimilco lake complex drained and destroyed, including Lake Chalco, one of axolotl’s principal historic habitats.

Invasive species – historically sitting at the top of the food chain in Xochimilco, a handful of invasive species have since been introduced to axolotl’s habitat. Animals like perch and tilapia have decimated axolotl numbers, significantly contributing to their decline.

As you can see, this is a major problem that needs to be fixed.

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Here's a fact for you. Did you know that the stats of getting a blue axolotl in Minecraft are based on real life stats?

Those states being the amount of Axolotl's left in the wild.

There is only 700-1200 axolotls left in the wild.

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Axolotl's as pets

Despite being endangered, Axolotls are gaining a quick market as pets. whether or not this is good will be covered in a later post but for now we're talking about Axolotl's as pets,

Axolotl Behaviour and Temperament

While axolotls are relatively hardy to slight fluctuations in their environment, they also have delicate, soft bodies with permeable skin. In fact, most of their body is made of cartilage rather than bone. That means they should not be handled unless absolutely necessary. And if you do have to move them out of their tank, do so with a fine mesh net that won't entangle any of their body parts.

Once you have their housing setup correct, you generally only have to spend a few hours per week on feeding and cleaning. The rest is simply enjoying them as a quiet, aquatic companion. Axolotls tend to be fairly bold and are perfectly content to move about their tank as they're being watched by their humans. Some will come up to the side of their tank when a person is there observing them.

However, they aren’t particularly social animals and don’t require any tank companions. They should not be kept with other species as axolotls might try to eat pet fish, and the fish sometimes nip at them, as well. You even should be cautious about housing them with other axolotls. Juvenile axolotls can be cannibalistic toward one another, so they are best raised in separate enclosures. Adults can potentially be housed together, but still, watch out for cannibalistic tendencies. If a body part gets bitten off by a tank mate, an axolotl actually can regenerate it over time. However, it's still best to avoid this situation altogether.

Housing the Axolotl

At least a 15- to 20-gallon fish tank is recommended for axolotls. Make sure the tank has a secure lid, as it's not uncommon for these animals to try to jump out of their enclosure. A land area is unnecessary in the tank for these fully aquatic animals. At a minimum, the water depth should be slightly more than the length of your axolotl. But adding extra depth will help with water quality and give your animal more room to move.

Keep the tank in a cool room away from bright sunlight with the water temperature between 57 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (14 and 20 degrees Celsius); don't allow it to get above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). No special lighting is required for axolotls (unlike many reptiles). In fact, a dark hiding spot, such as a flower pot laid on its side or an aquarium castle, is often appreciated.

Some owners opt to leave the bottom of the tank bare, though others believe this might stress the axolotl if it can't get a foothold on the smooth bottom. If gravel is used on the bottom, it must be coarse gravel that's bigger than the axolotl's head. Fine gravel might be ingested and cause an obstruction.

Tap water treated with an aquarium water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramines is fine for axolotls. Never use distilled water, and make sure the pH of the water remains between 6.5 and 7.5. (You can find a water test kit to check at most pet stores.) Most owners find a filtered aquarium is easier to maintain because unfiltered water needs frequent changing to remove waste. However, if you choose to have a filter on the tank, the filtration rate should be slow. Powerful filters that create strong currents can stress an axolotl.

For a filtered tank, cleaning typically consists of a 20% water change each week, as well as siphoning waste from the bottom of the tank. If you're not using a filter, you likely will have to do a 20% water change daily or every other day. Never do a full water change, as this can alter the water chemistry too drastically and stress your Axolotl.

Food and Water

In the wild, axolotls feed on snails, worms, crustaceans, small fish, and small amphibians. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of brine shrimp, small strips of beef or liver, earthworms, bloodworms, tubifex worms, other frozen fish foods, and commercial fish pellets. Do not feed any worms or fish you caught yourself, as they can carry parasites. In general, no vitamin or mineral supplements are necessary.

Consult your veterinarian regarding the amount of food to offer, as well as how often to feed your axolotl, as this varies depending on age and size. In general, many adults take two to three feedings per week. One of the best methods to feed is by holding the food in round-nosed forceps in the tank near the animal. You also can simply drop the food in the water as close to the axolotl as possible. If your axolotl isn't interested in eating much during the day, try feeding it in the evening when it's typically more active. Remove any uneaten food from the tank every day to keep the water clean.

Common Health Problems

A notable characteristic of axolotls is their regenerative powers. In the case of injuries that aren’t life-threatening, they’re able to regrow their limbs, tail, and even other body parts, such as heart and eye tissue.

But this remarkable ability doesn't protect them from all health issues. Unsanitary tank conditions can lead to viral or bacterial infections, the signs of which include lethargy and a lack of appetite. Plus, ammonia build-up from waste in the tank can be toxic. If this occurs, it can interfere with the respiratory process causing damage to the gills as well as result in neurological damage.

Moreover, axolotls with gravel in their tank that's small enough to eat are prone to gastrointestinal obstructions. If your axolotl experiences an obstruction, it will likely be sluggish and not want to eat. And if it's not promptly treated, death can occur quickly.

Furthermore, axolotls rarely do undergo metamorphosis into a terrestrial form. The reasons for this are poorly understood, though it might have to do with hormones or water characteristics. The metamorphosis can be extremely stressful for an axolotl, and it can significantly shorten its lifespan. If you notice abnormal changes to your animal's body, such as it starting to grow larger, have a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets examine it as soon as possible.

(Photo of unhealthy Axolotl)

Purchasing Your Axolotl

Always acquire an animal from a reputable breeder or rescue group. It's best not to buy an axolotl through the internet or a classified ad unless you've spoken directly with the seller, and they're able to provide you with adequate information on the animal. If they can't give you thorough documentation on its origin and health history, that's a red flag. It's also ideal to speak with people who have acquired animals from that seller to uncover any concerns. Plus, a local exotic veterinarian often can direct you to a good breeder or rescue.

Expect to pay between $20 and $70 on average. Animals with more rare coloring, such as copper, tend to cost more. A healthy axolotl will be active, and it might accept food if you offer it. Its skin shouldn't be flaky, and its body should be somewhat plump (as opposed to underweight), though it shouldn't have any abnormal swelling.

All information above was sourced from The Spruce Pets

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Colour

One of my favorite things about Axolotls is that there a all these different colours. While the most widely recognized colour is pink, the most common (according to Google) is black.

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Why Axolotls are important

Axolotls have been around for centuries, and during those centuries they were central to understanding how organs develop and function in vertebrates. Believe it or not, they helped scientists understand the causes of spina bifida in humans. Which is a birth defect in which the spine doesn't form properly.

​also, Axolotl's are the top (natural) predator in their home environment. They are carnivores, and eat mollusks, arthropods, worms, crustaceans, insect larvae, and fish. In this way, they help control the populations of these organisms.