By Gurpreet Singh | September 20, 2025
Native to Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, the axolotl is an aquatic salamander known for its feathery gills and endearing smile.
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Soft, translucent skin, feathery external gills, wide eyes and a gentle smile make the axolotl look like a magical creature.
Image: Canva
Axolotls can regrow lost limbs, parts of their heart, and even spinal tissue which is a superpower rare in the animal kingdom.
Image: Canva
Unlike most amphibians, axolotls remain in a juvenile, aquatic form throughout life, a phenomenon called neoteny.
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Critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species in Lake Xochimilco.
Image: Canva
Gentle and curious, axolotls explore slowly, swim gracefully. They interact with minimal stress in captivity.
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Axolotls are carnivorous, feeding on worms, small fish and insects. They use a suction method to capture prey efficiently.
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Kept in aquariums worldwide, they need clean water, proper temperature, and a protein-rich diet to thrive.
Image: Canva
Revered in Aztec mythology, axolotls were seen as sacred creatures symbolising life and rebirth.
Image: Canva