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Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a species of aquatic salamander native to Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in Mexico. It is often nicknamed the “Mexican walking fish”, although it is not a fish but an amphibian.


🔹 Physical characteristics
Resembles a small lizard, typically 15–30 cm long.
Has feathery external gills on both sides of its head, usually pink or red, which give it a very distinctive look.

Skin color varies: wild-type (greenish-brown with dark spots), albino (white with red eyes), or leucistic (pale with black eyes).


🔹 Unique traits
Unlike most salamanders, axolotls remain in their larval stage throughout their entire life (a condition called neoteny). Even as adults, they don’t undergo full metamorphosis into land-dwelling salamanders.
Possess extraordinary regenerative abilities: they can regrow limbs, tails, bones, parts of their heart, and even sections of their brain.
Breathe through external gills, simple lungs, and their skin.



🔹 Habitat & status
Found in cool, calm freshwater lakes and canals.
Sadly, they are critically endangered in the wild due to pollution and habitat loss. Today, axolotls are more commonly found in aquariums and research laboratories.




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