An Axol...What?

I must admit that not only do I have an addiction to coffee, but I must also feed my addiction to TikTok. If you're not sure what an Axolotl is, you may be able to ask your child if they play Minecraft. Axolotyls are all the rage in the game. In real life, let me tell you a little about axolotls:

An axolotl (pronounced ack-suh-LAH-tuhl) is a type of aquatic salamander that is native to certain lakes and canals in Mexico, primarily in the region surrounding Mexico City. It is known for its unique characteristics and is often considered an exotic and fascinating creature.

One of the most remarkable features of the axolotl is its ability to remain in its larval form throughout its entire life. This condition is known as neoteny, where the axolotl retains its gills and fin-like limbs and remains fully aquatic even as it reaches sexual maturity. Most amphibians, including salamanders, go through a process called metamorphosis, where they transition from an aquatic larval stage to a terrestrial adult stage. However, the axolotl retains its juvenile characteristics, making it quite distinct.

Axolotls have a wide range of colors, including shades of brown, gray, black, and albino. They possess external gills that protrude from the sides of their heads, which they use to extract oxygen from the water. Their limbs are relatively short and slender, and they have a long tail, which helps them swim.

These unique creatures are popular pets and are also extensively studied in scientific research. They have become a subject of interest due to their remarkable regenerative abilities. Axolotls can regrow lost limbs, the spinal cord, the heart, and even parts of their brain. Scientists study axolotls to gain insights into tissue regeneration and potential applications for regenerative medicine.

The axolotl population in the wild has been declining due to habitat loss and pollution. They are currently listed as critically endangered in their natural habitat. Efforts are underway to conserve and protect these fascinating creatures and their habitat.

Axolotls having regeneration abilities is true. The pet store where I bought my axolotl had a bunch of juniors in the same tank, and when the tank is full like that, they will attack each other or take nibbles off of each other, thinking the other axolotl is food. My axolotl, whom I named Axl Rose, or Axl for short, was missing a few digits on his bottom limbs, which grew back once he had his own tank.

This is the TikTok video that made me want to get my Axl: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlotte_thelotl/video/7056840935430229294

I am so glad that I did. Axl is a wonderful pet. We have a large tank, feed him worms, and bought a chiller because our climate gets hot. Axolotols like water temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are thinking about getting an axolotl, please do your research first. If you take care of them properly, they can live up to 15 years.

It is illegal to own an axolotl in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Nevada, and Oregon. One of the biggest reasons they are illegal to own is because they are considered invasive species and could harm the local native wildlife if they were released into the wild.

Here are a few websites that I found helpful when researching axolotls:

https://axolotlnerd.com/axolotl-care/

https://aquariumstoredepot.com/blogs/news/axolotl-tank-setup

https://www.axolotlcentral.com/axolotl-care-guide

If you have more questions about Axolotls leave a comment I would be happy to answer them.

#axolotl #aquarium