2. 2
An Introduction toAn Introduction to
AxolotlsAxolotls
We’re about to see….We’re about to see….
what axolotls are.what axolotls are.
where axolotls come from.where axolotls come from.
some of the amazing things axolotls cansome of the amazing things axolotls can
do.do.
3. 3
What are Axolotls?What are Axolotls?
Also called The Mexican Walking Fish or Water Dragon (Ambystoma mexicanum).Also called The Mexican Walking Fish or Water Dragon (Ambystoma mexicanum).
They are the juvenile form of a salamander, a bit like a tadpole is to a frog.They are the juvenile form of a salamander, a bit like a tadpole is to a frog.
They can grow 6 to 15 inches long and live in fresh water.They can grow 6 to 15 inches long and live in fresh water.
They can live for up to 15 years.They can live for up to 15 years.
They occur in several different colours.They occur in several different colours.
They will try to eat anything that they can get in their mouth, including eachThey will try to eat anything that they can get in their mouth, including each
other!other!
4. 4
Axolotls come from two lakes near Mexico City, Lake Xochimilco & Lake Chalco.Axolotls come from two lakes near Mexico City, Lake Xochimilco & Lake Chalco.
Lake Chalco was drained in order to prevent flooding so Xochimilco is their lastLake Chalco was drained in order to prevent flooding so Xochimilco is their last
remaining natural habitat.remaining natural habitat.
Unfortunately, the Xochimilco habitat has deteriorated in recent years due toUnfortunately, the Xochimilco habitat has deteriorated in recent years due to
pollution and the introduction of other wildlife. As a result, the axolotl is listedpollution and the introduction of other wildlife. As a result, the axolotl is listed
as critically endangered, and is protected internationally.as critically endangered, and is protected internationally.
Six adult axolotls were shipped from Mexico City to Paris in 1863. The ones weSix adult axolotls were shipped from Mexico City to Paris in 1863. The ones we
see in captivity are mostly ancestors of those six individuals.see in captivity are mostly ancestors of those six individuals.
Where do Axolotls comeWhere do Axolotls come
from?from?
5. 5
They areThey are neotenicneotenic, meaning they can breed without undergoing, meaning they can breed without undergoing
metamorphosis.metamorphosis.
They have 3 pairs of gills, but they have simple lungs so they can gulpThey have 3 pairs of gills, but they have simple lungs so they can gulp
air at the surface. They can also breath through their skins, but notair at the surface. They can also breath through their skins, but not
very well!very well!
The possession of axolotls isThe possession of axolotls is illegalillegal in the States of California & Newin the States of California & New
Jersey because they are on the endangered species list.Jersey because they are on the endangered species list.
They can regenerate most of their body parts if lost or damaged,They can regenerate most of their body parts if lost or damaged,
including limbs, gills, tail and some internal organs, even their eyes andincluding limbs, gills, tail and some internal organs, even their eyes and
parts of their brains!parts of their brains!
Some Amazing ThingsSome Amazing Things
about Axolotlsabout Axolotls
7. 7
Axolotl Keeping costsAxolotl Keeping costs(All prices taken from(All prices taken from http://http://www.petsathome.comwww.petsathome.com/shop/fish/fish-tank-equipment//shop/fish/fish-tank-equipment/
31/June/2013)31/June/2013)
ItemItem Cost/RangeCost/Range
AquariumAquarium £40.00 to £600.00 Depending on£40.00 to £600.00 Depending on
size.size.
FilterFilter £12.49 to £129.00£12.49 to £129.00
Air PumpAir Pump £9.99 to £30.00£9.99 to £30.00
HeaterHeater No heater required.No heater required.
Gravel/SubstrateGravel/Substrate £0.50/kg to £8.00/kg£0.50/kg to £8.00/kg
WaterWater Fresh chlorine-free tap water.Fresh chlorine-free tap water.
Fresh FoodFresh Food Worms, spare bits of dog/catWorms, spare bits of dog/cat
food etc.food etc.
Frozen FoodFrozen Food About £4.00/Month/animal.About £4.00/Month/animal.
