Axolotl: The Amazing Walking Fish

     Known to the citizens of Oceania as the “Mexican walking fish”, this bizarre creature looks like a realistic rendition of an artist’s sketch of the transition from aquatic fish to terrestrial reptiles thought to have occurred many moons ago in the process of evolution. This phylogenic “missing link” isn’t photoshopped: it is in fact a member of the order Caudata, meaning it is a salamander just like the ones you would find under a rock in Fowler Woods. Well, not just like it. Many differentiations distinguish organisms the more specific the taxonomy gets. Ambystoma mexicanum is the scientific name of the organism, nonetheless just as difficult to pronounce as its common name, pronounced “Axe-oh-lot-uhl”. Its name stems from the Aztec name for the god of deformation, but can also be translated to “water-dog” from the same language. Its odd features result from the retention of its larval characteristics throughout its adult life. Despite what would be considered by the standards of most species as a defect condemning them to death, the adult axolotl is a perfectly functional organism capable of reproduction. This phenomenon known as “neoteny” is passed down genetically, and is now definitive of the axolotl although it is capable of metamorphosis, spontaneous or hormonally induced. Although there are no issues threatening the individual salamander, the axolotl does face threats to its existence on this planet as a whole. Not only is it listed as an endangered animal by CITES, but its home range is very specific, confined to the lakes and canals in direct proximity of Mexico City. Their endangered status is not aided by their exotic appearance appealing to black market animal traders or their demand as a delicacy. They can grow up to a foot long and can live up to 15 years! They are carnivores that eat small mollusks, worms, insect larvae, and small fish, just like your typical salamander. It also can regenerate limbs. Also, as an aquatic organism, it breathes through gills and to an extent, its skin.

References:

Clare, John P. "Introduction." Axolotls: The Fascinating Mexican Axolotl and the Tiger

Salamander. Caudata.org, 2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. <http://www.axolotl.org/>.

"Mexican Axolotls, Mexican Axolotl Pictures, Mexican Axolotl Facts - National Geographic."

National Geographic. National Geographic, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/axolotl/>.