The axolotl, a type of salamander, is a unique symbol of Mexico City. This amphibian tends to reach maturity without going through metamorphosis. Although some axolotls do eventually leave the water, most of them keep their external gills and stay underwater permanently. They are sometimes called “walking fish” because they resemble a fish with legs when they become mature.
Axolotls basically come in five colors, and they seem to have a cute, smiling expression. They have tiny arms with long, thin digits. The body length ranges from 15 to 45 centimeters but rarely greater than 30 centimeters, and they live for about 15 years. They are carnivores with a diet of worms, insects, and small fish.
Their name comes from Aztecculture. Xolotl was an ancient god that was connected to lightning, fire, and sickness. He was the twin brother of Quetzalcoatl, and like the axolotl, he possessed the ability to transform his body.
The axolotl is a fascinating creature in biology because it has the remarkable ability to regrow body parts if any of them are lost or damaged. It is also possible to transplantbody parts from one axolotl to another without rejection from the recipient. Scientists hope that by studying the axolotl, we might learn to regrow tissuefrom the human body someday.
