These cute creatures are experiencing a moment, aren’t they? Axolotls are so unique and adorable but also a little bit weird, right? Recently, my youngest young adult child here asked if we could get one, so I did a little deep dive for a hot second and determined it’s probably not a fit for us. They demand a complex filtration system according to what I understand and if my youngest could take great care with that I’d consider it but don’t really see it.
Table of Contents
Ten Axolotl Facts
Axolotls are some of the most unique and fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom. There are a few of these little cuties at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. We were entirely enamoured with these little things the day we visited the aquarium recently.
Forever Young?
- They Never Fully Grow Up Unlike most amphibians that transform from water-dwelling larvae into land-dwelling adults (like tadpoles into frogs), axolotls remain in their aquatic larval form their entire lives—a biological phenomenon known as neoteny.
Super Powers Activate
- Unmatched Regeneration Powers Axolotls can regenerate lost limbs, tails, spinal cords, heart muscle tissue, and even portions of their brains—all without leaving behind scar tissue.
Home on the …
- Native to Only One Place on Earth In the wild, axolotls are native exclusively to the high-altitude lake network of Lake Xochimilco on the southern edge of Mexico City.
Horns or Gills
- Those “Horns” Are External Gills The crown-like frills around an axolotl’s head are actually external gills. The tiny, feather-like filaments increase surface area to extract oxygen directly from the water.
Water Dog
- Named After an Aztec God The name axolotl comes from the Nahuatl language and translates to “water dog.” According to Aztec mythology, the god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, transformed himself into the creature to hide from being sacrificed.
Hoovers
- Vacuum Feeders Axolotls don’t have true teeth for chewing. Instead, they hunt using a vacuum-like suction technique. They snap open their mouths to suck in worms, small crustaceans, and tiny fish whole.
Endangered
- Critically Endangered in the Wild While millions of axolotls live safely in home aquariums and research labs, wild populations are critically endangered. Sadly due to water pollution, urban sprawl, and introduced invasive species like tilapia and carp they are at risk.
What Colour
- Wild Colouration vs. Pet Morphs: In the wild, axolotls are typically a mottled dark greenish-brown or black to camouflage against lake beds. The popular pale pink (leucistic), golden, and albino varieties were selectively bred in captivity.
Medical Research
- Cancer Resistance and Medical Research: Did you know scientists estimate that axolotls are more than 1, 000 times more resistant to cancer than mammals? Their ability to regenerate tissue makes them one of the most studied animals in medical science.
Transformed
- They Can Be Forced to Metamorphose If given injections of iodine or thyroid hormones in a lab setting, an axolotl can shed its external gills, develop lungs, and transform into a land-dwelling salamander. However, doing so is extremely stressful and significantly shortens their lifespan.
Cute, quirky and a little bit otherworldly, who doesn’t like these creatures?
Download the activity here:
Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. I receive a small commission via purchases made.
Paper and Printer:
Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Crayola Twistables are perfect for craft days.
STEAM Activities and More
Don’t miss this summer STEAM activity sheet while you are here. My Pinterest boards have many activities for kids and parents to use all summer long.
There are dozens of lifecycle worksheets. I also have several travel related kid’s learning activities.
All About England is a cute one to start with today and do the tour of Europe with the France Colouring Sheet and workbook.
Enjoy the Fall Months!
As we shift indoors every day just a little bit more, you will be looking for indoor activities so please let me know what you need or want and I will do my best to share the activities that I love here.
