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AmphibianTerrestrialIntermediate
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Axolotl
Ambystoma mexicanum
A famous neotenic freshwater salamander from Mexico, known for retaining larval features such as gills throughout its life.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Caudata
Family:Ambystomatidae
Genus:Ambystoma
Species:Ambystoma mexicanum*
* GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein)
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
100 %
Day temperature
14 - 20 °C
Night temperature
14 - 20 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: The axolotl is native to the ancient lake complex of Xochimilco near Mexico City. The GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) variant, however, was developed in laboratory research settings by introducing genes from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, and is now captive-bred for the pet trade.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the Ambystomatidae family, scientific name Ambystoma mexicanum. The GFP trait is inherited genetically as a stable transgene. This protein causes the animal's tissues to fluoresce without altering its basic physiology, neotenic characteristics, or natural behaviors.
Behavior and Habits: The species is neotenic, meaning it remains in its aquatic larval form throughout its life cycle without undergoing metamorphosis. It is entirely aquatic, slow-moving, and generally docile. It spends most of its time resting on the substrate, occasionally swimming to the surface for air.
Morphology: Features a robust body, a wide head with lidless eyes, and three pairs of external feathery gills. The GFP strain typically has a leucistic or albino base coloration under normal light, but under blue or UV light, the skin, bones, and internal organs glow with a vivid neon-green fluorescence.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Housed in an aquarium rather than a dry terrarium, requiring a minimum of 80 liters for one adult. The substrate must consist of fine sand (under 1mm) or a bare bottom, as gravel will cause fatal intestinal impaction if swallowed. Provide large, smooth caves and hiding spots.
Lighting and Heating: Keep lighting very low to prevent stress to their lidless eyes. Water temperature is the most critical factor and must be kept between 15°C and 18°C (59-64°F). Temperatures above 20°C (68°F) trigger severe stress and disease. An aquarium chiller is often necessary.
Humidity and Hydration: Fully aquatic. Requires clean water with low nitrate levels. Filtration should be highly efficient but must have a gentle output flow, as strong currents cause stress and gill damage. Perform weekly 20-30% water changes using water treated with a dechlorinator.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly carnivorous. The primary diet should consist of live earthworms, nightcrawlers, blackworms, or specialized high-protein sinking pellets. Occasional treats of frozen bloodworms can be offered. Supplementation is rarely needed if fed high-quality, varied whole prey.
Compatibility: Best kept in a species-only tank. Fish are not compatible as they will relentlessly nip at the axolotl's delicate external gills. Multiple axolotls can be kept together only if they are of the exact same size, as smaller individuals may be bitten or cannibalized.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly prone to fungal infections of the gills when kept in warm water. Intestinal impaction from improper substrates is a leading cause of death. Ensure the UV or blue light used to showcase the GFP effect is not left on constantly, as it can cause stress.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The axolotl is native to the ancient lake complex of Xochimilco near Mexico City. The GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) variant, however, was developed in laboratory research settings by introducing genes from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, and is now captive-bred for the pet trade.
Origin
Central America and CaribbeanNorth America
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 30 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Toxicity
- No verified data available
- Life stage
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 30 cm. The AmphiBIO v1 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 30 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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