Axolotls have four legs—two at the front and two at the back. Their front feet carry four toes each, while their back feet carry five toes. The toes are webbed, with the webbing more pronounced on the back legs, helping axolotls swim and stabilize themselves in water.

Though axolotls have legs, they are not built for walking on land. Their limbs are too weak to support their weight outside water, so they spend their lives fully aquatic, using their legs mainly for crawling along tank surfaces or gliding during swimming.

Sometimes, an axolotl may appear with extra toes, missing digits, or even oddly shaped limbs. These differences can arise from injuries, genetic mutations, or the unique way axolotls regenerate body parts.

Wild-type axolotls, leucistics, albinos, and other morphs can show subtle differences in their legs and toes. For example, pigmentation on toes may vary widely, and darker morphs may show clearer color changes during maturity compared to lighter morphs.

Regeneration: The Miracle of Limb Regrowth

One of the most extraordinary features of axolotls is their ability to regrow entire legs and toes after injury or loss. Scientists have studied this process in detail and discovered that it depends on a chemical signal called retinoic acid, which acts like a map for the cells.

The levels of retinoic acid are higher near the shoulder and lower near the wrist of an axolotl. This is what help cells know exactly what part to rebuild—whether it’s a bone, joint, or toe. To keep this process accurate, an enzyme called CYP26B1 breaks down retinoic acid in certain areas, preventing mistakes in limb formation.

Another important player is the Shox gene, which influences the development of the upper limb. The shox gene also influences limb development in humans. It provides instructions for a protein that acts as a transcription factor, which essential for the normal development of bones in the limbs and other structures.

Together, these mechanisms explain how axolotls can regrow limbs with such precision and offer valuable clues for advancing human medical research in tissue repair and regenerative medicine.

Leg and Toe Abnormalities

Not all regrown limbs look identical to the original. Sometimes axolotls regenerate extra toes, shortened bones, or slightly misshapen limbs. These irregularities are rare but highlight the complexity of the regeneration process.

You may also come across axolotls with bent or twisted legs. This can result from injuries, poor healing, or developmental differences. While many deformities do not affect daily life, severe ones may need monitoring.

Toe and Leg Colours

Because axolotls live underwater, their legs and toes are vulnerable to fungal or bacterial infections. Monitoring color changes in their legs and toes is key to keeping them healthy.

• Red toes: May indicate increased blood flow, often seen in sexually mature axolotls or temporary stress.

• Pale toes: Could be normal in lighter morphs or signal poor circulation.

• Black or darkened toes: Sometimes a normal pigmentation change, but if sudden or paired with swelling, it may signal infection.

FAQs About Axolotl Legs and Toes

1. How long does it take for axolotls to regenerate their legs or toes?

Small injuries, like lost toes, can heal and regrow in a few weeks. Full leg regeneration may take a few months, depending on age, health, and water quality.

2. Why does my axolotl’s leg look bent, twisted, or deformed?

This may result from developmental differences, injury, or abnormal regeneration. If mobility isn’t impaired, it usually isn’t a cause for concern.

3. What does it mean if my axolotl’s toes look red, black, or pale?

Color changes can be normal (pigmentation, maturity) but may also signal stress, poor circulation, or infection. Watch for swelling, fungus, or sudden changes.

4. Are there differences between the legs and toes of wild-type and morph axolotls?

Yes, mostly in coloration. Wild-types often have darker toes, while leucistic and albino morphs show paler or translucent digits.