At first glance, the axolotl mouth looks simple — a broad curve that stretches nearly across the face. Yet it has several components working together to help the animal survive. The jaws are relatively short but powerful, lined with fine rows of teeth. Inside, a thick, fleshy tongue sits fixed at the base of the mouth. Unlike mammals, axolotls do not use their tongue to manipulate food, but rather rely on suction to draw prey inside.
The lips are soft and flexible, sealing tightly to create suction pressure when the axolotl opens its mouth quickly. This design makes the mouth an efficient feeding tool, perfect for capturing small prey in aquatic environments.
Teeth
Axolotls do have teeth, though they’re not the sharp fangs you might expect. Instead, the teeth are tiny and arranged in fine rows on both the upper and lower jaws. Their purpose isn’t to cut or chew food but to grip it. Once the axolotl sucks in prey, the teeth help keep it from escaping until it is swallowed whole.
Because the teeth are so small, an axolotl bite is rarely painful to humans. At most, it feels like a gentle nip or suction.
Tongue
The axolotl’s tongue is another fascinating part of its mouth. It is thick and fleshy, but unlike in mammals, it doesn’t move around freely. Instead, the tongue is fixed to the base of the mouth, much like in fishes. This means axolotls don’t use their tongue to push or chew food. Its role is mostly supportive, helping to guide swallowed items down into the throat.
Palate and Throat
Another significant part of the axolotl mouth is the palate (the roof of the mouth) and the connection to the throat. The palate helps direct food inward during suction feeding, while the throat serves as the pathway into the digestive tract. The throat muscles also help close the mouth quickly after snapping it open, locking in food and preventing water from washing it out.
How Axolotls Eat
Axolotls are suction feeders, meaning they rely on water currents to pull food into their mouths. When they spot prey such as worms, insects, or pellets, they snap their mouth open suddenly. This action creates a vacuum that draws water — and the food — inside. Once captured, the prey is trapped by the fine teeth and swallowed whole.
Because they don’t chew, axolotls rely on appropriately sized food. Worms are usually swallowed wriggling, while pellets are gulped down in one piece. Anything too large can cause choking or refusal to eat.
The Smiling Look
Perhaps the most beloved feature of axolotls is their perpetual grin. Their wide, curved mouths naturally form a shape that looks like a smile, giving them a friendly and almost cartoonish expression. However, this look doesn’t reflect their emotions — it’s simply the structure of their mouths. Axolotls don’t smile in the human sense, but their charming expression has certainly won them many admirers.
FAQs
1. Can an axolotl bite you?
Yes, but it’s not painful. With tiny teeth, their bite feels more like suction than a true bite. Accidental nips can happen during hand-feeding.
2. Why does my axolotl snap its mouth suddenly?
That snapping motion is part of suction feeding. It creates the water current that draws food into their mouth. Sometimes they may also snap when startled.
3. Do axolotls breathe through their mouths?
Yes, partly. While their main source of oxygen is through external gills and skin, axolotls also have lungs. They occasionally gulp air at the surface, drawing it in through their mouths.
4. What does it mean if an axolotl keeps opening its mouth wide?
Occasional wide opening is normal and often compared to yawning. But if it happens frequently, it may indicate stress, low oxygen levels, or poor water quality.
5. Can axolotls choke on food?
Yes. If given food that’s too large, they can struggle to swallow and may spit it back out. It’s best to provide bite-sized portions suitable for their size.