Axolotls do have noses, more accurately called nares. But unlike humans, their nostrils are not for breathing. Instead, they serve as specialized organs for detecting smells and chemical signals in the water. This sense of smell is vital in the dark, murky habitats axolotls call home.
Two Pairs of Nostrils
Axolotls have two pairs of nares:
- External nares: Located on the outside of the snout, these are the tiny holes you can spot on either side of the axolotl’s head. They allow water carrying chemical scents to enter.
- Internal nares: Found inside the roof of the mouth, they connect directly with the external nares. These openings help transfer scent particles and also play a role in the flow of air.
This dual system makes the axolotl nose both simple and highly effective for life underwater.
How the Axolotl Nose Develops
The nasal cavity of an axolotl is similar to that of other salamanders. It forms early in the embryo and extends like a small tube from the external nares to the internal nares. Along the way, the tissue between the nose and the developing mouth thins out, creating an opening called the choana.
Unlike in mammals, where some cells must die off to make space, axolotls achieve this connection simply by stretching and thinning tissue. The result is a smooth passage linking the nose to the mouth.
Studying this process gives scientists clues about how noses and breathing systems evolved in amphibians and, eventually, in land animals.
The Nose’s Main Role: Smell, Not Breathing
Axolotls don’t use their nostrils for breathing — that job is handled by their gills, lungs, and skin. Instead, their nose is all about smelling. Scents help them detect food, sense other creatures in their environment, and respond to chemical cues in the water.
This adaptation is especially important because axolotls live in murky lakes and canals where sight isn’t always reliable.
FAQs About Axolotl Noses
1. How well can axolotls smell underwater?
Very well. Their sense of smell is one of their strongest senses and allows them to locate food or recognize changes in their environment, even when visibility is low.
2. Do axolotls use their nose to find food?
Yes. They rely on chemical cues in the water to locate prey such as worms, insects, and small aquatic creatures.
3. Can axolotls smell outside of water, or only underwater?
They primarily use their nostrils underwater, where chemical signals are carried in the water. Outside of water, their sense of smell is limited and not nearly as effective.
4. Do axolotl nostrils ever get clogged or infected?
It’s rare, but just like other amphibians, axolotls can develop infections if their water quality is poor. Blockages are uncommon but can happen if debris gets stuck near the external nares.
5. Are axolotl noses similar to those of fish or amphibians?
They are closer to other amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. Fish nostrils are mainly for smelling only, while amphibians like axolotls have a more complex system with both external and internal nares.
6. Do axolotls rely more on their nose or other senses when hunting?
They use a combination. Smell is very important, but they also rely on their lateral line system (sensitive to water vibrations) and eyesight to detect and capture prey.