Axolotls can regenerate entire limbs, parts of their spinal cord, and even parts of their brain. These fascinating amphibians also never truly grow up — instead, they keep their youthful features throughout their lives. Scientists call this neoteny, and it’s one of the reasons axolotls are so unique in the animal kingdom. With traits this … Read more
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 … Read more
The axolotl heart may look small, but it’s a fascinating organ with unique features that make it very different from our own. Located just behind the front legs (the pectoral girdle), the heart sits safely inside a protective sac called the pericardial cavity. Unlike humans, who have four chambers, axolotls have a three-chambered heart: two … Read more
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 … Read more
As you probably already know, one of the main reasons axolotls are famous worldwide is their importance in medical research. Unlike most animals, axolotls can not only regenerate lost limbs and tails but also repair and regrow parts of their brain. This ability has attracted significant scientific attention. Researchers are especially interested in how axolotls … Read more
If you’re anything like me, the first image that comes to mind when someone mentions an axolotl’s head is the striking fan of feathery gills extending gracefully from each side. While these gills are certainly the most eye-catching feature, there’s much more to an axolotl’s head than meets the eye. It contains a range of … Read more
Flowing, delicate, and almost translucent, axolotl fins add to their unique underwater elegance. But beyond just beauty, fins play an essential role in the survival, health, and behavior of these amphibians. What Are Axolotl Fins Used For? Axolotl fins are primarily used for movement and balance. Unlike fish, axolotls don’t rely heavily on constant swimming; … Read more
The cloaca is a multi-purpose opening located at the base of the tail, just behind the hind legs. Unlike mammals, which have separate openings for reproduction, urination, and defecation, axolotls (and many other amphibians) use the cloaca as a single exit point for all three. Inside, the cloaca connects to the digestive tract, the urinary … Read more
Most axolotls have round, dark eyes with yellow or golden irises that shimmer under the light. These iridescent rings give their gaze a mystical quality. Unlike many other amphibians, axolotls do not have eyelids. That means their eyes are always exposed to the water around them, which is why they’re extremely sensitive to changes in … Read more
Unlike most amphibians that lose their gills as they mature, axolotls keep theirs for life, giving them their unique, otherworldly look. These delicate fronds are not just beautiful—they are essential for survival. Let’s explore axolotl gill anatomy, what makes them so special, and the many questions people often ask about them. Anatomy of Axolotl Gills … Read more