axolotl

axolotl

The axolotl (axolotl Nahuatl) (Ambystoma mexicanum) also known as axolotl, is a species of salamander that does not develop in the larval stage. an example of neotenous animal, it retains throughout life external gills, a characteristic of the larval stage. The axolotls are widely used in the laboratory because of its regenerative capacity (the animal can regenerate both in the case of losing a limb or its tail, can create a completely new).

An adult axolotl can measure 15 to 45 cm although the most common length is 23 cm and it is rare to find a specimen over 30 cm. The axolotls have typical characteristics of larval salamanders, including external gills and fins flows since the end of the head extending to the length of the tail. This is because these amphibians have rudimentary thyroid and there is no release of thyroid hormones, which are essential in amphibian metamorphosis. When an axolotl receives thyroid hormone, it becomes adult animal with ground loads: lung and legs and loss of tail resorption, making it very similar to the salamander Tiger Plateau Tiger Salamander (in some rare cases, this metamorphosis occurs naturally).

The heads are large and feature lidless eyes. Males are identifiable only in the breeding season by the presence of cesspools much more pronounced and round appearance.

Habitat

Contrary to what occurs with their close relatives, such as frogs and toads, which now live on land when they leave the larval forms, the axolotls remain in the water for life. Its unique natural habitat consists of lakes near Mexico City, especially the Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chignahuapan, the latter in the state of Puebla. Currently, the Chignahuapan lake, are rarely found. This is due to predation of their eggs by non-native species introduced by man. In addition, the axolotl regeneration capacity also brings some problems, since in certain parts of Mexico is appreciated broths and the naturist medicine (such as vitamin).