sarcososman2

· 17 Jan 2022

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In danger of extinction the “Axolotl”

According to legend, the axolotl is the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, who disguised himself as a salamander to avoid being sacrificed. But these Mexican amphibians are impressive enough on their own, for their ability to regenerate lost limbs and stabilize “young” throughout their lives. Unlike other salamanders that undergo metamorphosis, axolots never exceed their larval, juvenile stage, a phenomenon called neoteny. This means that it maintains its dorsal tadpole-shaped fin, which extends almost along its entire body, and its feathery outer gills, which protrude from the back of its broad head. Its youthful features include feathery gills that sprout from their heads like a mane, webbed feet, a dorsal fin that runs along its body, and a tail. Although they retain their gills, adult axolotl also have functional lungs and can breathe through the skin. And as if being babies forever didn't make them incredible enough, their mouths always form a smile. Those sweet little smiles can quickly turn into vacuum cleaners when it's time to eat. Axolots suck their prey, which includes crustaceans, mollusks, insect eggs and small fish. Located exclusively in Xochimilco, near Mexico City, axolotes differ from most salamanders in that they live permanently in the water. In extremely rare cases, an axolotl will progress to maturity and emerge from the water, but in general, they are content to stay at the bottom of the lakes and channels of Xochimilco, adult axolotl also have functional lungs and can breathe through the skin. And as if being babies forever didn't make them incredible enough, their mouths always form a smile. Those sweet little smiles can quickly turn into vacuum cleaners when it's time to eat. Axolots suck their prey, which includes crustaceans, mollusks, insect eggs and small fish. Located exclusively in Xochimilco, near Mexico City, axolotes differ from most salamanders in that they live permanently in the water. In extremely rare cases, an axolotl will progress to maturity and emerge from the water, but in general, they are content to stay at the bottom of the lakes and channels of Xochimilco, adult axolotl also have functional lungs and can breathe through the skin. And as if being babies forever didn't make them incredible enough, their mouths always form a smile. Those sweet little smiles can quickly turn into vacuum cleaners when it's time to eat. Axolots suck their prey, which includes crustaceans, mollusks, insect eggs and small fish. Located exclusively in Xochimilco, near Mexico City, axolotes differ from most salamanders in that they live permanently in the water. In extremely rare cases, an axolotl will progress to maturity and emerge from the water, but in general, they are content to stay at the bottom of the lakes and channels of Xochimilco