Is an Axolotl a fish, Axolotls unreal factss You didn't know

Is an axolotl a fish, Axolotls unreal factss You didn't know #habitatloss #shorts #endangeredspecies #conservation
An axolotl is not a fish; it’s actually an amphibian, closely related to salamanders. However, unlike most amphibians, axolotls remain in a juvenile, aquatic form throughout their lives, a phenomenon known as neoteny. Here are some unreal facts about this fascinating creature:
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1. They Can Regenerate Almost Anything
Axolotls are famous for their regenerative abilities. They can regrow entire limbs, parts of their spinal cord, heart tissue, and even sections of their brain without any scarring! Scientists study them to learn more about regenerative medicine.

2. They Stay "Young" Forever
Unlike most amphibians, axolotls don’t undergo metamorphosis to become land-dwelling adults. Instead, they retain their larval features, like gills and an aquatic lifestyle, all their lives. This is due to a lack of thyroid hormones, which is what typically triggers metamorphosis in amphibians.

3. They Only Exist in the Wild in One Place
The only place axolotls are found in the wild is Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City. Sadly, they are critically endangered in their natural habitat due to pollution, habitat destruction, and invasive species.

4. They Breathe Through Both Gills and Lungs
While axolotls have external gills that let them breathe underwater, they can also use their lungs to breathe air at the surface. They have rudimentary lungs that they can use if necessary, especially in low-oxygen environments.

5. Their Colors Come in a Range of Mutations
Wild axolotls are typically dark brown or black with speckled spots for camouflage. However, captive breeding has produced a range of colors, including albino, leucistic (pink with black eyes), and even golden hues.

6. They Can "Morph" Under Certain Conditions
Although rare, an axolotl can sometimes undergo metamorphosis if exposed to thyroid hormones or specific environmental conditions, transforming into a terrestrial salamander. However, this transformation can be risky for the animal’s health.

7. They Were Worshiped by the Aztecs
The Aztecs believed axolotls were the earthly manifestation of Xolotl, the god of fire, lightning, and death. They also thought of them as the gods of deformities and the underworld, adding to their cultural significance.

Axolotls are indeed an unusual and mesmerizing species, with unique biology that fascinates scientists and animal lovers alike!