The axolotl is a type of amphibian that belongs to the genus Ambystoma and the family Ambystomatidae. The most representative member of the group is the Mexican salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum), a species endemic to Mexico. However, there are a variety of other types of axolotls, around 30 species, some also only inhabit the Mexican region, while others extend further north.
Almost half of the species of mole salamanders, as they are also known, are in danger of extinction, among other things due to the introduction of species that have become invasive and feed on these amphibiansThus, these animals not only have their natural predators, but are also subject to pressure from non-natives. Continue reading this article on our site and learn about the predators of the axolotl
Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
The European or common carp is a freshwater fish native to Europe and Asia, however, it has been domesticated and introduced practically all over the world, to the point of becoming an invasive species in several bodies of water on a global scale. In this way, this fish lives in various rivers and lakes that are the habitat of the axolotl, on which it feeds.
In this sense, the carp has become by human intervention in a predator of the axolotl, since originally it was not because of be a species native to continents other than America.
Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Tilapia is another type of freshwater fish, native to Africa, which has also been widely introduced in various countries, including Mexico. It is a generally herbivorous fish, but it has developed a tendency to be omnivorous In fact, where it has been introduced it becomes a competitive species that It feeds on other animals, such as the axolotl, which is one of its prey. Therefore, this is one of the several reasons why various species of these amphibians are in danger of extinction.
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
The rainbow trout is a fish from the group of salmonids, which share their lives between bodies of fresh and s alt water, as they spawn in the former and live in the sea. In the case of this trout, as has happened with previous predators, it has been bred in a generalized way in many regions and introduced into different bodies of water that are not its own, as is the case of various freshwater habitats of the stream axolotl (Ambystoma altamirani), which has become one of the prey consumed by rainbow trout.
Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis aureus)
This is another type of tilapia, native to Africa and Asia, also declared invasive in various ecosystems due to its massive introduction into freshwater bodies. In the case of Mexico, it has been taken to Lake Pátzcuaro, where the salamander or axolotl that bears the same name as the lake lives and corresponds to the species Ambystoma dumerilii, which is endemic.
The Patzcuaro axolotl is in critical danger of extinction, among other reasons, due to predation by blue tilapia and other fish, which also harbor parasites such as Lerneae sp that also affect the axolotl.
Large Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
The largemouth bass is a native North American fish that lives in freshwater and feeds on carnivores It is a relatively large fish, about 75 cm and about 12 kg. It consumes a wide variety of aquatic animals, among which is the axolotl.
If you are interested, discover other carnivorous fish in this other post.
Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Originally this fish is native to Asia, but due to its massive domestication in aquaculture, it is another example of an introduced species in many regions of Europe and America. Although its diet is based mainly on plant matter, algae and detritus, it also includes certain invertebrates and both eggs and larvae of axolotl, making it one of its predators of the axolotl in these stages.
Herons
Herons are a diverse group of birds with a cosmopolitan distribution, whose habits are associated with freshwater bodies, such as lakes and wetlands, carrying a carnivorous-type diet. Among other types of animals, they are natural predators of the axolotl. In this way, depending on the species, several develop in Mexican aquatic ecosystems where the axolotl lives, which can be one of its prey.
American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
The bullfrog is an amphibian native to North America that inhabits different bodies of fresh water. It is a large animal that can measure up to 15 cm and weigh about 500 g. In addition, is very voracious, feeding on a variety of animals. However, this amphibian has been introduced into axolotl habitats, where it has become an exotic predator of the axolotl, such as the California salamander (Ambystoma californiense), which is a type of axolotl.
River Crabs
Crayfish are species of crustaceans that live in freshwater such as rivers. They are quite widespread globally, since there are different species. In the case of North America, there is an important variety and some of these species have been introduced into the habitat of the axolotl Because this type of crab can consume other animals, have become another of the enemies of the axolotls.
Humans
We cannot fail to mention humans as one of the axolotl's greatest predators. Although this custom seems to be declining, for a long time various species of axolotls were consumed by local people.
In this way, we can see how human actions have altered the natural dynamics of the axolotl, not only due to cases of contamination, deforestation and alteration of bodies of water where it lives, but there has been an introduction of various species that have become predators of this amphibian, which has been dramatic for it. It is for this reason, among others, that the introduction of species to habitats that are not their own can be very detrimental to the dynamics of an ecosystem. In addition, we must not forget that the axolotl, unfortunately, is also a victim of animal trafficking to sell it as a pet. Thus, many people extract them from their natural habitats to take them to human homes, which causes them to die by living in a small space and without the conditions to which they were accustomed. It is very important to be aware of the type of animal that you decide to introduce into the house.
If you love these animals, enjoy them in nature without disturbing their lives and continue expanding your knowledge with this article on Curiosities of the axolotl.
