Axolotls are one of the most curious animals in the animal kingdom. They are able to regenerate some parts of their body and preserve their youth over time, in addition, these animals have characteristics as surprising as cannibalism.
In this article on our site we will talk about the feeding of axolotls, amphibians with a nice and funny appearance. What do you think they can feed on? If you want to find out, keep reading this article to find out what axolotls eat
Characteristics of the axolotl
Although it may look like a huge tadpole or larva, the salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a curious species of endemic caudate amphibian of the Valley of Mexico basin. Despite the fact that since 2006 it has been critically endangered, it is still possible to find some specimens in the wild in Lake Xochimilco.
Primarily aquatic in nature, this amphibian occasionally goes outdoors for air, but lives mainly in deep waters, where there is abundant vegetation.
Easily differentiated by its peculiar physical characteristics:
- Elongated body that can reach up to 30 centimeters in length.
- A total of six external gills behind its head, with which it absorbs oxygen and expels carbon dioxide.
- Little black eyes.
- Smooth, soft and elastic skin.
- Thin, long, pointed fingers.
- Retractable tongue.
- Tiny teeth arranged in rows.
- Great oral capacity.
- Flat tail that serves as a fin for swimming.
- Visible blood vessels.
In the wild, the colors of the axolotl can vary between brown or brown, green, gray, and can even present flecks of darker colors. In captivity there have been clear and albino variations, such as the axolotl pink or gold
Finally, regarding the reproduction of this animal, the axolotl, despite retaining its juvenile features until old age, between 12 and 18 months of age acquires the ability to mature sexually to breed. Once a year, they lay 100 to 300 eggs attached to rocks or aquatic vegetation. The little pups are born between 10 and 14 days later and face life without the help of their parents.
Axolotl feeding
The axolotl is an amphibian that follows a carnivorous diet. Its teeth allow it to grasp its food, but not tear or chew it, so swallows its food whole Upon seeing its target, the axolotl opens its mouth wide dimensions and sucks up water along with the food.
Your feed can be differentiated between live feed and dry feed:
- Live food: small crustaceans, worms, earthworms, slugs, snails, crickets, mosquito larvae, frog tadpoles, occasionally fish and other small organisms from the depths of Lake Xochimilco.
- Dry food: in captivity, it is common to offer the axolotl dried shrimp or floating food, like the one given to water turtles or fish. It is important to do without flakes or food for fish that do not float, because when they fall to the bottom of the aquarium or fish tank, the animal tries to ingest the food and ends up also sucking up stones or pebbles that are on the bottom and that can cause serious he alth and including death.
In a complementary way, the axolotl can feed on small pieces of meatof chicken, chicken or turkey liver and beef heart. Although these amphibians can withstand starvation for several weeks, feeding once or twice a week is recommended in captivity.
As an anecdotal note, the axolotl has been described as a cannibal animal, so it is advisable to separate the larvae at birth to avoid that end up being food for their parents. In turn, these small hatchlings feed mainly on zooplankton until their organisms allow them to switch to the adult diet.
10 Curiosities of the axolotl
As we told you in advance and you may have discovered, the axolotl is a very curious and particular animal. Next, we expose other curiosities of this species in case it has not surprised you enough:
- It looks like a giant tadpole with legs.
- He is able to regenerate some parts of his body when they are mutilated, such as his limbs, tail and evenheart cells or brain neurons.
- It is a species neoteny, or what is the same, it has the ability to retain its larval characteristics even when it reaches sexual maturity.
- Unlike most amphibians, axolotls reach adulthood without metamorphosis.
- They have both simple lungs and gills, and can also breathe through the skin.
- He has eyes without eyelids and his fingers have no nails.
- It has a life expectancy that can reach up to 20 years in captivity, although only 6 years maximum in the wild.
- The species has been exploited for medicinal studies, food and even ritual ceremonies.
- These animals were considered the reincarnation of the God Axolotl during the time of the Aztec Empire.
- Its natural predators are the Tilapia mojarra and the white heron, although its greatest enemy is humans.
Have you been wanting more? Then you can't miss our article on the curiosities of the axolotl, where we will explain many other details about this unique species.
