Amphibians That Are Green With Brown & Red Spots & a Fan Tail

Some wild varieties of the axolotl display dark green coloring with brown or red spots. Typically 6 to 9 inches long, the axolotl's color varies from albino to solid black. Native to Mexico, it is notable for its neoteny and ability to regenerate lost body parts. Though they are quite common as pets and research animals, the wild axolotl is listed as critically endangered due to degradation of its natural habitat.

  1. Description

    • The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a neotenous variation of the tiger salamander. Biologists use the term neoteny to describe an animal that retains infantile features into adulthood. Unlike other salamanders, the axolotl remains in its larval stage through to sexual maturity. It retains the feathered gills, paddle-tail and underdeveloped limbs of a larval salamander, but grows to a much larger size. Though it has a rudimentary set of lungs, the axolotl is an exclusively aquatic animal and cannot live out of water.

    Habitat

    • The axolotl is historically native to the murky waters of Mexico's lakes Chalco and Xochimilco. A carnivore, axolotl subsists primarily on worms, insects, crustaceans and small fish. It's natural predators include seabirds, such as herons. The drying up of lake Chalco has limited axolotl's wild range, and the introduction of non-native larger species of fish -- as well encroaching development from an ever-expanding Mexico City -- have pressed the wild axolotl to the edge of extinction.

    Research

    • Though the wild axolotl faces an uncertain future, the value of the species as a research animal ensures its continued existence in captivity. Unlike other salamanders, axolotls breed readily in captivity, and their large, easily manipulated embryos make them ideal for genetic and developmental research. Its unique regenerative capacity makes the axolotl of special interest to researchers. Rather than scaring, the injured specimen completely regrows damaged tissue. The axolotl can regenerate entire limbs, internal organs and even parts of the brain.

    Care

    • The strange appearance and novelty of the animal make axolotl a common aquarium pet. They do well in captivity, and don't require an especially demanding care regimen. A temperate freshwater tank of neutral pH and de-chlorinated water should suffice. You should not keep young axolotls together because they may attack each other. Earthworms and blood worms -- both usually available at aquarium shops -- make excellent live food. They also do well with soft salmon and trout pellets. A well-cared for axolotl can live up to 15 years.