The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is fascinating for more than just its unusual appearance. This Mexican amphibian is often called “forever young” because it usually does not fully transform into a land-dwelling adult form. Axolotl neoteny means that the animal becomes sexually mature while keeping its larval features. These include external gills and an aquatic lifestyle. This evolutionary trait may have been an advantage. By remaining in the water, axolotls could access food more easily, face fewer threats, and reproduce successfully. In the case of the axolotl, “never growing up” is not a weakness. It is a remarkable survival strategy.
