{"id":6688,"date":"2026-05-04T17:26:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T15:26:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/terraplaza.com\/magazin\/?p=6688"},"modified":"2026-05-04T17:26:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T15:26:17","slug":"axolotl-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/terraplaza.com\/magazin\/en\/amphibians\/axolotl-3\/6688\/","title":{"rendered":"Axolotl: The Creature That Never Grows Up \u2013 Regeneration, Myths and Survival"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Axolotl regeneration is one of the most remarkable abilities in the animal kingdom. In\u00a0Minecraft<\/em>, the axolotl appears as a cute aquatic creature. It is passive and helps players in underwater battles. It also has strong regenerative abilities. Yet it is not only a fictional character\u2014the real axolotl quickly captures people\u2019s hearts as well.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum<\/em>) belongs to the class Amphibia, within the order Caudata and the family Ambystomatidae. It is a truly fascinating and almost mystical creature (iNaturalist<\/a>). <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A Mystical Animal: The \u201cWater Dog\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>
\n

The name \u201caxolotl\u201d means \u201cwater dog\u201d, derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec) language (atl<\/em>\u00a0= water,\u00a0xolotl<\/em>\u00a0= dog). In Aztec mythology, the species is linked to Xolotl, the dog-headed god of death and rebirth. According to legend, Xolotl brought back the bones of the first humans. The gods had destroyed them, but humanity could then be recreated. The axolotl was therefore considered a sacred animal, although it was also consumed during ceremonial occasions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Native Habitat<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Today, the axolotl\u2019s remaining habitat is found in the canals of Xochimilco.<\/strong> Xochimilco is one of the outer districts of Mexico City, an urbanised area situated approximately 2,250 metres above sea level. The land gradually rises towards the south, reaching over 3,100 metres at its southernmost point. Its remaining habitats today have muddy bottoms and support a rich variety of plant and animal life. The water is cold and rich in oxygen. Its temperature rarely exceeds 20 \u00b0C. In winter, it may even fall below 6\u20137 \u00b0C.<\/strong> Rainfall in the area is very unevenly distributed throughout the year. Nearly 75% of the annual precipitation falls between June and September. The axolotl has now disappeared from much of its original range. This includes Lake Texcoco and Lake Zumpango, which were drained because of their seasonal flooding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Natural habitat of the Mexican axolotl in Xochimilco, Mexico City
Photo: stock.adobe.com\/Cmon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Conservation Status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The IUCN Red List classifies the species as Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List<\/a>).<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threats to Survival<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Habitat loss is not the only threat. The expansion of Mexico City<\/strong> and poor water quality<\/strong> also reduce the species\u2019 chances of survival. Although efforts have been made to improve water quality, they have not met expectations. Its population has declined further due to introduced fish species. These fish feed on it as a primary food source. Another threat to the species is that it is considered a delicacy by local people. It is still illegally sold for consumption<\/strong> in local markets today. Due to its regenerative abilities, it is also used in various laboratory experiments<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of these factors, its population has declined dramatically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2006, the IUCN classified the species as Critically Endangered. Its illegal trade is therefore strictly punishable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Legally Own an Axolotl?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The axolotl is listed in Appendix II of CITES <\/strong>(CITES species database<\/a>). It is also included in Annex B under European Union legislation.<\/strong> This means it is a protected species. Its trade is subject to strict regulations in Hungary and across the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Trade in Annex B species is generally permitted; however, it is subject to notification and documentation<\/strong> requirements under CITES and the relevant EU regulations governing the international trade of wild fauna and flora.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Proof of Origin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An axolotl should only be purchased from a registered, licensed breeder or dealer.<\/strong> They must be authorised to issue the necessary documentation and trade in the species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For every axolotl sold, the buyer must receive a document certifying its legal origin. This is commonly referred to as an \u201cEU certificate\u201d or proof of origin document. This document confirms that the animal was bred and raised in captivity and was not taken from the wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like to keep an axolotl as a pet, always make sure to request proof of its origin.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Colour Variants<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The wild axolotl is dark grey or brown with black spots. However, through captive breeding, numerous colour variants have developed, partly as a result of crossbreeding with tiger salamanders. The most common variants in Hungary include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n