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An An Introduction to Introduction to

AxolotlsAxolotls

A Project by Jonathan GlassA Project by Jonathan Glass

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An Introduction to An Introduction to AxolotlsAxolotls

We’re about to see….We’re about to see…. what axolotls are.what axolotls are. where axolotls come from.where axolotls come from. some of the amazing things axolotls some of the amazing things axolotls

can do.can do.

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What are Axolotls?What are Axolotls?

Also called The Mexican Walking Fish or Water Dragon (Ambystoma Also called The Mexican Walking Fish or Water Dragon (Ambystoma

mexicanum).mexicanum). They are the juvenile form of a salamander, a bit like a tadpole is to a frog.They are the juvenile form of a salamander, a bit like a tadpole is to a frog. They can grow 6 to 15 inches long and live in fresh water.They can grow 6 to 15 inches long and live in fresh water. They can live for up to 15 years.They can live for up to 15 years. They occur in several different colours.They occur in several different colours. They will try to eat anything that they can get in their mouth, including each They will try to eat anything that they can get in their mouth, including each

other!other!

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Axolotls come from two lakes near Mexico City, Lake Xochimilco & Lake Axolotls come from two lakes near Mexico City, Lake Xochimilco & Lake Chalco.Chalco.

Lake Chalco was drained in order to prevent flooding so Xochimilco is their Lake Chalco was drained in order to prevent flooding so Xochimilco is their last remaining natural habitat.last remaining natural habitat.

Unfortunately, the Xochimilco habitat has deteriorated in recent years due Unfortunately, the Xochimilco habitat has deteriorated in recent years due to pollution and the introduction of other wildlife. As a result, the axolotl is to pollution and the introduction of other wildlife. As a result, the axolotl is listed as critically endangered, and is protected internationally.listed as critically endangered, and is protected internationally.

Six adult axolotls were shipped from Mexico City to Paris in 1863. The ones Six adult axolotls were shipped from Mexico City to Paris in 1863. The ones we see in captivity are mostly ancestors of those six individuals.we see in captivity are mostly ancestors of those six individuals.

Where do Axolotls come Where do Axolotls come from?from?

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They are They are neotenicneotenic, meaning they can breed without undergoing , meaning they can breed without undergoing metamorphosis.metamorphosis.

They have 3 pairs of gills, but they have simple lungs so they can gulp air They have 3 pairs of gills, but they have simple lungs so they can gulp air at the surface. They can also breath through their skins, but not very well!at the surface. They can also breath through their skins, but not very well!

The possession of axolotls is The possession of axolotls is illegalillegal in the States of California & New Jersey in the States of California & New Jersey because they are on the endangered species list.because they are on the endangered species list.

They can regenerate most of their body parts if lost or damaged, including They can regenerate most of their body parts if lost or damaged, including limbs, gills, tail and some internal organs, even their eyes and parts of their limbs, gills, tail and some internal organs, even their eyes and parts of their brains!brains!

Some Amazing Things Some Amazing Things about Axolotlsabout Axolotls

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KingdomKingdom AnimaliaAnimalia

PhylumPhylum ChordataChordata

ClassClass AmphibiaAmphibia

OrderOrder CaudataCaudata

FamilyFamily AmbystomatidaeAmbystomatidae

GenusGenus AmbystomaAmbystoma

Axolotl Data SheetAxolotl Data Sheet

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Axolotl Keeping costsAxolotl Keeping costs(All prices taken from (All prices taken from http://http://www.petsathome.comwww.petsathome.com/shop/fish/fish-tank-equipment//shop/fish/fish-tank-equipment/

31/June/2013)31/June/2013)

ItemItem Cost/RangeCost/Range

AquariumAquarium £40.00 to £600.00 Depending £40.00 to £600.00 Depending on size.on size.

FilterFilter £12.49 to £129.00£12.49 to £129.00

Air PumpAir Pump £9.99 to £30.00£9.99 to £30.00

HeaterHeater No heater required.No heater required.

Gravel/SubstrateGravel/Substrate £0.50/kg to £8.00/kg£0.50/kg to £8.00/kg

WaterWater Fresh chlorine-free tap water.Fresh chlorine-free tap water.

Fresh FoodFresh Food Worms, spare bits of dog/cat Worms, spare bits of dog/cat food etc.food etc.

Frozen FoodFrozen Food About £4.00/Month/animal.About £4.00/Month/animal.