Beauty Animalia : Mexican Salamander (Axolotl)

The axolotl "water monster" or Mexican salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a neotenic salamander, closely related to the tiger salamander. Larvae of this species fail to undergo metamorphosis, so the adults remain aquatic and gilled. It is also called ajolote  (which is also a common name for different types of salamander).  The species originates from numerous lakes, such as Lake Xochimilco underlying Mexico City.  Axolotls are used extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate limbs.

Axolotls should not be confused with waterdogs, the larval stage of the closely related tiger salamanders (A. tigrinum and A. mavortium), which are widespread in much of North America and occasionally become neotenic. Neither should they be confused with mudpuppies (Necturus spp.), fully aquatic salamanders which are not closely related to the axolotl but bear a superficial resemblance.

Wild axolotls are near extinction  due to urbanization in Mexico City and polluted waters. Non-native fish, such as African tilapia and Asian carp, have also recently been introduced to the waters. These new fish have been eating the axolotls' young, as well as its primary source of food.  The axolotl is currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's annual Red List of threatened species.