Un peu plus d'informations...

Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl), also called Leucistic, is a leucistic form of the axolotl, an aquatic amphibian rather than a fish. Native to the former lakes of Mexico Valley, it retains adult larval traits, including its feathery external gills and fully aquatic lifestyle. Its pale coloration, generally pinkish white with dark eyes, results from reduced pigmentation and is not the same as albinism. Calm, discreet and most active at dusk, it is a fascinating animal that requires cool, clean and stable water. Its commercial rarity is rated here at 2 out of 3, meaning intermediate availability.

General species description

Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl) is the leucistic form of Ambystoma mexicanum, a salamander belonging to the family Ambystomatidae. The species is famous for its neoteny: it reaches sexual maturity while retaining a larval body shape and external gills. It also breathes through its skin and lungs, although its gills remain functional in well-oxygenated water. Its elongated body has four legs and a laterally compressed tail that provides effective propulsion. Usually calm, an axolotl can still swallow a tank mate small enough to fit into its mouth. It is therefore best kept alone or with similarly sized individuals. This leucistic form is offered exclusively by Ton.Fish in Canada, and its availability remains intermediate according to the stated rarity.

Geographic origin and biotope

Country of reference: Mexico. The axolotl originated in Mexico Valley, where it lived in Lakes Xochimilco and Chalco. Today, wild populations are mainly associated with the canals and wetlands of Xochimilco, in the southern part of Mexico City. This high-altitude habitat consists of relatively cool fresh water, with slow or nearly stagnant flow, aquatic vegetation and muddy banks. Canals may have cloudy water, variable depth and weak current, with shelter provided by plants, roots and bank structures. In an aquarium, the essential features of this habitat should be reproduced: gentle circulation, abundant hiding places, a non-abrasive bottom and moderate temperatures. Wild populations are threatened by habitat degradation, pollution and introduced species; aquarium animals generally come from captive breeding. The form presented here is not collected from the wild.

Precise locality and local name

The native region lies in Mexico, within the closed basin of Mexico Valley. The locality most commonly associated with the species is the Xochimilco canal system in southern Mexico City, a remnant of the former lakes in the region. The word axolotl comes from the Nahuatl āxōlōtl and traditionally refers to a water-associated creature, often interpreted as the water monster or water dog linked with the god Xolotl. In Spanish and North American aquarium trade, axolote and ajolote are also used, while axolotl remains the most widespread international name. The leucistic form is commonly described as leucistic axolotl in English. For this profile, the local name retained is axolotl, and this variety is exclusive to Ton.Fish in Canada.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl) is elongated, sturdy and ends in a laterally compressed tail. Its broad head has small eyes, a relatively large mouth and three pairs of branched external gills extending behind the skull. The leucistic form has creamy white to pink skin, sometimes showing fine visible veins, and dark eyes; it should not be confused with an albino axolotl, whose eyes are generally red or pink. Its four legs have slender, non-webbed toes suited to movement across the bottom. A caudal fin extends along the back and underside of the tail. Adults commonly reach about 20 to 28 cm, although some individuals grow slightly larger. The species’ regenerative ability is a remarkable biological feature, but it does not replace the need for excellent water quality and minimal handling.

General diet

The axolotl is an opportunistic predator that mainly detects prey through movement and water vibrations. In an aquarium, its diet may include clean earthworms, suitable pieces of fish or shrimp, and sinking pellets formulated for aquatic salamanders. Young animals generally accept small prey sized appropriately for their mouths, while adults can receive larger portions. Earthworms are an excellent staple because of their nutritional value, although variety is still beneficial. Food should be offered on the bottom in a calm area, and leftovers should be removed to protect water quality. Avoid outdoor-caught prey, very fatty foods and small fish that may carry parasites. Because the axolotl feeds by suction, every prey item should be smaller than its head. Adults are usually fed several times per week, depending on age, size and body condition.

Essential data

• Name of river of origin: No river of origin; the species is associated with former lakes and canals in Mexico Valley
• Local name used: Axolotl, ajolote or axolote
• Origin of the scientific name: The genus name was assigned by zoologist George Shaw; the geographic epithet refers to Mexico
• Etymology of the full name: Ambystoma comes from Greek and evokes a mouth or opening; mexicanum means from Mexico. Axolotl comes from the Nahuatl āxōlōtl
• Common/vernacular names: Axolotl, Mexican salamander, leucistic axolotl
• Family: Ambystomatidae
• Subfamily: Ambystomatinae
• Name pronunciation: am-bis-TOH-mah mek-si-KAH-num
• Discovery: Scientific description by George Shaw in 1789
• Maximum adult size: About 30 cm
• Water temperature and pH: About 16 to 20 °C; pH 6.5 to 8.0
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Shallow canals and wetlands, calm water, muddy bottom, abundant aquatic plants and vegetated banks
• Typical tank mates: Ambystoma mexicanum of similar size; keeping them alone or with compatible conspecifics is recommended
• Temperament and behavior: Calm and generally peaceful, most active at dusk and a suction-feeding predator
• Water depth: Generally shallow habitats with variable depth
• Sexual dimorphism: Adult males usually have a more swollen cloaca; females often have a broader body
• Bottom configuration and flow: Mud, silt and plant debris; weak or almost absent current

In your aquarium

To successfully keep Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl), use a spacious, covered aquarium with a very fine sand bottom or no substrate that could be swallowed dangerously. Gentle filtration, well-oxygenated water and regular water changes are essential. Keep the temperature cool and stable; prolonged heat weakens the animal and encourages health problems. Avoid fish, aggressive invertebrates and very small tank mates, since they may be eaten or damage its gills. Provide smooth shelters, moderate lighting and a varied carnivorous diet. With limited handling, clean water and controlled temperature, this amphibian can remain a hardy and long-lived aquarium resident. This form is exclusive to Ton.Fish in Canada, with a commercial rarity rated at 2 out of 3.