Meet the Axolotl!

Hi! An axolotl is a friendly, funny-looking salamander that lives in water. It looks a little like a smiling fish with feathery gills on the sides of its head.

1. What does an axolotl look like?

• They have feathery external gills that look like little branches on their head — these help them breathe underwater.
• They usually grow to about 6–12 inches long (around the size of a ruler or a bit bigger).
• Colors can be dark brown or black in the wild, or pink/white (called leucistic or albino) in pets. Some are golden or have spots.
• They have a tail like a tadpole and four legs, but their faces often look like they are smiling.

2. Where do they live?

Axolotls naturally live in lakes and canals in Mexico. They like cool freshwater and calm water with plants where they can hide.

3. What do axolotls eat?

They are carnivores — that means they eat meat. In the wild they eat worms, small fish, and insects. Pets usually eat earthworms (cut up if needed), special pellets made for carnivorous aquatic animals, or frozen bloodworms. An adult axolotl usually eats a few times a week.

4. Their amazing superpower: regrowth!

Axolotls can regrow lost body parts. If they lose a leg, tail, or part of organs, their body can grow it back — like a real-life superhero. Scientists study axolotls to learn how regrowth works.

5. Simple steps to take care of an axolotl (with an adult helping)

1. Tank: Put the axolotl in a roomy tank with cool, clean water. It needs hiding places like plants or caves.
2. Water temperature: Keep the water cool, about 60–68°F (around 15–20°C). They do not like warm water.
3. Clean water: Change some water regularly and use a good filter so it stays clean. Ask an adult to test the water for safety.
4. Feeding: Feed worms or special pellets a few times a week. Only feed what the axolotl can eat in a few minutes. An adult should help measure food.
5. Handling: Try not to hold an axolotl. Their skin is very delicate. If you must move it, ask an adult to use a soft net and be very gentle.
6. Light: Keep the tank out of bright, direct sunlight. They like dimmer light.

6. Fun facts

• Axolotls stay looking like babies even when they grow up — this is called neoteny.
• They can live many years as pets (often 10 years or more) with good care.
• People think axolotls are cute and interesting because of their smile and frilly gills.

Try this at home

Draw your own axolotl with big feathery gills, or ask an adult to help you watch a short video or find a picture book about axolotls. If you want a pet axolotl someday, make a list of the things you will need and show it to an adult.

Remember: Axolotls are living creatures that need proper care. Always get help from an adult when learning about or taking care of pets.