Meet Ambystoma mexicanum, aka the Axolotl. Their only natural habitat is Lake Texcoco, which means they are nearly extinct in the wild. They still live in the canals around Xochimilco, and are still occasionally eaten, but are better known for their importance to scientific research these days.
Scientists like them because they have a huge embryo which is easy to work with, and they can regrow their limbs. They annoy the “intelligent design” folks. They are amphibians, but only rarely develop lungs, and tend to remain aquatic… the link between the two.
The condition is called neonaty… they just never grow up. They’re kids all their lives, but can have sex. No wonder he looks happy.
3 responses so far ↓
cindylu // June, 8, 2007 at 3:50 am
I’d never heard of those funny little creatures until I read Axolotl by Julio Cortázar.
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez // June, 8, 2007 at 12:11 pm
the best of both words, which sort of sit oddly in the same sentence, actually(!).
this animal will make a great character. you just inspired me…
Alessandro Raveggi // July, 24, 2008 at 2:17 am
Queria felicitarme por este blog! Yo también hablo sobre el Axolotl y mucho sobre Mexico en mi blog “Nella Vasca dei Terribili Piranha”.
Saludos
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