Animals in the United States
Axolotls Can Regrow Almost Any Part Of Their Body
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The story begins with the Aztec God of death and lightning, the Xolotl. As legends have it, he was a monstrous dog that guarded the sun god and ushered souls to the underworld every night. One day, as Gods began sacrificing each other for the newly created sun, Xolotl, a master transformer, managed to escape death by turning himself into a salamander. And that creature came to be known as the axolotl.
In ancient Aztec tongue, the name 'Axolotl' translates to "water monster," and just as their name suggests, these creatures live their entire lives underwater using these adorable feather gills to breathe. After being driven to near extinction from their only natural habitats in Central Mexico, these creatures are now found more in labs than anywhere else. This is because the axolotl is one of nature's scrappiest creatures with a unique ability that has baffled the scientific community for decades.
Dr. James Godwin: "They are pretty amazing actually. So I mean obviously, they are famous for their ability to regenerate extreme structures like limbs and we all know that it's the only terrestrial animal that can regrow a limb and the only vertebrate that can regrow a limb. So if you amputate at the level of the wrist, you regenerate the hand. If you amputate at the upper arm, you can regenerate a full arm."
But the axolotl's regenerative ability doesn't stop there.
Dr. James Godwin: "There is a whole laundry list of structures that they can regenerate. They can regenerate the front portion of their brain, called the telencephalon. You can crush the spinal cord and in about three weeks, all of the spinal cord machinery would reconnect and the tail and the legs will work again. They can regenerate impressively their testes. But most importantly, they can regenerate like a third of the heart ventricle. So if you amputate or injure a third of the heart, of the pumping machinery of the heart, it will regrow that in the course of about 30 days to 60 days. Comparative to humans, where a tiny, little blockage in our heart vessel will lead to extreme damage and eventually death, these guys are pretty amazing."
Axolotls are able to achieve this sort of regeneration because they react to injuries in an entirely different way than humans. When we are injured, a wound from a severed limb simply gets covered with skin tissue. But not the axolotls. They transform nearby cells to stem cells, forming bones, skins, and veins in their exact original state. Scientists are still unable to explain why we react to injuries so differently.
Dr. James Godwin: "When humans or mice gets injured certain parts of the immune system participate in that in a different way that may lead to a scarring outcome or it may block the ability to activate or awaken that regenerative process. The other thing is that there may be some intricate difference in the salamander's cell. Salamanders may have cells that are poised, ready to take place in reaction of regeneration and human cells could be locked down in their potential."
Recently, researchers gained access to the full genome sequence of an axolotl allowing them to identify specific genes and proteins that could hold the key to regeneration.
Dr. James Godwin: "Now that we have a sequence genome and we have all the molecular tools, I think it's going to be a very exciting future for this model. If we could learn from these regenerative organisms and use them as a template, we might be able to sort of unlock the natural way to regenerate."
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Donna Vickroy: Amphibian Creatures Don't Come Much Cuter Than Axolotls, And They Make Great Pets Too
Can't get behind the Year of the Snake?
Maybe you need an axolotl.
Characterized in the popular video games "Minecraft" and "Pokemon," axolotls are aquatic salamanders with unique and, well, adorable features. Their wide eyes, long tail and external gills that flare out like feathers around their head give them a babylike appearance that they don't outgrow.
Hard not to love.
Kenn Bearman, owner of the Animal Store in Lincolnwood, which carries the amphibians, said two years ago the axolotl was so popular that retail prices spiked from $39 to over $100.
"There literally was a run on them at one point. We couldn't even get them in the store," he said. "They're still very popular but prices are where they should be now."
He said, "People say they're cute. But that's in the eye of the beholder."
As if looks aren't enough, he said, "The albinos will glow under an LED light."
Kim Ralston, manager of freshwater habitats at Chicago's John G. Shedd Aquarium, explained the axolotl's allure: "They have external gills that help them get oxygen but they also have lungs inside so they will occasionally go up to the surface and take in a gulp of air."
Unlike frogs and other amphibians, axolotls never complete the metamorphosis to land-living. They live out their years in the water and retain their youthful features, she said.
Most scientifically amazing about the tiny wonders, which are brown and gray but sometimes bred to have a pinkish hue, is their ability to regenerate limbs, Ralston said.
Right now, she said, there is a lot of research being done on axolotls to understand that regeneration mechanism.
"It's really cool," she said. "I have seen it happen. It's fascinating."
Biologists have been studying axolotls for a long time, she said. "In the amphibian world, people have been talking about them a lot but, since COVID, the public is more interested too. I guarantee you people name them like their dogs or cats."
They have external gills, she said, but not the hormones needed to crawl out of the water and absorb those gills like a lot of other salamanders. Scientists are conducting research on what happens when those hormones are administered, she said.
In March, CNN reported that axolotls have "skyrocketed in pop culture fame, in part thanks to" being featured in the popular video game "Minecraft."
They are a preferred pet among humans who favor exotics. And, of course, there is merchandising — stuffed animals, hats, gloves, water bottles and even Girl Scout patches.
But, Ralston said, the axolotl's story is not all plush and cuteness. There is a serious urgency to protect them in the wild.
They are critically endangered, she said.
Axolotls were first found in small lakes in and near Mexico City, she said. Those water systems have been impacted by pollution and the introduction of tilapia and perch, Ralston said.
"Those new animals ate the eggs of the axolotls and they weren't making it to adulthood," she said. Their numbers dwindled.
A 2020 study, she said, revealed there were 50 to 1,000 adults left in one of those lakes.
People, she said, often don't realize the impact they have on the natural world. "As we learn and grow, we will hopefully try to mitigate those effects," she said.
"It's up to humans to do their due diligence," she said.
The Shedd had housed axolotls in the past but currently does not have any. It does, however, have an exhibit on how to care for exotic pets.
"We have lots of amphibian species similar to axolotls. We're hoping to get more in because they are really popular, especially with expectant moms. They come in and say, 'Oh, my baby is the size of an axolotl,'" Ralston said.
Captive-bred axolotls can make great pets, she said. "Just make sure you are using a reputable breeder and are going through correct channels, and not taking them from the wild."
The average lifespan of an axolotl is five to seven years, but, Ralston said, they can reach 15.
She said while pink axolotls are very cute, the color isn't a natural occurrence.
"They were bred to be that color because it's popular," she said.
According to axolotlplanet.Com, "the endangerment status of axolotls is a tale of two populations. While the wild axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, is critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution and invasive species, the domesticated axolotl population is thriving in captivity. Continued conservation efforts are essential to preserve the wild population, while responsible breeding and care are crucial for maintaining the genetic diversity of domesticated axolotls."
Bearmann said the axolotls now in pet stores are captive bred.
"You're not going to find a wild one," he said. "They like clean, cooler water, so you need a 10- to 20-gallon tank with a filter.
"We tell our customers, 'Treat 'em as a fish.'"
But, he added, remember, "They are carnivorous. You can't keep anything else with them, or they'll eat them. They'll even chew on each other's legs if they're hungry," he said.
Axolotls are not only phenoms of nature and easy-to-care-for pets, they are believed by some to have spiritually healing properties.
According to www.Spiralspiritual.Com, the axolotl's regenerative abilities symbolize adaptability and emotional well-being.
In modern Mexican culture, the site states, "the axolotl has become a symbol of national identity and biodiversity conservation, highlighting its cultural importance."
In addition, it states, in Japanese folklore, the axolotl "is deeply embedded in Japanese symbolism, representing good fortune, prosperity and luck."
Donna Vickroy is an award-winning reporter, editor and columnist who worked for the Daily Southtown for 38 years. She can be reached at donnavickroy4@gmail.Com.
What Are Axolotls? Salamanders Rising As Popular Exotic Pets
Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch: Axolotls, critically endangered salamanders known for their unique features and interactive behavior, are rising in popularity as exotic pets, with stores like Axolotls Tulsa providing education and resources for responsible ownership.Thursday, January 23rd 2025, 10:24 am
By: Alyssa Miller
Axolotls, often called "water dogs," are a unique species of salamander gaining popularity among exotic pet enthusiasts.
Unlike most amphibians, these creatures retain their larval features throughout their lives, including external gills and a charming, perpetual smile.
Native to lakes in Mexico, they are critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and pollution, making their preservation in captivity even more significant.
Why They're PopularAxolotls have become household names thanks to their appearances in video games like Minecraft and social media platforms showcasing their cute, engaging behavior.
They are interactive pets that respond to human presence, often swimming to the edge of their tanks to "greet" their owners.
This level of engagement, combined with their low-maintenance care, makes them appealing to families and first-time exotic pet owners.
Touch Tanks and InteractionAt Axolotls Tulsa, visitors have the opportunity to interact with these creatures in a special touch tank.
The store emphasizes proper handling techniques to ensure the axolotls are not stressed during interactions.
Gentle touches are encouraged, and staff guide visitors on how to safely engage with the animals.
Caring for AxolotlsOwning an axolotl requires setting up a suitable habitat. Axolotls need a tank with proper filtration, temperature control, and a clean substrate.
Axolotls Tulsa provides new owners with all the necessary equipment and guidance to create an optimal environment.
The store also educates customers on feeding, water quality, and other care essentials to ensure the long-term health of their new pets.
Where to Find ThemAxolotls are available at specialized stores like Axolotls Tulsa, located at 9238 S. Sheridan Road. They are open from 3 p.M. To 6 p.M. Monday through Thursday, Noon to 6 p.M. On Fridays, 11 a.M. To 5 p.M. On Saturdays, and 1 p.M. To 4 p.M. On Sundays.
They provide everything from starter kits to detailed care instructions, making the process less daunting for first-time owners.
For more information, visit AxolotlsTulsa.Com.
Alyssa MillerAlyssa joined the News On 6 team as a multimedia journalist in January 2023. Before that, Alyssa anchored 13 NEWS This Morning and told Northeast Kansans stories as a reporter for WIBW-TV. In her four years there, she won several Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards for her anchor and reporter work.
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