Axolotl - origin and history of breeding

Axolotl (also commonly known as the water dragon) originates from high-altitude lakes in the Mexico City valley.​ Its name likely either refers to the Aztec god Xolotl or has its origins in the translation of "strange/​mysterious animal.​"

The axolotl is a unique amphibian that does not transform into a terrestrial form in adulthood – it remains permanently in the larval stage and has the ability of so-called neoteny - to reproduce sexually in the larval stage while retaining external gills and larval body characteristics.​ The natural habitat of the axolotl is currently facing ecological collapse,​ and the species is unfortunately critically endangered in the wild.​

The beginnings of European captive breeding:
- 1864 – the first live axolotls were brought to Europe (Paris,​ Jardin des Plantes),​ from where they spread to laboratories and private breeding.​
- since the 20th century,​ axolotls have been widely bred in laboratories around the world for the study of development,​ regeneration,​ and genetics.​

Most of today's domesticated axolotls come from a few original lines and genetically differ significantly from the wild population.​ If you are interested in more,​ take a look at the article Axolotl – the aquarium lizard with the smile of Mona Lisa

The photo of beautiful axolotls is by T K (Unsplash).​