AXOLOTL LARVA

Contents hide

1) Classification of Axolotl Larva

2) Geographical distribution

3) Habit and habitat

4) General Characteristics of Axolotl Larva

5) Ecological Importance

6) Conservation Status

7) Special features

8) Identification

Classification of Axolotl Larva

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Amphibia (Cold blooded. Scaleless glandular skin. Can live in water and land. Two occipital condyles, Heart three chambered)
Order :- Urodela (Scaleless Amphibia having well developed tail, generally with two limbs, with or without external gills and gill-slits in adults.)
Family :- Ambystomoidea (No gills in adult,)
Genus :- Ambystoma

Geographical distribution

Native Range:
- They are endemic to the freshwater lakes and canals of Mexico City, specifically Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco.
Current Distribution:
- Lake Chalco has been drained, and Lake Xochimilco is highly degraded, limiting axolotls to a few small remnants of their original habitat.
- Captive populations exist worldwide in laboratories, aquariums, and breeding programs for conservation and research.

Habit and habitat

Habit:
- Lifestyle:They are fully aquatic and exhibit neoteny, meaning they retain larval characteristics (like external gills) and do not typically metamorphose into terrestrial adults.
- Activity: Axolotls are nocturnal and spend much of their time hiding in aquatic vegetation or under debris, waiting to ambush prey.
- Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, worms, and fish.
Habitat:
- Type:
  - It inhabit freshwater lakes, canals, and marshes, preferring areas with calm, still waters.
- Water Quality:
  - They thrive in water with abundant vegetation, adequate oxygen levels, and a temperature range of 16–20°C (60–68°F).
  - Highly sensitive to pollution, requiring clean, well-oxygenated water.
Substrate and Cover:
- Favor habitats with soft, muddy bottoms and dense aquatic vegetation or submerged structures for shelter.

General Characteristics of Axolotl Larva

The larva was previously considered as adult form and called Siredon. Later on it was found to be larva of Ambystoma.
It has 3 pairs of crimson coloured external gills and 4 pairs of open gill clefts. Head contains eyes, nostril and mouth.
Larva is perennial. Body measuring about 27 cm in length is divided into head, trunk and tail.
Tail is provided with caudal fin. Forelimbs and hind limbs present.
It becomes sexually mature and lays eggs.
Axolotl larva in captivity metamorphoses to adult. Metamorphosis can be induced by injecting thyroid injections into Axolotl larva. Axolotls of six months or more are easily induced for metamorphosis.
Metamorphosis to adult becomes difficult as the larva grows older. The partly metamorphosed terrestrial animals can be again induced to go back to larval stage.

The axolotl is a neotenic salamander species, meaning it retains its larval features throughout its life. Native to the lakes of Mexico, particularly Lake Xochimilco, axolotls are famous for their ability to regenerate limbs and organs. Axolotl larvae are the early developmental stage of this unique amphibian.

Ecological Importance

Trophic Role:
- Larvae play a vital role in their native aquatic ecosystems by controlling populations of small invertebrates and serving as prey for larger aquatic predators.
Indicator Species:
- They reflect the health of their aquatic habitats, as they are highly sensitive to pollution and habitat changes.

Conservation Status

Critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration and breeding programs in captivity.

Special features

Neoteny:
- Axolotl larvae retain larval traits, such as gills and an aquatic lifestyle, into adulthood.
Regenerative Abilities:
- Even at the larval stage, axolotls can regenerate entire limbs, spinal cord segments, and even parts of their brain and heart.
Sensitive Skin:
- Their skin is thin and permeable, making them highly sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature.
Axolotl larvae of Ambystoma do not undergo metamorphosis if there is abundance of nutrition and oxygen supply and they develop gonads like adult to breed sexually. The phenomenon of neoteny or paedogenesis is either due to lack of iodine or heredity and environment. A. mexican us is supposed to be genetically neotenic.