STEAM - Biology - Axolotl

The giant axolotl, a type of salamander, is critically endangered with a decreasing population. There is a variant called the giant axolotl that can grow up to 18 inches in length. Habitat destruction, pollution, and predators threaten their survival. They have a unique life cycle where they remain in their larval form throughout their life. They prefer staying at the bottom of rivers or lakes. Predatory birds and introduced fish species are their enemies. Conservation efforts are being made to protect them through habitat restoration and increased awareness. The giant axolotl or the water monster. Conservation status? Critically endangered, population decreasing. Did you know that the axolotl, also known as the water monster, is a type of salamander that never undergoes metamorphosis? This means that they retain their juvenile form including their gills and aquatic lifestyle. But did you also know that there exists a variant of this unique creature called the giant axolotl? Growing up to 18 inches in length these giants have been found native to China, Japan and the eastern United States. This particular one was filmed in China. Andrias davidianus. In addition to its impressive size, this rare variation has a broader head and stokier body than its smaller counterparts belonging to the family Cryptobranchiidae. Unfortunately, habitat destruction and pollution have threatened the survival of the species. Conservation efforts are currently underway to protect this beloved water monster and ensure its continued existence for generations to come. The giant axolotl, like its smaller counterparts, go through a unique life cycle that is fascinating to observe. The process starts when the adult female lays anywhere between 500 to 1,000 eggs on a flat surface. These eggs hatch within approximately 20 days and after another 5 to 10 days the larvae begin swimming and feeding on small organisms. Unlike frogs or other amphibians, the giant axolotl never undergoes complete metamorphosis and remains in its larval form throughout its life. Over time they grow larger and larger until they reach their full adult size of up to 2 feet in length. As for their behaviour, giant axolotls are relatively calm creatures that usually prefer staying at the bottom of rivers or lakes rather than coming to the surface. The giant axolotl may seem like a harmless creature with its cute, chubby appearance and delicate movement, but it actually has some formidable enemies in the wild. The primary threats to this species include predatory birds such as herons or cormorants, which can easily scoop up young or injured axolotls from their aquatic habitats. Additionally, introduced fish species like carp have been known to consume both juvenile and adult axolotls, while pollution and habitat loss caused by human development also pose significant challenges to the survival of this unique amphibian. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to protect and conserve the giant axolotl population through habitat restoration projects and increased conservation awareness among local communities.