Axolotl report

Our task for writing was to write a report on the Axolotl. This is mine

Axolotls

Axolotls are Mexican walking fish. They are amphibians which means they are cold blooded vertebrates that spend their whole lives underwater.

Appearance

An Axolotl is grey or white in colour with black eyes. The colour of an Axolotl depends on its cells. Albino or White axolotls are most common in captivity. They can grow up to 30 centimeters in length and can weigh from 60 to 227 grams. The Axolotl ages but it remains in its larval form for it’s entire life.

Habitat

Axolotls are found in high altitude freshwater lakes near Mexico city and are native to Lake Xochimilco (pronounced SO-chee-MILL-koh) and Lake Chalco in Mexico.Unfortunately Lake Chalco is drying up causing the Axolotls to be  mainly found in Lake Xochimilco.They can live up to 15 years in the wild and live permanently in water.

Diet

Axolotls are carnivorous meaning they only eat meat. They have a diet of Mollusks,Worms,Insect larvae,Crustaceans and Daphnia (water fleas) including other salamanders. In Labs axolotls are given Brine shrimp and Salmon pellets to eat.Terrestrial salamanders are fed crickets, worms, and beef liver.  In the Ambystoma Colony, aquatic salamanders are fed food pellets.

Breeding

Axolotls reach maturity levels between 5 months and several years depending on the frequency and quality of food. Axolotls usually begin to mature when they’re 7 inches long. Male axolotls reach maturity levels earlier than females.

The Axolotl is a critically endangered species which population is decreasing.