Meet The Axolotl

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I know you want to know what an axolotl is before you even consider meeting it. Well, this is an amphibian that is native to a small series of lakes and canals located near Mexico City, Mexico, At one time there were thousands of axolotl's that provided food for the Aztec. Unfortunately, today due to loss of habitat these amphibians have greatly dwindled in numbers, Axolotls can grow to 18 inches in length and are known for a unique set of external gills and the ability to regrow lost limbs. They have survived up to fifteen years on a diet of molluscs, worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, and some fish. With the introduction of large fish into lakes, they have begun to suffer. The axolotl has limbs like a lizard, gills that protrude from both sides of their heads but a smile that is endearing Commonly called the "Mexican salamander" or "Mexican walking fish" In the wild, they make their home in Xochimilco, Mexico and can be found all over the world as domesticated or captive animals. After five months of age, the axolotl can reach sexual maturity and the females can lay more than 1,000 eggs at a time. The males and females go through a courtship before mating. Males leave a packet of sperm behind that the females use to fertilize their eggs with,