what is an axolotl

An axolotl is a type of salamander closely related to the tiger salamander. It is known for its unique ability to reach adulthood without undergoing metamorphosis, retaining its larval features such as external gills. Unlike other salamanders, axolotls remain aquatic and gilled throughout their lives, a phenomenon called neoteny. They are native to lakes and wetlands in southern Mexico City, particularly Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco, and are critically endangered in the wild, with only a small population remaining. Axolotls are carnivorous, feeding on small prey such as mollusks, worms, insects, and small fish. They are also extensively used in scientific research due to their exceptional regenerative abilities, which allow them to regenerate lost limbs, gills, and even parts of their eyes and brains. The axolotl's regenerative ability has made it a valuable model organism for studies in various fields, including heart defect studies and neural tube closure research