Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Content

We'll get the top question out of the way: Whaaaaaat is an axolotl?! Axolotls are friendly-faced salamanders with the ability to regenerate vital parts of their bodies like limbs and tails plus tissues of the eyes, heart and brain. They're also able to reach adulthood without metamorphosis so unlike other salamanders, they spend most of their lives in water. They are scientific phenoms! To fully understand their remarkable abilities, they require a lot more research but their small endemic population in Mexico is being threatened by invasive species, habitat loss, and poor water quality. I'll be talking to axolotl experts and visiting the Axolotl Museum soon so tell me everything you want to know in the comments.

Deadline: Tuesday, April 23 at noon PST

 

Comments

Badoopadoo!

Why do they have such cute, baby faces?

Mykenzie King

WTF are they? And also why are they the most precious alien boopables.

Aubrey Nelson

Why does iodine turn them into salamanders?

Allie

I would like to know if the experts have the axolotl squishmallow.

Gemma

THOUGHTS ON MINECRAFT AXOLOTLS??

Living it Up

what are their face wigglies called?? what are they for??? p.s. my dad had 8 axlotls named Max as a kid and i chose my name after them 😁

Hannah b

How old are they as a species?

Sarah Railey King

Oh my goodness!! Do they come in different colors? Are they difficult to take care of? If you had an axolotl, what would you name it?? Sorry for the gazillion questions!

Regan Schmidt

Why do they look like they are always smiling? So cute

WiGeekMom

My oldest, Ari, wants to know why they are pink.

Chandler Witherington

Are there any species survival programs out there trying to breed axolotls for potential release?

Joshua Brumley

Why do they keep their gills and other aquatic accoutrements forever, while some similar looking species (such as tiger salamander larvae) have a full Pokémon-esque evolution and leave that life behind?

Charlotte Parkinson

Is it true their teeth never develop? And if so, how do they nom down on what they eat? Also why do they look so amazing in fancy dress?

Tara Jay

What are those fern-looking things around their heads for?

Samwise

How many times can they regenerate a limb? Is it an unlimited amount of times or is it like a one time thing?

Kristen C

Are they bubble gum pink their whole lives? Do they come in other colours? Is it like flamingos (where their diet affects their colouring)? And WHY are they pink??

Will Clark

Are researchers looking for particular scientific lessons or potential medical treatments from these creatures?

Alex Glow

Is it true that have to eat other axolotls to move into their adult stage?

Melanie Yakemovic 🦄

Ok, we know you’re gonna ask, and we’re all thinking it - what are the axolotl-schlongs like?! Are they axol-schLONG-tl? (Sorry not sorry)

Matt Ceccato

What is their main food source?

Maya

Where does their cool coloring come from? Should people have them as pets? How are simultaneously so cute and so cool?!

Jeremy Glover

How does limb/tissue regeneration work exactly? Do they have a reserve of "back up" cells built for this purpose? How long does it take them on average to grow things back? Why are they so friggin cute???

Chandler Witherington

my first intro to axolotls was from the poem "Axolotl" by Julio Cortázar in one of my college Spanish classes. Have you read it? And if so, any thoughts?

Monica Olvera

Please talk about the historical roles axolotl play in pre-Colombian México, and what has been done by groups to preserve their presence in the face of conquest, colonialism, neoliberalism, US expansion, etc. Is the plural of axolotl en nahuátl “axolomej?”

Cate Muenker

I want to know why they don’t mature, but I’m glad they don’t since they are so freakin’ adorable!

Alyssa Argento

Like Alie, true Ologites axolotl questions! 😉

Alex Glow

How do they avoid the ick factor people assign to salamanders and similar creatures to land straight into the cutie patootie zone? Aka why are they so baby?

Tyler J Poeti

How many different flavors (varieties, colors, species, etc) are there? And what is your favorite?

David Dwin

have scientists tried to move the genes that allow for limb regrowth into a non-regrowth species? how’d it work?

Michael Nichols

How many times did the “axolotl questions” pun get used?

Keri Overall

Have you ever read Julio Cortazar's short story, "Axolotl"? It's a fascinating read!

Mushroom Morgan

What are their little face whispies for?

Alex Glow

Any relation to atlatls?

Megan Bolton

How do we support or who should we support to save these wee babies? And why do I love them so much?

Mie [me-ay]

how and why are they so darn cute!!!!!

Staci Pinkowitz

Ooooooh can the Ologist talk about the relationship axolotls have to chinampas???? Soooo cool

Sandy Davis

My 8yo grandson wants to know what they eat! I would love to know what measures are being taken locally (to them) to protect their habitat. What can be done by non locals?

Jet

how different are axolotls in their natural environment from ones that are bred for pet keeping? could one kept as a pet theoretically be introduced into the natural population without chaos or catastrophic failure?

Alex Glow

What can’t they regenerate?

Markeeta Roe-Phillips

In researching what it meant when our class pet axolotl was floating a lot more than normal, my students read that it meant he was constipated and the cure was to put him in the fridge. I didn’t do that, but it was on so many websites it is hard to imagine there isn’t a grain of science behind the suggestion. What’s the deal? Long time listener, first time questioner. Thanks!

Kim Greiner

What do you make of the legend of the Aztec ruler Xolotl turning himself into them to avoid sacrifice?

Devyn

How do they live so much longer than other salamanders and lizards? My roommate and I wanted to get them as pets and then learned that they live like 30 years?? And we were 22 so it seemed like a bad idea

Zoe Litton

Are the axolotls in Minecraft accurate? How about the squish mellow?

Kinkaid Designs

I love axolotls. I'd like to know about conservation efforts. And if their desirability as pets is threatening the wild population.

Keri Turner

What do they eat and how do they pee and poop? (asked my my 8 year old who is obsessed with them)

Monica Olvera

How big is an axolotl’s brain?

Alex W

I have a domestic axolotl (named Julio Cortazar because I am a little nerd) who I got as a baby and is turning 6 this year. He is the derpiest derp but I swear he recognizes at least that food comes from people if not specific humans so my question is: how bad is their eyesight actually?

Jeremy Alas

Long time Patreon, first time question asker. I am of Mexican descent but I’ve never understood why Axlotols are often depicted in the culture. What was their significance? P.S. they’re so adorable, is it ethical to have one as a pet?

Abby Grieb

Do they lay eggs like frogs? Are there axolotl tadpoles?

Keri Turner

What's up with the frills? What purpose do they serve?

Yuri

Is there an evolutionary advantage to being SO STINKIN CUTE!?!? (Yuri - like beauty without the b)

Theodore Wolfe

How big of an impact has the pet trade had on their populations and are most axolotls captive bred or wild caught?

DakotaCat

Asking on behalf of Alvaro Lopez: "How is their aging process?? Since they have neoteny... also, can they fully finish their metamorphosis under certain circumstances? Can they revert it back?"

Michael MacLeod

Asking for my girlfriend Sylvia Jorge: What are the limitations they face in their remaining endemic habitats and are there alternate locations they may be introduced?

Josh Waldman

My friend has a black axolotl, he’s a cool dude

Hi_X_Im_dad

What are the ethics around studying limb regeneration? Do they have cell lines worked out for this, or are we still in the phase of having a population of lab axolotls whose key future prospects are having limbs chopped off or organs partially removed?

Owen

I’ve heard that all salamanders are poisonous. Are Axolotls poisonous?

Courtney Horowitz

Two questions from Rory, our in-house Smologist. How do they regrow their eyes? Why do they smile so much?

Alex Glow

Why are they so popular in Japan?

Morgan Darling

Question from my wife: "I've heard that axolotls don't complete their full growth cycle but if they're exposed to the right hormones they can grow more and lose their frills. Is that true? and if so, why does it happen?"

Josh Waldman

My friend has two axolotls and every time I visit him I swear one of them swims up to the tank and looks at me. My friend tells me they’re partially blind but I’m skeptical. Are axolotls blind? Can they see/notice us? And most importantly, are they capable of love?

Mimz

What are their life stages and tell me about their reproduction asks my son Elliot (11)??? He's so excited!

Eli

i've heard that their skin is super sensitive and burns if you touch them. is this true and if so why is that?

LightBrownPillow

How has the aquarium trade affected the native population? I've seen an explosion in these at stores over the last decade, never really been sure if they are being well cared for or not

Mimz

How did they come to occupy such a unique evolutionary niche and is it a dead end? Has anyone ever eaten one?

Connor they them

Is keeping one as a pet ethical? Not just in terms of an individual axolotl living a full and enriched life, but also the species as a whole. I know taking them out of the wild is bad, but is the species conducive to captive breeding?

Kelsy Simpson

How long do axolotls live for in the wild and/or as pets?

Björn Fredberg

How endangered are they? Is there a risk they will live on only in captivity?

Anjali Himali

Why are they pink/blue/other beautiful colors? Is it to camouflage into their habitat, attract mates, or to make them absolutely adorable??

Lisa Vehrs

My kids are very excited to ask questions: 18 yo asks - Why is it that injecting iodine into them is the only way to get to their final form? 11 yo asks - Why do they have those sticky-outy thingies on the sides of their heads? They are so cute!

Adam Foote

Maybe a bit obvious to ask, but where does the name "axolotl" come from? Is it a native name, one brought by colonizers, maybe a bit of both?

Jessica Rudd

Yayyyy axolotls!!!!! Are there any other amphibians that stay in a sort of “baby phase” like that, or are they the only ones? What is their evolutionary history like? Also, how many axolotl morphs are out there now?

Björn Fredberg

How much energy does it take to regenerate limbs? Would it stop if starved? (Please don't try this at home)

Adam Foote

From my wife: do they make noises? How many different species and do they have color variations? Which is the cutest?

Hannah nolen

Is it ethical to keep one as a pet? I know their wild populations are suffering

winn

ologites axolotl questions!

Dig

I've had a few axolotls as pets in the past, and the person I got the first one from called them "water dogs" because he had trained them to come sit on his hand for feedings. I've never since come across anyone else who calls them that, or anyone else who "trained" them in this way- do they actually have any kind of long-term memory that would allow them to literally recognize the hand that feeds them?

Yaya Richman

What does the ologist think about axolotl tourism in Xochimilco? Is it actually helping to educate visitors or just encouraging people to wild axolotls from the canals!?

Nova Q

When I was in middle school we read an article on how they were super endangered.. are their numbers on the uptick? If not what could we do to help them remain as a species?

Björn Fredberg

Reading up on Wikipedia... Axolotl were a staple in Aztec diet? How large was they population to support that?

Jessica Rudd

Do they generally do well as pets?

LZ

Do they make good pets? Or should we just leave them alone?

fullmetalknee

How do you say it in the language that the word comes from? Are they actually just perpetual babies? Are they (still?) ecologically in trouble? Did the research and/or pet trade really help keep the species from going extinct? When we say axolotl are we talking about only 1 species?

Sydonie S.

What's the evolutionary advantage of having both lungs and gills as adults?

Kelsey lore

Why are their little ear fin things like that?

Natalie W

Why do they look like the cutest lil gummy candy water dragon that ever was?! (This is both a question asked in baby voice AND full of genuine curiosity about the porous-seeming nature of their skin)

Hannah Johnson

Do they like to hang out in groups or pairs, or are they more solitary?

Kelsey lore

Also, have you seen that video of the one that gets booped in the nose because it tries to eat like 10 seconds after the food drops above it? Are their reflexes really that bad?

Dig

Also, for many exotic species that have varying diet and feeding schedules, it's common practice to write the date and info of the last feeding on their tank with a dry erase marker. This also allows you to draw mustaches on them if they hang out close to the front of the tank!

Björn Fredberg

Do the mutated colors also occur in the wild?

Melanie Smith

Is it true that they’re cannibals and only a few survive immediately after they’re born?

Melanie Smith

Why did they suddenly become popular, like out of nowhere, a few years ago?

Natalie W

Ooh, I hope this gets read during the podcast!!

Eil Be Gone

Why are they so cute? Do you love the minecraft axolotls?

Jilly

First time question asker! My toddler would like to know if they can jump.

Natalie W

What’s their lifespan like, and do they live solo or in pods or whatever?

Kyle

I have a feeling people are going to AXOLOTL questions.

Björn Fredberg

Do they audibly communicate in any way? Like frogs croaking

Nehemiah myles

Why are they so difficult to keep as a pet

Natalie W

How do they procreate? And how many per…opportunity to do the procreating?

Sam

I also want to know this! I see stuffed animal axolotls in every gift shop now!

Kyle

I've heard on rare occasions that axolotls can actually metamorphose. What's up with that?

Natalie W

Yes, obviously a key question

Björn Fredberg

Wikipedia says they spend more time under water than salamanders, but that they can breathe by gulping air. Do they spend any time above water? When and why?

Natalie W

Are there even schlongs? Is this a cloaca-only situation?

Natalie W

What is their ideal environmental temperature range?

Sam

If (when) we find life on another planet, will they just look like axolotls?

Cian verbridge

Is axolotls saying in their juvenile morph a similar adaptation as some of the first animals evolving to reproduce in their larval forms. Since they have access to better resources instead of becoming sessile adults. I just learned about this in my icthyology class and I find it so interesting.

Cian verbridge

Do their gills have salt pumps similar to fish or do they have a different method of osmoregulation since at one point they morphed into salamanders

Björn Fredberg

They can generate additional limbs?! How many can they add on? Could you get a axolotl millipede?

Julia Taylor

How many colours of axolotl are there??

Chris Moore

Is there such a thing as an AXLITTL? 😝

Fybreglass

Why do their gills look so crazy! How have they evolved to have those?

Jadine Lannon

I would also like to know more about this!! There is an awesome Instagram account called salamander with a sign that is run by a morphed axolotls rescue/rehabilitator and the posts are so interesting!!

Fybreglass

And sorry - another question - but why do they look like they’re in a permanent state of existentialism Edit: Apparently this is a common thought my friend asks “why are they goofy”

Corrie Navis

Ok finally maybe someone can tell me, who is on axolotls' PR team? Everyone seems to know axolotls! 😄 (From a salamander researcher exasperated that 99.99% of available salamander merch in the world is only axolotls 😂)

Hannah Lefler

Is it true that once they leave the water they can't go back and only breathe air?

Caitlín Dagg

How far could an axolotl throw an atlatl if an axolotl could throw atlatls?

remi

i want to know everything about how they show up in the culture and stories of the native people there! also why is it still legal (or is it legal actually??) for them to be sold as pets? i know it happens here in the US specifically but do they end up in other countries too?

Nathalie Jones

My 7th grade science teacher had 2 tanks of axolotls that really freaked me out. It was definitely a combo of their weird squish texture and freaky face gills but also their blank stares. Were they happy in their medium sized fish tank in a 7th grade science classroom?

Laura Atkins

My 4yo Smologite Benji wants to know "How do they make babies? How long do they take to hatch? How many babies are there?"

Fybreglass

That’s wild!! Where is the other salamander merch - the other’s need rep too 😤😤

Jada Lynn

Is it okay to keep them as pets? I see them for sale in pet stores and in home aquariums, but is a fish tank an appropriate environment for them to live good lives?

taylor

What is the role of axolotls in indigenous cultures? I’m specifically thinking of people from what is now known as Mexico, but would love to hear if their habitat stretches beyond North America!

Fybreglass

This would be terrifying

Alexolotl

Thoughts on the pet trade? How ethical is it to keep an axolotl? How wary should we be of poachers? Also what's up with the ones that do actually manage to metamorphize?!

Jada Lynn

Do they blend into their environment in any way? That bright pink colour seems like it would really stick out to predators.

Björn Fredberg

Axolotl can live together, but are they social in any way? Do they care for their young or just leave the eggs?

Björn Fredberg

They seem to be very passive... do they have periods of more activity?

Skylar P.

Did the chinampas in Mexico City help the remaining population survive through hard times somehow? Like, did indigenous peoples’ agriculture benefit them?

Rayna

I feel like axolotyls have only more recently been a part of online mainstream culture. How did that happen?

Björn Fredberg

Is there a difference in how they breed after metamorphosis? Do they enter the water to lay eggs but then return onto land? Do metamorphized axolotl and non-metamorphized mix? Do they breed with each other?

Keerat Singh

Why are axolotls so popular to use in labs? Are they interesting subjects for a particular area of research? How are they sourced?

Andrea Levinson

Asking on behalf of my roommate Nuri Flores: “there are different opinions on how many wild axolots are still living in Xochimilco, is there an estimation of this number? Has it stay the same or is it decreasing?” Thanks!

Mara Rosenbloom

From my 8-year old axolotl obsessed daughter Kira: what’s an axolotl’s maximum speed? They always seem to just be floating around unless there’s food!

Dave Brewer

Has any progress been made in adapting their regenerative abilities to humans? And are there any species named after Axl Rose?

Storm

When my mum was younger she had an axolotl, but she rarely cleaned it tank (no filter or anything) and it thrived, whereas today with my axolotls I have to consistently make sure the tank is perfect. How is it that they’ve changed to become more sensitive?

Storm

What is the proper way to say axolotl

Miranda Panda

How can I stop a pet shop in our area who sells them from cramming a bunch of axolotls into a small, shoe box sized, storage tote? How much space do they need?

Storm

How come their gills are on the outside of their heads like that, would it not be evolutionary better to have them inside and protected

Storm

How was the first axolotl found

Storm

Why do they eat their own eggs/babies?

Marisa

I’d like to know about their breeding habits and how many babies can they have? Are they like frogs with eggs and tadpoles? Do they have a breeding season? Where are all the cute lil baby axolotls???

Shelby Walker

Can captive axolotyls spread disease to wild populations?

MB

1. Is it okay if I axolotl questions? 2. Have you heard the axolotl song? 3. How can they regenerate neurons? That's wild. 4. Can the leucistic ones that are so popular in captivity survive in the wild?

Elizabeth Potter

Have you read the 1964 short story “Axolotl” by Julio Cortazar? If not, highly recommend.

Caro Young

Why are they such popular pets?

Theodore Perkins

On behalf of my daughter Sandra: What are people doing to preserve axolotls, and protect them from extinction?

Merryn Lush

My smologite would like to know why they have those frills on the sides of their heads

Olivia Eliasson

What does it mean that they are neotentic? What purpose does that have?

Dave Miller, PhD

i’m sure it will be asked a lot - but how long until humans are able to regenerate limbs in situ without having to get all Dead Pool-y? ✌🏻♥️🍸

Rebecca Morrison

FTQA (and this is from my 5 y/o Violet): do they walk underwater or swim underwater? How do they get around?

Olivia Eliasson

Is it true that they are endangered? Is there anyway we can help them?

Olivia Eliasson

Why do they have both gills and lungs? If they are neotentic is there "supposed" to be a next stage for them but they just can't get to it?

Olivia Eliasson

Is it true that they are a solitary animal? If so, how does that work in the wild, are they spread out, because they are only in one location

Olivia Eliasson

What are your thoughts about having an axolotl as a pet?

Cat Lady

1. Why are axolotls and other salamanders able to regenerate appendages? I know it's an evolutionary adaptation, but why not other animals? Are other animals' appendages not as crucial for their survival as an axolotl's are for theirs? And, if two axolotls with not-yet-grown-back limbs mated and their babies mated with other axolotls with not-yet-grown-back limbs, and so on, would they eventually alter the DNA and create limbless babies? Now that I type it out, it sounds kind of silly. But still curious. 2. If an axolotl could talk, what would it sound like? Would it sound like Eeyore? Joan Rivers? Fran Drescher? Because in my mind, it sounds like Patrick Warburton.

Mouse Paxton

I love axolotls and have so many questions!! 1) Are there any other amphibians that do not undergo metamorphosis? 2) Can an axolotl undergo metamorphosis or have they evolved to nevef do so? 3) Are they more like newts than salamanders? Is there much of a difference? 4) should people own axolotls as pets? Do they make good pets? 5) What are your thoughts on the addition of axolotls to Minecraft?

RoadLesTravelled

I am recalling a time in the middle or late 1980's when the regenerative abilities of certain salamanders (and starfish) were hot topics of scientific discussion. Did those studies simply peter out? Or were they waiting for better study tools to come along?

Nathan Marion

In the new TV show Fallout, is that a giant Axolotls. What are the chances they could really get that big if exposed to nuclear fallout

Eating dog hair for a living

How do you pronounce that word!?! Why are they so cute? And what are those things around it's neck? Can you keep one in a fish tank?

mish the fish

are there safe and ethical ways to have a pet axolotl? do axolotl do well in captivity?

R P Bergmann

Why are they so cute? Are they endangered? What can we do to protect them?

Lauren Seibert

What does their name mean?? Also why the fringe?

Aazam

My partner wants to know: what is the most unique coloration seen?

Maysun77

How many different color variations are there and which one is your favorite?

Lisa

My mentor at University of North Florida had a tank with them in his office. Please look up Dr. Joe Butler! Side story, my hubby and I weren’t the only love birds to meet in his class. He came to our wedding!

Gage Caro

How are they different from water dogs/ mud puppies? Also please talk about the GULUR FOLD/FLAP

Patience P.

What are the little tentacle things around their faces and why does it make them so cute??

Anastasia Doherty

I want one! Is that ok? Either one of these or a mudskipper - so adorable!

Patience P.

Why did they recently become so popular?

Patience P.

How are they able to regenerate parts of their body? It’s crazy that they are able to regrow so much of their bodies

Wandering Wyatt

What is the evolutionary road that led them to those fancy external gills? Side note: they make me think that they are salamander drag queens

Jani Rounds

How is it pronounced??? Ay-lotl? Ach-lotl? Is there any chance they can be returned to the wild (in a slightly different location)?

Renee K.

I am SO excited to learn more about axolotls, as a future immunology researcher. Is there something unique about their immune systems that helps them to successfully regenerate tissue (I.e. without producing cancer)? Can axolotls develop cancer?

Gustav Golden

Do they have personalities? And if so, if they are to regenerate parts of their brain does that personality change? Are there any differences in their functions at all if they have to regenerate their brains?

Kellie Gedert

They are like living Pokemon, I love them! The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) has axolotl that have altered bioluminescence to help scientists understand how they grow appendages (I think from Otterbein University in Ohio). Is this research helping or harming these little guys in the long run?

Patrick Duffy

How many colors do they come in? Do they have best friends? What is their family group like? Do they do well in captivity? Are they good pets?

Chloe Morton

What are the 6 ear like things on the side of their heads? What do they do?

Aazam

They also want to know if there are any legends from their native lands?

Robert G Audet

Since the regenerative medicine company I worked at is named Axolotl Biologix, I am thrilled to see this topic. Our founders were inspired by the regenerative amazement of these humble, lovely and oh so adorable aquatic beings. I’m still working my way through your extensive and delightful back catalog but will pause that to catch this awesome Ology episode. Love your show. Love you!

Gordon McDonough

I would love to know when our common ancestors lived and what they were.

Kylie Smallenberg

Long time listener, new patreon subscriber, and first time question asker!! Are they good pets to have? Is it ethical to keep them as a pet? What is their lifespan in captivity vs in the wild?! Why are they so damn cute!!?

Hailey

Omg I am so excited for this, I love axolotls!!! FTQA: can you tell personalities when you’re working with them? What does field work look like? What does their name mean - i think I read one time that it is from an Indigenous/ Native language in Mexico? Why do you think they have gotten so popular in the last few years (they have always been wonderful but I was surprised to see a pencil case with screen printed axolotls… I bought it immediately) ?

Angela Hawkins

First time question asker! What tf is up with that genome size? I get it’s most likely from repetitive DNA, but damn. Why? How?

Boris Grozev

It's well known that you can titilate an ocelot if you oscilate its tits a lot. What's the best way to get an axolotl excited? Perhaps if you aks a lotta questions?

June Bramley

My spouse wants to know: How easy they are to keep as pets?

Eating Spaghetti in Bed

Hey since the pet question is a popular one, what is being done to protect these sweet creatures from the pet trade? I’m worried.

Melissa Eller

Question from my 11 year old, Odin: "It's so cool how they can regrow limbs, but how do they do it? What is the process?" Thank you for asking the big questions for us, Alie!

Melissa Eller

First time question asker and long time lurker 😅

Violet Lux Vega

Are axolotls social? Do they have axolotl friends?

Tom Harrington

My external lungs fluttered when I saw this. My son loves axolotls. Anyway, they seem fragile. Are humans keeping these fascinating animals alive or could they survive just fine without human meddling? All the best, Sal E. Mander

Emmett

My coworker Zoe would like to know, why are they so cute?

Emmett

Are axolotls the only know creature to be stuck in this pre-metamorphosis state? Or are there others? Also - how does that work?!?

Catalina Ibarburu

I've heard they were seen as deities or sacred in the Aztec empire era, did they perform rituals or something specific?

Sarah Williamson

Do you think the popularity axolotls have gained recently from things like Minecraft is a good or bad thing? Do they make good pets?

Catalina Ibarburu

How is it that they cant be taken out of the water for too long because they'll develop lungs and wont be able to go in the water again?? that sounds scary imagine spending a day swimming at the beach and suddenly you grow gills and have to stay there forever... anyways

Dorit

Yay!! Ask about GFP axolotls! And how they are used to understand limb regeneration!

Marianne Thomas

Love this for a topic! Can we hear more about their habitat & their needs in the wild? Tysm!

mariia k

how deep down in the water are they in a natural habitat?

mariia k

what do they look like as babies? how do they reproduce?

mariia k

are they always the same size or do they just become bigger but in the same pre- metamorphosis state?

Alex Nelson

Have they always come from just that one lake? Are there plans to protect the population by introducing them to other lakes?

Alex Nelson

Are they pink because of algae like flamingos or are they always girly pop pink?

Alex Nelson

I agree with the drag queen accusation! The pink really ties it together!

Alex Nelson

Are there any good pop culture adaptations? There's the shrink in Animal Crossing, but he's anthropomorphised

Alex Nelson

What are their social lives like?

Alex Nelson

I'm an undergrad Biology student in the UK, how can I become an anxolotl expert for a job?! It's my dream!!

Alex Nelson

Why are they paedomorphs?!

Zinc

what are their relationship with the native people in their indigenous area? i know that they have a specific correct pronunciation for axylotol and i wondered if they are involved in their folklore, culture, etc.?

Zinc

how did their evolution work to make them so distinct from other animals? do we have any fossils of them?

Garrett McLaughlin

I read that axolotls are listed as critically endangered. What is being done to help protect axolotls in the wild?

Kristen Fuller

What's the proper way to say axolotl? Are they actually okay to have as pets? I feel like I've heard its actually really body for them. Why are they so smiley?

Lisa St

I've knitted a great crested newt... I'll do an axolotl at some point. But my newt.. he's named Tiny, because he's my newt...

Lisa St

Alie! Axolotls! I see lots of references to the poem, but only one to the song... it's one of my favorites, especially in spring when our amphibians in Maine start moving. We don't have axolotls here (and it is illegal in Maine to have one as a pet), but I LOVE that song and hope you sing a bit of it. Here's a youtube link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxA0QVGVEJw

Lisa St

(the 'st' is for saint... one of the saint names...

Lisa St

Also, for knitters and crocheters, there are EIGHT pages of axolotl patterns in Ravelry. Most are cute amigarumi style, but there are several realistic patterns AND EVEN SOCKS! (the soxolotl by Emma Bermudez). I plan to knit the non-cutesy one by Stephanie B-bonus, that one is a free pattern.

Maya Silver

What are the best axolotl cameos in literature and culture? Juliio Cortazar's short story "Axolotl" actually inspired me to get an axolotl tattoo when I was 21! Wondering if these mystical creatures have inspired other stories or lore.

Thomas Payne

How many species of neotenic salamanders does Mexico claim?

Thomas Payne

Mexican cuisine ingests a broad diversity of insect species. Did the axolotl “inform” humans on which insect species were edible and palatable?

Thomas Payne

The Aztecs believed that plants had spiritual powers to communicate and elucidate. Botanical and zoological gardens were strategic religious assets situated around Tenochtitlan. Did axolotls reside in these parks and exhibit mystical powers?

michaela a. gabriel

when did they develop and what are their closest relatives?

Sparky

A few years ago the Axolotl was added to Minecraft. Do you think this or other cases where animals are added to games are a net-positive for the animal species? Also, shout out to the Double Ratchet algorithm that powers the privacy and secrecy of Signal, WhatsApp, and other modern encrypted chat apps. Before it was rebranded, the protocol's name was the Axolotl Ratchet after its self-healing properties. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_Ratchet_Algorithm

Aubrey Dunn

What does their name mean?

Erica Flory

I LOVE them! What is a group of axolotls called?

AFrombs

Is it true that they can regrow limbs? And can this potentially be harnessed to regrow limbs in other species?

AFrombs

Are there axolotls that metomorphose into terrestrial forms?

The Joyful Spitfire

Are they solitary creatures or do they live in packs? If so, what do you call a group of them?

The Joyful Spitfire

With their natural habitat in jeopardy- are there efforts for breeding programs? If so where and how can we support research??

Magsaroni

Do they enjoy riding bubbles? Are they a good pet, or should they be left in their natural habitat? Do they breed them in captivity for pet shops?

PopsicleEmperor

Does it bother you that folks say its name incorrectly?

Corrie Navis

That makes me very happy, I love newts! My PhD research is on the smallest species of North American newts, so my newts are also minute 😄😊

Alison Gussack

What do they eat and how long do they live?

Between Dumplings

Given the scientific potential of the whole regeneration thing, what is being done to ensure they are not exploited into oblivion to feed the gaping maw of big pharma?

Carissa Perry

My almost 8 year old nephew Oliver introduced me to how awesome axolotls are, and he has a few questions for you and the experts: how many different types of axolotls are there, and what is the coolest type of axolotl you saw? Thanks!!!

The Bloated Toad

I recently learned that the axolotl and its strange metamorphosis was part of the early scientific debate on Darwinism as a model organism. This blew me away! I had no idea that the axolotl was already sticking its freaky lil face into the cutting edge of science before the incandescent lightbulb had come onto the scene. So my question is how did the axolotl, what essentially looks like a big baby salamander make its way up to Europe from its endemic range and was it immediately recognized by the colonists as special unique critter or did that take some time.

Jennifer Froh

What are their babies like? Live birth? Eggs? Larvee? Do the parents stay with them and raise them? Are they pair bonded?

The Bloated Toad

My friend told me they don’t have teeth. This is endearing but also mildly frightening. So my questions are: Why no teeth, how does that work out for them and does it have something to do with them being neotenic?

Maya McKenzie

Yay! Axolotls! I’ve seen/read a bit about axolotls fully morphing and losing their gills. Is there a lot of documented evidence about this? How common is that? Are there any theories as to why axolotls more than other ambystoma salamanders retain these juvenile traits?

Mr. Weevil

omg! i have an axolotl named Nugget. he’s coming up on 6 years old and i love him to death 1. what’s the deal with the different colors? 2. how can you tell their sex? 3. why won’t my axolotl eat red wigglers? 4. what is the average lifespan in captivity? 5. do they use their eyeballs to help them eat their food? 6.can they actually evolve into actual terrestrial salamanders or did my 6th grade science teacher lie to me?

Nita Chen

Greetings, why do they become so ugly in their mature form?

Nita Chen

Greetings, What determines their transition to the adult final stage? Or do they stay in that site baby axolotl forever.

Nita Chen

Greetings, why are they considered invasive species in some areas like California?

moeritherium

I’ve seen videos of the stupid little guys eating massive pebbles ! Why do they eat things they definitely can’t digest, silly little buggers.

Kai Kishimoto

What is the limit of their regeneration? What other organs besides skin, bone, muscle, and peripheral nerves can they regenerate?

Ashley Marrs

Did axolotls inspire the Japanese concept of kawaii?! The cuteness somehow seems anchored in tiny wide set eyes with a mouth in between at roughly the same latitude.

Matt Hirschl

I initially thought there would are a second recording of the Atlatl weapon!

Matt Hirschl

Axolotls seem to have a variety of patterns and colors on their skin. Can we please have the deets on why they all seem to have different patterns?

June Bramley

My son wants to know: How endangered are axolotls and how can we best help them? Also: They're so CUTE!

Enik's Tunic

Hi Alie! My kids would like to know, how is the research going into limb regeneration in axolotls? Also, what the heck do they eat?

Alicia Clarkson

Why are they so derpy? And why are they so hard to keep alive?

Valerie Bertha

Could you describe their habitat, such as small streams or larger pools, and their reproductive cycle? where I live in Virginia many salamanders lay their eggs in Vernal pools because there are no fish to eat the tadpoles.

Raja

Could you share some cool axolotl-specific adaptations? Adaxolotlptations, if you will? Raja is pronounced "Raya", like papaya.

Aurora Cullen

Are there any efforts being made to restore their original population in Xochimilco or is it too inhospitable?

Earl of Greymalkin

1) How are you supposed to pronounce their name? What is the plural form? Do they have other names from locals? 2) They look innocent of all wrongdoing ever. Do they ever get aggressive when going after food or defending territory? Do they have friends they live with or are they more solitary? 3) Who are their closest neighbors on the evolutionary tree? Are they weird salamanders or something else that's really unique? What did evolutionary ancestors look like? 4) How fast can they move? Are they easy to find in the wild or elusive? 5) Why so baby? :3 Why stay in a larval form vs why do some occasionally do metamorphosis? 6) What kind of lab research are people doing with axolotls? 7) What is it like to boop the snoot? Is that considered a friendly way to say hi or would it seem aggressive to the axolotl? 8) How are conservation efforts doing and are they doomed in the wild? Have people tried to introduce them to new areas?

Jenna Congdon

If they're able to re-generate body parts, are there any cool tricks we could borrow for human medicine? Basically, how do they do it, and is it something that could be replicated?

Neen

what are the function(s) of their cute ass whiskers?

Neen

do they have bird buttholes???

Neen

what is the maximum they can regenerate? when they regenerate their brains do they keep their memories/ personality?

Cecelia Morales

Everything! I want to know everything!!!!! How are they so cute?! Are they actually terrifyingly voracious predators?! Why did we see an explode of axolotl plushies on Target shelves in the past 5 years*(?) ?! What/who do they eat and what/who eats them?? How do their regenerative skills work?! Thanks (: <3

Travis Justice

Ok I have a friend who used to own axolotls, and she says they have ZERO survival skills or will to live. Is this true? Why do they try to eat and choke on everything? How could something so cool be so stupid?

Death Nell (Nellaenora)

I love this creature so much! Not a science question per se, but I have heard that the Nahuatl pronunciation (especially of the "otl" part I think?) is somewhat different than the English "ax-o-lot-el". (I've heard this is true also of quezocoatl and other names from the Nahuatl language.) How (as best we know) is/was it pronounced in Nahuatl?

Death Nell (Nellaenora)

I too identify with being cool (at least, in the very nerdy way) and also dumb. 😅

Death Nell (Nellaenora)

How big do they get? Is there any sexual dimorphism? How many sexes are there (as far as we know)?

Emma

Why do you have to put them in the fridge sometimes?

Lynette Dávila

From my 12 year old daughter: I know of they're out of water for long they can change to breathe air; if they go back in the water can they grow their gills back to breathe in the water?

Audrey Hudak

Are they good as pets? Are they suitable to tanks or should they stay in nature?

Keely Chavez

I hope to know more about their hormone to maturation situation. I read they don't possess the ability to metamorphosis without getting hormone from an external source, how the heck do they do that? (other than us forcing it on them) Do they have endocrinologists? Is this natural delay in maturation part of their ability to continue regeneration/does the regeneration ability decline after maturation?

Maria Vargas

First time question asked…I hope everyone Axolotl good questions (couldn’t resist). I know that axolotls are endangered but would like to know what their contributions are to their ecosystem. Also, any legends about Axolotls being from Mexico.

Deyton Andrew

I was camping in the mountains of Utah and found a pond with axolotls and salamanders both pretty big, do some salamanders just decide that they don’t want to go through metamorphosis? does it have to do with environment?

JT

What is the etymology of axolotl?

Quincy J Byrne

What’s the deal with their little face frond things??! What are they for other than cuteness?

Jen O

1. I passed a car yesterday with two axolotl bumper stickers and three plush animals on the back window. These cute guys have definitely become popular recently! But how were they perceived by *native* cultures, historically? How far back have they been found in native writings or drawings? 2. I read that pet axolotls have genetically diverged far enough from native populations that they can no longer interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Is that correct? Thanks, and keep up the amazing work!

Jessi

I know that they're permanently in a youth stage (or something like that?) is there a possibility in the future that Hollywood doctors would use axolotl science to keep celebrities looking even more freakishly youthful?

decimals and more

Is there anywhere else- other than captivity- that they could safely begin anew and populate? Aside from the lakes in Mexico where they are losing ground (water 🧐)? What steps are taken to make these kinds of decisions for any species in need?

AlexanderVonFritzyBitzAndHisMom

1. How do they poop? Do they have a cloaca? Is it runny? What color? 2. How long do they live? 3. What’s their native habitat like? How scary is it to find one in the wild while wading in dark mirky water? Will it try to eat my toes? Long-time listeners, new patreons, first time question askers, and lovers of Ologies.

Megan M

Love axolotls! Are their cute little mouth smiles actually mouths or is it just an illusion? What's with their see-through skin? Do they make a sound? So many questions!

Lena vg

Can you explain more about the way they reproduce — specifically how the sperm packets work, and I guess the female picks them up somehow? Do they hang out and stick around by where their eggs are laid, like to protect them?

Joey Zweig

From my mom: My niece’s pet axolotl seems to lead a dull life. Is there any way to entertain her? And How can you tell male v female?

Robin C Pike

Are there any research/medical things we can learn from studying their ability to regenerate body parts? Is someone actively studying this?

Emma Fiori

OMG I'm sooooo excited for this one! Please talk about the axolotl pet trade... is it cool and on the up and up? Are they being taken from the wild and called captive bred? Do any of the wildly variable breeds suffer from their genetics? Do they need any special habitat or care aspects that aren't usually talked about?

OpticalJedi

What color are they, actually? (This is from my wife Lisa)

Tom

I've seen videos that say if you inject axolotls with iodine they change to an "adult" form. How does this work and are there any records of it happening in nature?

Samantha McGarrigle

What are the biggest questions researchers are addressing about axolotl?

Celia Sanislow

What is the evolutionary benefit of their neoteny? Why keep the morphological characteristics of a juvenile instead of transitioning to an adult like the majority of animals? Thank you!

Dad jokes crack me up

Hello! Do we understand how the process of limb regeneration is similar to that of other animals with the same ability? Is there any hope that we can ever apply brain tissue regeneration research to humans?

Liv Tambrini

What exactly is a salamander? What distinguishes them in the amphibian world?

Amber Pineda

What are some of the history and legends of axolotls from their native areas population? Also what are the little fronds things around their heads for and why are they so cute? Longggg time listener and a new patron and I’m so excited to ask my first questions!!!

Simone Francoeur

What is the evolutionary advantage to not completing metamorphosis? *Bonus question from my dad: What would happen if you cut one in half length wise, would it be able to regenerate the other half of its body?

Kathleen Sachs

Are axolotls endangered in their native habitat because of the pet trade? Alternatively, are there areas where axolotls have become an invasive species because they were dumped by their owners?

Kathleen Sachs

What does the Ologist think about pet owners who take pictures of their axolotls with them sporting a moustache or accessories such as pink purses? If so, which photograph is their favorite?

Kathleen Sachs

In the Ologist's opinion, do axolotls make good pets? Why or why not?

Sarah Piette

Do they actually glow different neon colors in the dark and why? Also how ethical is is the axolotl pet trade?

Olivia Lester

I AM SO JAZZED FOR AXOLOTLS!!! A few of many questions: Given their regenerative abilities, are Axolotxl facials a thing yet in the Kim K household? Why the neotny? Why stay in water? What's the advantage to their adorable wiggle swim? What's with the coloration and morphs? Anything they can’t regenerate? Achilles’ heel? What do they feel like? Eels? Mexican lore? What's with the coral crown? Lifespan? Breeding? Pokemon, club penguin puffle morphs?

Andrea

AHHHH OMGOMG IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS EP! Ok here I go, Why is it evolutionarily beneficial for the axolotl to not metamorphosize? Why does their regeneration ability not cause biological immortality like lobsters? How do the axolotl cells know the structure they need to regenerate into like a hand or a tail rather than just closing the wound? What is the most mysterious question being researched about the axolotl? It always seems like there is nothing going on behind their eyes; how big are their brains and how good is their eyesight? What is the largest axolotl recorded (the chonkiest boy)? What’s the axolotl’s social structure like? Why is albinism more common in axolotl than other salamanders? How old is the axolotl as a species? With habitat loss and environmental pressures, is it more common to encounter metamorphosed axolotl? What are the conservation efforts towards the axolotl?

Andrea

From Andrea & Alex from Delaware :)

Gloria Yu

Hi Alie, I’m a 2nd grade teacher in Georgia, and my class has so many questions! How long do they live? What’s the fuzzy stuff on their head? Why do they look like they’re smiling? What do they eat? Why are they pink? Can they be blue? How many exist in the world? Thank you!!!!

Meagan Walker

Are there more in the wild or in captivity? Are they ethical pets?

jangonator

How smart are they? Are there any studies that have been done on their intelligence? They’re the cutest but their brain lights look a bit dim lol

Eden

Are there any emerging technologies or research techniques that are revolutionizing the study of axolotls? Any studies that are challenging our previous understanding of their biology?

Ryan Brubaker

I've heard that they can regrow almost every part of their body including their brain? How can they do this? What is directing the repair of the brain if there is no brain??

Rineil Mandre

Is "Axel F", from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, their favorite German dance song?

Amy Lee

!!! I am SO EXCITED about this episode (first time question asker) and want to “axolotl” questions, but am most curious about the evolutionary benefits/significance of neonety, and also would love to know what, if anything, we can do to help protect them in the wild, or if their future more likely relies on captive populations?

Clare P

Why so cute Axolotls?!

SuchaHotMetz

How are they considered critically endangered in Mexico while here in the US we have them as pets? Also can you explain how people have bred them to glow? Lets talk about how they grow their limbs back like adorable water Deadpool puppies!!!

SuchaHotMetz

I missed the deadline ahhhhhhhh

Darren Bush

The technical term is autodeadpoolization.

Hope

how did we breed them to keep their nymph traits in adulthood?

Cassie Chatwin

I had a baby recently and got behind and I just wanted to say I'm sorry excited about this. I don't know if this episode is live yet or not but I can't wait!