Pulse Nigeria is the most followed news and entertainment platform, informing and engaging young Nigerians round the clock, providing updates by the hour.

Pulse Nigeria

Imagine a creature that looks like a fish but walks on four legs. The axolotl is a true wonder of nature.

All you need to know about the 'fish' that walks on 4 legs | Pulse Nigeria

Anna Ajayi

<h1><strong>Imagine a creature that looks like a fish but walks on four legs. Axolotl is a true wonder of nature.&nbsp;</strong></h1>

<p>The axolotl (ack-suh-lah-tuhl) is an amphibian that originates from the ancient lakes of Mexico, hence the nickname "Mexico walking fish". This may look like a fish, catfish even, with its sleek body and fin-like structures, but this creature is not a fish at all. It's part of a family of salamanders, which are amphibians. Unlike most amphibians that undergo metamorphosis from water-dwelling larvae to land-dwelling adults, the axolotl remains aquatic throughout its life. This trait is known as "neoteny."</p>

<h3><strong>What's neoteny?</strong></h3>

<p>One of the most amazing features of the axolotl is its ability to still look young even as it grows into adulthood. What makes this possible is neoteny. This phenomenon is also responsible for its 'walking' abilities. It allows the axolotl to keep its gills, which are used to breathe underwater, instead of developing lungs and moving to land. This neotenic trait gives the axolotl a young appearance, making it seem like a permanent 'youth elixir' of the amphibian world.</p>

<p>Axolotls have legs and this might make you believe that they can walk on land, but axolotls cannot walk on land. </p>

<p>They are amphibians that never undergo metamorphosis as explained earlier. So, the limbs of axolotls cannot support the weight on dry land, unlike salamanders.</p>

<p>Axolotls are native to the Xochimilco and Chalco regions of Mexico, which are famous for their canals and lakes. These water bodies provide the axolotl with its perfect habitat. They live in the murky, freshwater depths, where they can find shelter in aquatic plants and hide among rocks and mud.</p>

<h3><strong>Their regenerative powers</strong></h3>

<p>Axolotls can regrow lost body parts, such as limbs, jaws, and even parts of their spinal cord. What fuels the axolotl's fast growth and regenerative abilities? Their diet. Axolotls are carnivores, which means they eat meat. This includes small aquatic animals like insects, crustaceans, worms, and even small fish. They use their keen senses to detect vibrations in the water and hunt down their prey.</p>

<h3><strong>They are at risk of extinction</strong></h3>

<p>Sadly, the Axolotl is classed as a critically endangered species. They face existential threats due to habitat loss, water pollution, and the introduction of non-native species. These challenges have led to a decline in their population.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>The myth of their origin</strong></h3>

<p>The word "Axolotl" comes from the Ancient Aztecs, who worshipped these creatures. The term translates to mean "water dog." The axolotl shares a mythological connection with the Aztec god Xolotl, who was depicted as a dog-headed deity. In Aztec mythology, Xolotl was the god of fire, lightning, deformities, and death. According to the myth, the Aztec gods needed to sacrifice themselves to the sun to keep it alive and moving across the sky. Xolotl, however, feared this fate. To escape sacrifice, he transformed into a plant and eventually into an axolotl to conceal his identity.</p>

All you need to know about the 'fish' that walks on 4 legs

Pulse Picks

Business

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Politics

Local

Metro

World

News 

Celebrities

Music

Movies

Fashion

Beauty & Health

Relationships & Weddings

Food & Travel

Domestic

International 

Sports 

Celebrity Picks

Pulse Marketing

Explore categories

Influencer Awards

Company Pages

Breaking News & Top Stories | Pulse Nigeria

Video

Checkout our authors for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria 

Authors | Pulse Nigeria

| Pulse Nigeria

Read the latest news across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria

Search for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria

Search Results | Pulse Nigeria

Watch the latest videos across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria