AnAge Home Help Human Ageing Genomic Resources Citation

AnAge entry for Ambystoma mexicanum


Classification (HAGRID: 00926)
TaxonomyKingdom: Animalia
    Phylum: Chordata
        Class: Amphibia (Taxon entry)
            Order: Caudata
                Family: Ambystomatidae
                    Genus: Ambystoma
SpeciesAmbystoma mexicanum
Common nameAxolotl

Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits

Maximum longevity17 years (captivity)
Sourceref. 451
Sample sizelarge
Data qualityacceptable
Observations

The axolotl is a classic case of neoteny in that animals become sexually mature without undergoing the final metamorphosis to the land-borne adult. Although very rare in the wild, it is possible to induce metamorphosis in the lab using thyroxine injections but animals die shortly afterwards [0449]. Like other similar species, the axolotl is capable of limb regeneration, the study of which could be of benefit to regenerative medicine [0843]. Anecdotal evidence, which seems possible, suggests these animals may live up to 25 years.

Life history traits (averages)

Female sexual maturity548 days
Male sexual maturity548 days
Incubation18 days
Metamorphosis
Clutch size (oviparous)
Adult weight

Metabolism

No information on metabolism available.

References

[0843] Roy and Gatien (2008), Regeneration in axolotls: a model to aim for!, PubMed
[0796] Roy and Levesque (2006), Limb regeneration in axolotl: is it superhealing?, PubMed
[0449] Brunst (1955), The axolotl (siredon mexicanum). I. As material for scientific research, PubMed
[0451] Frank & Kate's Web Page
[0749] AmphibiaWeb

External resources

Integrated Taxonomic Information SystemITIS 586244
Animal Diversity WebADW account
Encyclopedia of LifeSearch EOL
Genome ProjectSearch NCBI
Entrez

Search all databases

Entrez Taxonomy search

Ageing literature

Search Google Scholar

Search PubMed

Search Scirus

ImagesGoogle Image search
InternetSearch Google


AnAge database at the Human Ageing Genomic Resources.

If you find any missing or incorrect data, please contact us.