AnAge entry for Ambystoma mexicanum

Classification (HAGRID: 00134)

Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
    Phylum: Chordata
        Class: Amphibia (Taxon entry)
            Order: Caudata
                Family: Ambystomatidae
                    Genus: Ambystoma
Species
Ambystoma mexicanum
Common name
Axolotl
Synonyms
Gyrinus mexicanus, Siren pisciformis, Triton mexicanus, Philhydrus pisciformis, Hypochton pisciformis, Siredon axolotl, Axolotus pisciformis, Sirenodon pisciformis, Stegoporus pisciformis, Stegoporus mexicanum, Hemitriton mexicanum, Axolotes guttata, Siren axolotl, Amblystoma weismanni, Siredon edule

Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits

Maximum longevity
21 years (captivity)
Source
Maximina Yun, pers. comm.
Sample size
Large
Data quality
Acceptable
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; they are also extremely resistant to cancer [0843].

In captivity, these animals can live up to 21 years (Maximina Yun, pers. comm.). It is unclear what they die of. Anecdotal evidence, which seems possible, suggests these animals may live up to 25 years.

Life history traits (averages)

Female sexual maturity
548 days
Male sexual maturity
548 days
Incubation
18 days
Metamorphosis
Clutch size
(oviparous)
Adult weight

Metabolism

No information on metabolism is available.

References

External Resources

Integrated Taxonomic Information System
ITIS 586244
Animal Diversity Web
ADW account (if available)
Encyclopaedia of Life
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NCBI Taxonomy
Taxonomy ID 8296
Entrez
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Ageing Literature
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Internet
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