The axolotl is the Peter Pan of amphibians-it refuses to grow up. Living in a single secluded lake in the mountains of Mexico, adults of this species hang on to the frilly gills and finned tails of their childhood, making them look like a cross between a lizard and a decorated eel. Axolotls can breathe in and out of water, but usually stay in the lake.
Under Pressure: A line of sensors runs along each side of this creature's body. They detect vibrations made by nearby creatures in the water and can tell the axolotl how big the creature is—and whether it should prepare to eat or run.
Frill Gill: Unlike fish and other young amphibians, the axolotl wears its gills on the outside. Dozens of frilly strands on stalks behind this salamander's head hang openly in the water so they can collect as much oxygen as possible.
Forever Young[]
Cold lake water may stunt the growth of axolotls.
The axolotl is an amphibian with a remarkable trait-it never turns fully into an adult. Other amphibians, such as frogs, begin life as gilled tadpoles, and develop legs and lungs and lose their tails as they grow older and move onto dry land. Axolotls grow legs and lungs, but keep their adolescent gills and tails throughout their lives. These animals can walk and breathe air if they like, but seem to prefer the aquatic lifestyle.
Mountain Spring: These creatures are found only in one place in the world-Lake Xochimilco in Mexico. This lake, in the Sierra Madre Mountains, is fed by streams of melting snow.
Stay Green: In their native home, axolotls are green with black spots, which helps them stay camouflaged from predators. When bred in captivity, however, they are almost always albinos with pinkish-white skin.
Coming of Age[]
Axolotls have been studied extensively, and scientists have used growth hormones to force these amphibians to develop into full-fledged adults. Mature axolotls lose their gills and the fins on their tails so they can adapt to life on land. Plus, an adult's eyes become bigger and give the creature better eyesight for spotting prey.
Trivia[]
- The card has two possible references on the mini headers:
- The front of the card has "Under Pressure", a Queen song featuring David Bowie released in 1981.
- The back of the card has "Forever Young", which is the title of a 1973 song by Bob Dylan and a song by Alphaville in 1988, the latter being more likely.
- It is worth noting that both of these are both generic phrases, but also associated with the two songs, and the series has a knack for referencing 60s-80s songs.