I don't own any but maybe later i could, just wondering if it was right to stimulate metamorphosis?
axolotl
- Thread starter wwg
- Start date
It is better not to do so. Axolotls can live long healthy lives without undergoing metamorphosis; if they are forced to undergo metamorphosis it may cause unnecessary stress and shorten their lives.
If you want to watch metamorphosis occur, you are better off getting tiger salamander larvae.
If you want to watch metamorphosis occur, you are better off getting tiger salamander larvae.
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The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a large aquatic salamander (to about 14" total length) native to the Mexico City area; most individuals remain in the larval stage all their lives (this phenomenon is common in salamanders and is variously called neoteny, paedomorphosis, or perennibranchy; each of these terms has a somewhat different technical meaning).
However, axolotls are capable of metamorphosis if exposed to thyroid hormone or its precursor, iodine, or if exposed to harsh aquatic conditions. They have been a standard lab animal for over a century, and a few color morphs, including albinos, have been developed.
Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum complex) are close relatives from the US and parts of Canada and Mexico that are less committed to perennibranchy; it is the exception rather than the rule for them.
However, axolotls are capable of metamorphosis if exposed to thyroid hormone or its precursor, iodine, or if exposed to harsh aquatic conditions. They have been a standard lab animal for over a century, and a few color morphs, including albinos, have been developed.
Tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum complex) are close relatives from the US and parts of Canada and Mexico that are less committed to perennibranchy; it is the exception rather than the rule for them.