Axolotl Types

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 2 August 2021
Update Date: 18 December 2024
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Amphibians are the only vertebrates that suffer from a transformation known as metamorphosis, which consists of a series of anatomical and physiological changes between larval and adult form. Among the amphibians, we find the order of the Caudados, in which we have, among others, the family Ambystomatidae. The gender Ambystoma forms part of the mentioned family and includes more than 30 species, commonly named as axolotls. A peculiarity of some species of axolotls is that they do not metamorphose, like the rest of amphibians, but rather maintain the characteristics of the larval stage, even when they are adults, an aspect known as neoteny.

Axolotls are native to North America, mainly Mexico, with some species having a cultural importance within the country. However, despite this, certain animals in this group are in danger of extinction for several reasons. We invite you to continue reading this PeritoAnimal article so that you can get to know some of the axolotl types that exists.


Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

This axolotl is, in some way, the most representative of the group and one of its peculiarities is that it is a neotenous species, so that the adults measure about 15 cm or more and have the appearance of a giant tadpole. It is endemic to Mexico and is in critical danger of extinction due to the following factors: contamination of the aquatic environment where it lives, introduction of invasive species (fish), massive consumption as food, alleged medicinal uses and capture for sale.

Another particular aspect of axolotl salamander is that in the wild, it has dark colors that look like black, but are actually brown, gray or intense green, which allows them to camouflage themselves very well in the environments in which they are found.

However, in captivity, by selective breeding, they obtained individuals with variations in body tone, so that there are black axolotls, albinos, pink albinos, white albinos, golden albinos and leucísticos. The latter have white tones and black eyes, unlike the albinos, which have white eyes. All of these captive variations are commonly used for marketing as pets.


Axolotl of the Ambystoma altamirani species

This type of axolotl usually does not exceed 12 centimeters in length. The back and sides of the body are purplish blacks, while the belly is purple, however, it has clear parts that go from the head to the tail.

It inhabits great heights above sea level, specifically in small rivers located in pine or oak forests, although they are also in grassland waters. Adult forms can be aquatic or terrestrial. The species is found in endangered.

Axolotl of the species Ambystoma amblycephalum

Also native to Mexico, this species of axolotl lives in high habitats, about 2000 meters above sea level, especially in thickets, and has been declared as in critical extinction hazard.


Its size does not usually exceed 9 centimeters, which makes it a small size compared to others types of axolotl. In this species, metamorphosis occurs. The dorsal area is dark or black, while the belly is gray and has many cream colored spots, which vary in size.

Axolotl of the Ambystoma andersoni species

The adults of this species have robust bodies and measure between 10 and 14 centimeters, although there are larger specimens. The species does not metamorphose, its color is dark orange with black spots or spots over the entire body.

So far it has only been located in the Zacapu lagoon, Mexico, as well as in streams and canals around it. They usually prefer to be in the underwater vegetation. Unfortunately, among the axolotl types, this is also found in critical extinction hazard.

Axolotl of the Ambystoma bombypellum species

There are no exhaustive studies on the risks of extinction of this species, therefore, for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, it falls into the category of insufficient data. It is a not so big size, on average 14 centimeters.

the back color is bluish brown gray, with the presence of a dark line that goes from the head to the tail. It also presents in the tail area and on the side a whitish gray coloration, while the sides of the belly are brown. It inhabits about 2500 meters above sea level, in waters located in pastures and mixed forests.

Axolotl of the species Ambystoma dumerilii

The axolotl of this species is neotenic and is only found in Lake Patzcuaro, Mexico. She is considered in critical extinction hazard. Both males and females measure between 15 and 28 cm approximately.

Its color is uniform and generally burnt brown, however, some records also indicate the presence of individuals with this tone, but mixed with violet and other lighter tones in the lower zones.

Axolotl of the species Ambystoma leorae

This type of axolotl has a wider distribution, but due to contamination and habitat transformation, it is now strongly restricted, categorized into critical extinction hazard.

This species undergoes metamorphosis and when they are adults they remain in the water. Its average size is about 20 cm and features greenish coloration in the lateral and dorsal areas with brown spots, while the belly part is cream.

Axolotl of the Ambystoma lermaense species

This species has the peculiarity that some individuals may be neotenous, while others even present metamorphosis, especially those found in their natural environment. They measure about 16 cm or more and their bodies are uniformly colored from gray to black if they do not transform, while in metamorphosed forms, the legs and mouth areas are lighter in color.

They live in the remaining part of Lake Lerma and rivers associated with it. Due to the important impact on the habitat, they are in critical extinction hazard.

Axolotl of the species Ambystoma rivulare

another of axolotl types best known is the species Ambystoma rivulare. It is black in color, with light gray lips and belly area. Furthermore, in the lateral area and in the tail they have certain darker spots than the rest of the body. They measure about 7 centimeters or more and females are usually more robust and larger than males. They undergo metamorphosis, but the adults remain in the water.

is considered in critical hazard and their main habitat are rivers from mountainous areas associated with volcanic areas, specifically in biomes such as pine and oak forests.

Axolotl of the Ambystoma taylori species

In its natural environment it is a neotenic species, but laboratory-bred individuals have evolved the metamorphosis. They measure about 17 cm or less in length and the coloration can be of yellow to intense shades, with the presence of dark or light spots, in some cases, all over the body.

They live in the brackish waters of the Alchichica Lagoon and in the associated basin and, generally, remain at the bottom, although at night they can go out to the sea. It is classified as in critical extinction hazard.

Other types of axolotl

You axolotl types mentioned, as we mentioned, are species native to Mexico. However, there are others of the Ambystoma genus that also live in the United States and many of them are commonly known as salamanders, although this name is also used for other families of the amphibians, such as the Salamandridae, which can be called salamanders or newts.

Among the other types of axolotl that exist, the following species can be mentioned:

  • Ambystoma annulatum
  • Barbour Ambystoma
  • Ambystoma bishopi
  • Californian Ambystoma
  • Ambystoma cingulatum
  • Ambystoma flaviiperatum
  • ambystoma gracile
  • Ambystoma granulosum
  • Ambystoma jeffersonianum
  • lateral ambystoma
  • Ambystoma mabeei
  • Ambystoma macrodactylum
  • Ambystoma maculatum
  • Ambystoma mavortium
  • Ambystoma opacum
  • Ambystoma ordinarium.
  • Ambystoma rosaceum
  • Silvense ambystoma
  • Ambystoma subsalsum
  • Ambystoma talpoidum
  • Texas ambystoma
  • Tigrinum Ambystoma
  • Ambystoma velasci

axolotls are species subjected to great pressure, because most are in critical danger of extinction. It is urgently necessary to implement more effective measures to allow axolotls to recover from the aforementioned impacts and thus manage to stabilize their populations.

If you want to read more articles similar to Axolotl Types, we recommend that you enter our Curiosities section of the animal world.