Exact Answer: Upto 15 Years
Axolotls are paedomorphic salamanders that belong to the tiger salamander. They can be found in lakes like Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City. These amphibians reach the stage of adulthood without even undergoing metamorphosis. They are not found on the land but in the aquatic and filled. They belong to the class of Amphibia under the order urodele.
The axolotls got near-extinct in 2020 due to the urbanization in Mexico City. The water pollution and the introduction of species like tilapia and perch were threats to these amphibians. The axolotls have been listed as nearly endangered and have a population of just 50-100 adult individuals left. These creatures are widely used for scientific research as they have the power to regenerate their limbs, gills, eyes, and brain.
How Long Do Axolotls Live?
| Axotols | Duration of Life |
| In a tank | 10 years |
| As Pets | 11-12 Years |
Axolotls can live up to 15 years. Depending on the conditions they are kept in and the care they get, they can live for a longer duration. Axolotls are long-lived amphibians that take a staple diet of mollusks, worms, insects, larvae, crustaceans, and some fishes. The species has been suffering from the introduction of large fishes in the lake habitats.
The maximum duration for which axolotls can live is 20 years. The axolotls can regrow the part of their limbs or even their organs that add up to the time for which they can live. In captivity, they can only live for 5 years. These salamanders can face threats to themselves from their predators, natural habitat, native habitat, or illness.
Axolotls live in water and even breed underwater. They breed from December to June and can lay up to 1000 eggs in one cycle. They grow their head and body after entering the larva stage. The babies creatures do not have legs until two weeks and remain in this stage for 6 months. After six months, the axolotls reach maturity level and breed to reproduce more.
A sexually mature adult axolotl can range from 15-45 cm in length. The size of 23 cm is most common in these creatures. They possess features like external gills, caudal fins. When they mature to adulthood the gills are still found as they live underwater. The axolotls have large heads with lidless eyes. They have underdeveloped limbs, external gills, and gill rakers. The women have a larger body to carry the eggs.
Why Do Axolotls Live This Long?
Axolotls live only this long because of a number of reasons like predators, pollution, health problems, poor care, and many more. Axolotls lack the skill of self-defense and are slow-moving creatures with no teeth or claws and hence are more prone as prey for other animals. The new species introduced to their breeding area are also a cause of extinction.
The pollution in the native area of these animals that is the Mexico city is a reason for the downfall of these animals. The axolotls went completely extinct in 2010 due to water pollution and since today are under the endangered line. One of the most common reasons for the death of axolotls is their health issues like fluid build-up, tumors, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause them serious issues.
Another common problem is inbreeding which is a result of the engagement of these species. If kept in captivity, the fragile species can be dead easy. They are adaptive in nature but their requirements like cold water, a large tank, the right substrate at bottom of the tank should be met. Improper food habits and bad research can also lead to their deaths.
Conclusion
Axolotls have a life span of 12-15 years but depending on their conditions they can live longer up to 20 years. Axolotls are getting endangered due to the risks in their native habitat. Pollution and the introduction of new species in their area are some of the common reasons for the extinction of these species. Proper care is needed for axolotls to have a healthy and sustainable life. The axolotls live underwater and are a part of the amphibians family. It is necessary to have a full study of these creatures before petting them.
