As legend has it, the axolotl is the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, which disguised himself as a salamander to avoid being sacrificed. But these Mexican amphibians are impressive enough on their own, with the ability to regenerate lost limbs and stay “young” throughout their lives.
The axolotl (ACK-suh-LAH-tuhl) is the Peter Pan of salamanders. While most amphibians grow out of their aquatic phase to begin their lives on land, the axolotl largely retains its larval characteristics and spends its adult life in the water. It does, however, get bigger—up to a foot long.
They are a carnivore and eat worms, small crustaceans, larvae and fish. They are critically endangered in the wild due to predators, pollution, fishing and the pet trade.
In addition to being able to regrow body parts—including their hearts, spines, and brains—axolotls can accept organs and limbs transplanted from other axolotls without risk of rejection, a trait that makes them of interest for medical research.
We comissioned the awesome Mushroom Babes to make us a design full of these interesting animal friends and the outcome is incredible! They will be launching on the 25th April at 1pm BST.
Main photo by Tim Flach.
Model @tasha__curtis she/her
Photographer Amy Davies Photography
