Sometimes known as a “walking fish” this relative of the tiger salamander is actually an amphibian- one that has been wrapped in the myths and legends of Mexico for eons. Axolotls are unusual in that instead of proceeding through metamorphosis and walking on land, they have retained their gills and stay aquatic.
Due to habitat loss and other threats, there only around 1000 axolotls left in the wild and they are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN list of endangered species. They are sometimes kept as unique pets- captive breeding can in fact help wild populations as it can raise awareness of their unusual characteristics and fragile status
