

Iodine stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin, which activates the morphing process.Īxolotl morph has happened by the presence of an excess of iodine in the axolotl’s tank water or food. The metamorphism in axolotls is a hormonal change triggered by an excess of iodine in their body. In nature, this could be triggered because of some external factors, especially due to the production of thyroxin. Only sometimes they will surface to gulp in the air. During adulthood, they do develop rudimentary lungs but only use their gills to breathe underwater. Salamanders morphed and developed proper lungs to live on land.īy nature, axolotl morph does not happen. In the case of the salamanders (ancestors of axolotls), and the axolotls themselves, the metamorphosis stages are egg, larva, juvenile, and adult. Scientists have classified metamorphism into four stages namely egg stage, larva stage, pupa, and then adult stage. Metamorphosis is a natural process in certain species, especially insects, where they change physically during their growth stage. Do write to us if you have queries, we will try to help with your queries.īecause of the research work being done on the axolotls in laboratories and the interest shown by enthusiasts, people are curious and ask can axolotl morph? Axolotl Morph – How to tell if Axolotl is morphing Continue reading on if you are interested to know more about axolotl morphing. In this post, we discuss the axolotl morphs, axolotl transformation, their reasons, and related topics.

Neotenic comes from Latin and means to reach sexual maturity while still retaining the qualities of a larva. Considered nearly extinct and is only bred in captivity for lab work and as a pet.Īxolotls are “neotenic” species and don’t morph naturally. For this reason, people mistakenly think it is a fish. Although classified as amphibians, they have adapted to water and spend all their life in water. Axolotls are genetically related to salamanders.
