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An Introduction to the Mexican Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Lab Animal volume 33, pages 41–47 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

A number of unusual traits, including a remarkable capacity for wound healing and limb regeneration, make the axolotl an interesting animal model. The author provides an overview of axolotl care and use in biomedical research.

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Figure 1: Wild-type axolotl with gill branches spread.
Figure 2: Top: Male axolotl with prominent jelly gland.
Figure 3
Figure 4: An animal room at the IUAC.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7: Adult melanoid axolotl.
Figure 8: Adult female albino axolotl.

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Acknowledgements

All the work done by the IUAC is possible because of the generous support of the National Science Foundation (current award number DBI-0234425). In addition, the author would like to thank Axolotl Colony Director George Malacinski and the two anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments on the first drafts of this paper. Extra thanks to IUAC Curator Rachel Boyd for her photography assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Gresens is Assistant Director, Indiana University Axolotl Colony, Jordan Hall 142, 1001 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47405.,

    Jill Gresens BS, ALAT

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  1. Jill Gresens BS, ALAT
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Correspondence to Jill Gresens BS, ALAT.

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Gresens, J. An Introduction to the Mexican Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). Lab Anim 33, 41–47 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban1004-41

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