• @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    English
    281 month ago

    Maybe only marginally uplifting, but Japan began a love affair with axolotls several years ago and now they’re a common household pet here. I think it’s safe to say they’re not going to die off.

    • anguo
      link
      fedilink
      English
      141 month ago

      From what I understand, those used as pets and in labs are all albino, something you rarely find in the wild.

      • Ms. ArmoredThirteen
        link
        fedilink
        English
        71 month ago

        Ones with albinism are common but they can actually have lots of colorations. They are crossbred with tiger salamanders though making them genetically different from wild axolotls. Having cared for a couple I can also say they’re dumber than a block of cheese and I’m honestly amazed they’re surviving in the wild in any capacity

        • TinyShonk
          link
          fedilink
          English
          11 month ago

          What differences do wild axolotls have from the tiger ones?

          • Ms. ArmoredThirteen
            link
            fedilink
            English
            31 month ago

            Other than the coloration I’m actually not sure. I’ve heard wild ones are tougher but haven’t seen any actual sources personally. I’d really hope they’re smarter too otherwise everything I know about survival of the fittest is in question. Many (most maybe?) of the captive bred ones are descendants of scientific studies so there could be traits like increased regenerative abilities that were bred in but I honestly don’t know

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      10
      edit-2
      1 month ago

      Yeah unfortunately axolotl in captivity are not “real” axolotls. They were crossed with tiger salamanders at some point in their history and have essentially been domesticated (and there is no shortage of those). Pure wild axolotls are critically endangered and will probably go extinct.

    • lime!
      link
      fedilink
      English
      21 month ago

      you need the http for the link to work