How much do you know about axolotl anatomy? - Part 1, external anatomy
We are diving into a whole new topic set this week with axolotl anatomy! Throughout the week, we’ll cover external anatomy, internal anatomy, the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems, and axolotl’s amazing regenerative capabilities! In order to fully understand why some foods are better and others are dangerous or even hazardous, it helps to have a basic understanding of both the internal and external anatomy of axolotls.
Today’s topic will be isolated to external anatomy. We’re going to discuss all the different body parts your axolotl has, and their functions!
What makes axolotls unique?
Axolotls retain something called their neotenic form (or “child-like” form) throughout their adult lives. Unlike other salamander species, axolotls do not morph to become land dwelling. They remain aquatic their whole lives.
So what makes up an axolotl's external anatomy?
An axolotl’s external anatomy comprises external gills, gill fimbriae, gill rakes, mouth, nose, 4-digit front limbs, 5-digit hind limbs, lidless eyes, cloaca, dorsal fin, slime coat, and intercostal grooves. We will break down each of these for function!
External gills - used for respiration, will “flick” gills to increase water movement and efficiency of taking oxygen from the water
Gill fimbriae - the vascular filaments that take in oxygen
Affectionately and commonly called “floofs”
Gill rakes - slits on the back underneath the gill stalks that prevent food from entering and flush out particulates
Mouth - used for eating (teeth used to position food before they use suction to swallow prey whole) and breathing (they also have lungs, which will be discussed with the respiratory system)
Nose - used for smelling food/prey
4-digit front limb and 5-digit hindlimb - only differ in the number of digits per limb, used for mobility
Lidless eyes - they have poor eyesight which is made worse when they cannot escape bright lights
Cloaca - site for waste excretion, and structure determines gender
Dorsal fin - aids in swimming mobility
Slime coat - protects the skin and its major functions
Costal grooves - assist with thermoregulation and respiration
That's the basics! If you have questions, leave them in the comments, shoot our team a message, or ask us how you can join our private Axolotl Help group on Facebook, where we bring all of our combined knowledge and experience together to help solve your axolotl challenges.
And of course stay tuned for our next installment of #NomSafeNovember: internal axolotl anatomy!
