axolotl

American  

[ak-suh-lot-l] / ˈæk səˌlɒt l /

noun

1. any of several salamanders of the genus Ambystoma that inhabit lakes and ponds of Mexico and remain in the larval stage as sexually mature adults.

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axolotl British  

/ ˈæksəˌlɒtəl /

noun

1. any of several aquatic salamanders of the North American genus Ambystoma, esp A. mexicanum ( Mexican axolotl ), in which the larval form (including external gills) is retained throughout life under natural conditions (see neoteny ): family Ambystomidae

2. any of various other North American salamanders in which neoteny occurs or is induced

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Etymology

Origin of axolotl

1780–90; < Nahuatl āxōlōtl, equivalent to ā ( tl ) water + xōlōtl page, male servant

Example Sentences

Chris Newman, director of the National Centre for Reptile Welfare, said people often underestimated the level of commitment required to own an axolotl, including not realising they can live for up to 20 years.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Evie first saw the pale axolotl nestled in the rocks after lifting up a discarded mat in the shallows of the River Ogmore.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Mexicans have plenty of spiritual animalistic icons and regional exclusives that make sense, from the endangered axolotl salamander to Xoloitzcuintle, a hairless dog.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

RR thinks it would be fun to be an axolotl and breathe underwater.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2025

In February, 1876, Mr Henry Lee wrote to Captain Mayne Reid for some account of the Mexican axolotl, and received the following answer: Chasewood, Ross, Herefordshire, February 28, 1876.

From Mayne Reid A Memoir of his Life by Reid, Elizabeth