What Happens If an Axolotl Goes on Land? Risks and Survival Facts

Axolotls are fascinating amphibians that have intrigued scientists and pet owners alike. These creatures, often referred to as "Mexican walking fish," are unique because they retain their larval features throughout their lives—a phenomenon known as neoteny. But a common question many people ask is: can axolotls go on land? The simple answer is that while they might survive briefly out of water, their bodies are not built for terrestrial life, making land a dangerous environment for them. In this article, we’ll explore what happens when an axolotl goes on land, the risks involved, and their survival mechanisms.

The Biology of Axolotls and Their Aquatic Nature

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are fully aquatic amphibians that live in freshwater lakes and canals, primarily in Mexico. Unlike other amphibians that undergo metamorphosis and develop lungs to live on land, axolotls retain their gills and continue to breathe underwater. Their soft, permeable skin is highly sensitive to dehydration, which makes terrestrial survival extremely difficult.

Can Axolotls Breathe on Land?

Although axolotls have rudimentary lungs, they primarily rely on their external gills for respiration. Their lungs can function to a limited extent, allowing them to gulp air at the water's surface when necessary. However, these lungs are not efficient enough to sustain them on land for extended periods. Without water, an axolotl’s gills dry out quickly, making breathing increasingly difficult.

What Happens When an Axolotl is Taken Out of Water?

When an axolotl is exposed to land for even a short time, it experiences several adverse effects:

1. Dehydration: Axolotls have moist, delicate skin that requires a constant supply of water. Once out of the water, their skin begins losing moisture rapidly, leading to dehydration. This can cause stress, skin damage, and, ultimately, death.

2. Oxygen Deprivation: While their lungs can extract some oxygen from the air, axolotls depend on their gills for most of their oxygen intake. When their gills dry out, oxygen absorption becomes inefficient, leading to respiratory distress.

3. Difficulty Moving: Axolotls have evolved for aquatic environments, with limbs designed for slow movement along lake bottoms rather than walking on land. Their legs are weak compared to terrestrial amphibians, making movement on land cumbersome and exhausting.

4. Temperature Regulation Issues: Water provides axolotls with a stable temperature, but exposure to air can cause rapid overheating or cooling, which can lead to shock or organ failure.

How Long Can an Axolotl Survive on Land?

An axolotl’s survival time on land varies depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. In a cool, humid environment, an axolotl might survive for several hours, but in a dry, hot setting, dehydration can set in within minutes. Without immediate rehydration, the axolotl’s body functions will deteriorate quickly, leading to fatal consequences.

Is There a Way for Axolotls to Adapt to Land?

Although axolotls do not naturally metamorphose, they belong to the same family as tiger salamanders, which undergo metamorphosis and live on land. Under specific circumstances, axolotls can be induced to metamorphose using hormonal treatments, such as thyroid hormones. However, this forced metamorphosis is highly stressful and significantly shortens their lifespan, as their bodies are not naturally designed for terrestrial living.

What Should You Do If Your Axolotl Ends Up on Land?

If your axolotl accidentally jumps out of its tank or is removed from water, follow these steps immediately:

1. Gently return it to water: Pick up the axolotl with wet hands and place it back in a cool, clean, dechlorinated water tank.

2. Observe for distress: Look for signs of dehydration, stress, or gill damage.

3. Increase oxygen levels: If your axolotl appears weak, consider adding an air pump or increasing water flow to improve oxygen levels.

4. Monitor closely: Keep an eye on your pet for the next few hours to ensure it recovers from the stress.

Conclusion

Axolotls are unique amphibians that are fully adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. While they have rudimentary lungs, they rely on their gills and moist skin for respiration, making land an inhospitable place for them. If an axolotl is exposed to air for too long, dehydration, oxygen deprivation, and other risks can quickly lead to fatal consequences. For those who keep axolotls as pets, it is crucial to provide a secure, well-maintained water environment to ensure their health and longevity. Ultimately, axolotls belong in water, where they thrive best.