So Squee! Friday presents the Axolotl

If you've never heard of the Mexican salamander the Axolotl before (pronounced ack-suh-lah-tuhl), you're in for a treat! Clearly the inspiration for the water type Pokemon Wooper, the Axolotl is an unique amphibian in that it never undergoes any stages of metamorphosis during it's transition into adulthood (a trait called neoteny).

An amazing feature among these little guys is their ability to regrow lost limbs! (Cute and resourceful!) They are also, unfortunately, endangered in their natural wild habitat (lake Xochimilco in Mexico).

Pet Axolotls are popular pets among humans, and can survive for a very long time provided they are given proper care. They require cooler temperatures to maintain their slow metabolism and specific substrate with fine sand because they sometimes eat tiny bits of stone or gravel. Okay, so they're not the brightest of amphibians, but look at how cute they are!

If you ever plan on keeping Axolotls, be careful not to pair them with fish that like to nip - they can nibble on the Axolotl's exposed frilly gills! And there's always a good chance your Axolotl will eat anything smaller than itself. They can also grow up to a foot long, so they require a large aquarium!

Axolotls are usually black or mottled brown, but the white/albino varieties (pictured here) are very popular. Axolotls also live quite a long time - up to 15 years - so if you ever decide to get one, be sure you're ready for a long-term pet!