What is an axolotls role in its ecosystem?

What is an axolotls role in its ecosystem?

The Axolotl plays an important role in Mexico’s life style and survival. Before they were endangered they were a valuable food source for the people of Mexico. Axolotls and other salamanders around the world are becoming or are extinct due to factors such as pesticides, predators and habitat destruction.

How does an axolotl interact with its environment?

Despite their infantile charm and undeveloped teeth, axolotls are effective predators, inhaling worms, mollusks, crustaceans, insect larvae, and even small fish! During the day, they burrow into the aquatic vegetation and mud to avoid being eaten, and at night they become animated…and hungry.

What is the natural habitat of the axolotl?

Xochimilco
Found exclusively in the lake complex of Xochimilco (pronounced SO-chee-MILL-koh) near Mexico City, axolotls differ from most other salamanders in that they live permanently in water.

Where is the axolotl in the food chain?

Axolotls’ carnivorous diet historically put them at the top of the food chain. They grab anything they can snatch: Mollusks, fish and arthropods like insects and spiders.

Is an axolotl a primary consumer?

Axolotl are carnivorous creatures. They eat worms, insects, and small fish, and are secondary consumers in the food web.

What are the threats to axolotls?

The primary threat to axolotls is habitat loss and the degradation of what little habitat remains. Pollution from Mexico City corrupts water quality, and UV-B radiation, caused by the degradation of the ozone layer, weakens young axolotls, making them more susceptible to predators and to disease.

How endangered are axolotls?

Axolotls are now critically endangered; there may be just a few hundred left living in the remains of Lake Xochimilco . The disappearance of the axolotl would be a tremendous ecological loss, but also a major blow for scientific research. Axolotls possess remarkable regenerative qualities.

Can Axolotls live with fish?

Axolotls certainly can live with fishes or other freshwater creatures. BUT either one will suffer or die eventually. So it is definitely in your pet axolotl’s best interest to be kept isolated from the other sea creatures or fishes.

Can You pet an axolotl?

Axolotls are relatively hardy animals. They are tame in nature. These creatures should be thought of as a display pet since they cannot interact with their pet owners outside of their tank. They are delicate, soft-bodied amphibians with permeable skin. Axolots should not be handled unless absolutely necessary.

Do Axolotls live in the ocean?

in: Axolotl. These creatures live in seas and oceans, but often choose to live in Lake Lakira, where they can mingle with other species. Axolotls are among the most social of magical creatures, due to their gift.