Axolotls are no different from other animals in that they would all be either predators or prey. Even with other species, the food chain is linear and typical.
Axolotls have a variety of natural and artificial predators, including larger invading fish like tilapia and carp, birds like herons and storks, and us, the human race.
From their one and only natural environment, Lake Xochimilco, axolotls used to be at the top of their food chain, bragging that they have almost no natural predators at all.
Because they spend most of their time below the lake’s bottom, these bottom-dwelling animals are less vulnerable to outside predators.
Please continue reading if you’re interested in learning more about these lovely, Pokemon-like creatures, including who their natural and unnatural predators are, why people are hunting them, and what axolotls do to remain out of their predators’ sights.
What Are The Natural Predators Of An Axolotl?
The following is a list of potential natural predators that axolotl would run against if it were to live in its native habitat. For simple reference, I’ll also include photographs of each of these predators.
- Stork
Large carnivorous wading birds and storks are thought to be. They consume almost anything they can fit in their mouth. Long legs provide this bird an edge because they enable them to view their prey from a height and hunt tiny fish, frogs, insects, and our little axolotls.
Their preferred hunting grounds would be shallow lakes where they will stay still to pursue their prey due to their keen vision, long necks, and big stout bills.
The stork will catch them off guard because it won’t be noticed until the axolotl starts to rise to the surface of the water to breathe.
- Herons
Herons hunt for food in a manner that is quite similar to that of storks. These coastal freshwaters would migrate covertly, avoiding detection by any fish at shallow lakes, making use of their large legs.
The heron will strike when a fish breaks the surface of the water and frequently swallows small fishes headfirst if they are within striking distance. If the prey is too large to be swallowed, the bird will grab it with its beak and carry it to the shore, where it will be stabbed with its sharp bill to ensure its death.
Axolotls would be easily swallowed by larger herons, but medium-sized herons might require several hits before they can eat one axolotl.
- Carps
Farmers are domesticating omnivorous freshwater fish called carp and introducing them to ponds and lakes. They are regarded as food fishes, are quite simple to maintain, and are one of the main sources of food for humans. Carps consume nearly everything else and themselves by sucking.
- Tilapias
Another popular kind of freshwater fish that farmers are very interested in is tilapia. They typically flourish in lakes, streams, and shallow ponds.
As the fourth most popular fish consumed in the US in the early 2000s, tilapias caught the attention of farmers. They are inexpensive, simple to cook and help feed on mosquito larvae that can spread malaria. They are also an invasive fish species.
When it comes to the small size of axolotls and axolotl eggs, it is not surprising since larvae are a food source for them.
What Are Human-Made Threats To Axolotl?
There are several human-made threats to axolotls, which are a species of salamander native to Mexico. These threats include:
- Habitat loss: Axolotls are found in the wild only in a few lakes in and around Mexico City, and their habitat has been greatly reduced by urbanization, pollution, and the introduction of non-native species.
- Pollution: Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities can contaminate the water in which axolotls live, making it difficult for them to survive.
- Overharvesting: Axolotls are sometimes harvested for use in scientific research or for the pet trade, which can have a negative impact on their populations.
- Introduction of non-native species: The introduction of non-native species, such as tilapia and carp, can outcompete axolotls for resources and alter the ecosystem in ways that are detrimental to their survival.
- Climate change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns due to climate change could also threaten the survival of axolotls.
How Axolotls Defend Themselves?
Axolotls, also known as Mexican walking fish, are a type of salamander found in the lakes of Mexico. They are not aggressive animals and do not have any natural predators in their native habitat. However, they do have several ways of defending themselves when threatened.
One way axolotls defend themselves is through camouflage. They have a mottled pattern on their skin that helps them blend in with their surroundings, making them less visible to predators.
Another way axolotls defend themselves is through their ability to regenerate lost body parts. If an axolotl loses a limb or other body part, it can regrow it within a few months. This helps them survive attacks and injuries from predators.
Axolotls also have a toxic slime that they secrete when they feel threatened. The slime contains a toxic substance called mexicanotoxin that can be harmful to other animals if ingested.
Finally, axolotls are also able to use their powerful tails to swim away from predators and escape to safety.
Overall, axolotls rely on a combination of camouflage, regeneration, and toxic slime to defend themselves against threats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the axolotl is a prey species that is vulnerable to various predators in its natural habitat, including birds, fish, and other amphibians. However, it has evolved several adaptations, such as its ability to regenerate limbs and its camouflage coloring, to help it evade and defend against these predators. It is important to maintain a healthy balance of predator and prey species in ecosystems, and the axolotl plays a vital role in this balance. Therefore, it is important to protect and preserve the axolotl and its habitat to ensure the continued survival of this unique and fascinating species.
