There’s no denying the popularity of leucistic axolotls in the world of aquarium-keeping. With their pale bodies and perpetual smiles framed by fluffy pink gills, they’re a favorite amongst seasoned aquarists. However, did you know that there are other colorations––some of which are more common than others?
While some rare axolotl “morphs” (a term hobbyists use to describe different axolotl colorations and patterns) result from natural breeding, others are the result of experimentation and selective breeding. Continue reading to learn more.
1. Mosaic Axolotls Result from Mutations Before Hatching
Mosaic axolotls generally have dual-colored bodies flecked with pieces of gold. They may have pink or black gills, depending on the coloration. This is perhaps the rarest axolotl morph because the mosaic patterning is not predictable or something that axolotl breeders can anticipate. Rather, the patterning occurs when two eggs fuse together during development, causing a single axolotl to have “the best of both worlds”, so to speak. Mosaic axolotls generally result from albino and melanoid parents; most mosaic axolotls themselves are sterile, however.
Axolotl Planets shares that despite being rare, mosaic axolotls are not more prone to health conditions than common morphs. What’s more, because the mosaic morph is such a roll of the dice, no two mosaic axolotls look the same! This makes them especially coveted amongst axolotl lovers because each one is an individual.
2. Firefly Axolotls: An Issue of Ethics?
Axolotls have become increasingly popular over the last few years, creating demand for this endangered species. Consequently, this has led to controversial breeding practices to create rare and interesting morphs. These practices may include severe inbreeding, culling undesirable eggs, and keeping the axolotls in unsanitary conditions. An unethical breeder may also fail to conduct the proper genetic testing, which could result in some “axolotls” maturing into tiger salamanders as they age.
Why all this talk about axolotl breeding? Some consider the firefly axolotl to be an unethical morph resulting from experimentation. They were originally created by Lloyd Strohl II, a herpetoculturist who removed the tails of two axolotls during their embryonic stage when they couldn’t register pain. Then, he grafted the different-colored tails onto each other. One result led to a white axolotl with a striking black tail, and vice versa.
According to Axolotl Central, Strohl hasn’t continued breeding firefly axolotls, but that hasn’t stopped other hobbyists from continuing the practice. Because of their rarity and the labor involved, a single firefly axolotl could cost hundreds of dollars.
3. Chimera Axolotls Are Split in Two Colors
As with mosaic axolotls, the chimera variety is not something that can be selectively bred. It happens during the embryotic stage of development when two eggs fuse together, creating a single axolotl with two different colors right down the middle of its body. According to Axolotl City: “The chances of an Axolotl being a chimera and surviving is a 0.00001% chance.” The organization also shares that some axolotl keepers are divided on whether chimera axolotls and mosaic axolotls are one in the same.
4. Lavender Axolotls, Also Known as Silver Dalmatians
As the name suggests, lavender axolotls have lavender bodies speckled with dark spots. The intensity of these spots, as well as their size, varies from axolotl to axolotl, with no two lavender axolotls being exactly the same. Generally, these axolotls have dark eyes that contrast with their lighter-toned bodies, along with purple, red, or black gills. Multiple sources suggest that this variation is only available in the United States from a handful of breeders.
5. Piebald Axolotls Resemble Pandas
Horses aren’t the only animals that can spot a piebald coat pattern. This morph manifests as a white-bodied axolotl dotted with dark patches. They generally have red gills and dark eyes, blue or black. The patches darken with age and may appear as a juvenile axolotl matures into adulthood. Unlike mosaic and chimera axolotls, breeders can capture the piebald patterning through selective practices. While fairly unique in the United States, this variation is common in New Zealand.
6. Enigma Axolotls Are Truly Puzzling
Nobody is 100 percent sure on the genetic combinations that create enigma axolotls, but one fact remains: this is perhaps one of the most enchanting morphs available. Unlike more common morphs that have uniform coloring, an enigma axolotl may present an array of colors, from glistening gold to silvery gray. The multiple colorations may also manifest as stripes, spots, patches, or a combination of all three.
There’s also no predicting the eyes that enigma axolotls usually have because they vary so much between individuals. Some have dark eyes; others have orange or yellow irises. It’s tough finding enigma axolotls because of how quickly they sell and because there’s no way to predict that a clutch of eggs will yield any. They are generally more expensive than more garden variety morphs, commonly exceeding $200. For reference, you could purchase a common-colored axolotl for less than $100.
Does an Axolotl’s Color Mean Anything?
While some axolotl keepers may argue that color influences their pets’ behavior and temperament, others aren’t convinced. Generally speaking, an axolotl in the proper conditions can live up to 15 years in captivity, significantly more than it would in the wild. Yet, when getting an axolotl, it’s important to do your research when choosing a reputable breeder. The last thing you want is an axolotl with chronic health problems, even if it is a rare morph. Additionally, do your research before getting one. While axolotls are generally easy to maintain, you want to ensure that you offer the best quality of life. This involves getting a filter, substrate, and other materials for your axolotl’s tank.
