Defense mechanisms

[Blaze]

Ok so there are wildtype axolotls, which led me to believe that axoltols do live in the wild. Now if I was a bird and saw this slimy thing swimming around, I'd go for it, and many other animals would try and eat them to.
I have studied over Sunny and i cannot see sharp biting teeth, claws, spines ANYTHING (most are obvious). So they have no defense mechanisms!?
I was wondering why they havn't bred to have them?

Blaze

 

[222693]

Well I'm not a biologist or anything but I think it's because of their natural environment. I have been told they originate from deep dark and cold underground lakes. The key word being underground. There are few predators here and the conditions mean it should be fairly easy for axxies to escape (into crevices etc) ... they can move pretty quick when they want. Therefore the need for external protection has not developed. Hope I'm right and don't look like a twit next to the experts. lol. but this is what my basic understanding of evolution logically tells me. Great question.

 

[Kaysie]

Like 222693 says, axolotls historically lacked predators. The biggest concern for them would be wading birds, which are avoided by darting into deeper water (ever seen your axie 'freak out' and swim madly around the tank?). As for water predators, only larvae have to worry about predators, and those are usually their parents.

Unfortunately for our slimy little friends, there are now large predatorial fish such as bass and pike which have been introduced to their waters which they now have to dodge.

 

[Blaze]

Thanks for clearing that up for me guys =]
So wonderful to have such nice people here to explain!

Sometimes I wonder if Sunnys to lazy to be scared hehehe.

Blaze

 

[blueberlin]

Hi Blaze,

I just wanted to add that axolotls did develop in a way as a natural defense: their neoteny. Since they evolved into animals that can reproduce in a larval state, they don't have to leave their safe water and head out onto dry land, where real predators would be waiting.

-Eva

 

[Blaze]

ahh okies thats a good point =]

 

[Bellabelloo]

The only defence I can come up ( if that is what it is) is that when startled they launch them selves at great speed. I wonder if the 'slime' coating may have a nasty taste too?

 

[Samyueruchan]

Axolotls evolved in cold and dark underground lakes. As has already been said, there was a lack of natural predators here, which is why our cute little friends quickly became endangered when the local government thought that adding predatory fish to the axolotl's only remaining natural habitat would be a good idea.

As has also been said, their neoteny meant that they would never have to leave their underground lakes, which were bereft of predators, and venture out onto dry land where many hungry creatures may be lurking.

Bad-tasting slime would be an interesting adaption, though I have read that it is not uncommon to see axolotls being sold as food in Mexican markets (poor little guys!) so I would wager this is not the case. I could be wrong though.

 

[Blaze]

I read a random post a while ago about someone suggesting licking an axolotl? maybe i'm wrong haha,

I don't think to us they would taste any good!

 

[Abrahm]

Axolotls evolved in cold and dark underground lakes.

That's actually untrue. Axolotls evolved to live in cold, high altitude lakes that are surrounded by a dangerous environment. Hence the animal's neoteny to avoid the increased danger of life on land. The axolotl was the apex predator of it's habitat and only feared predation by animals outside of that habitat including humans, birds and maybe a few other industrious shore mammals. They still have a pretty good escape method when they whip that tail and jet out of a place.

 

[Samyueruchan]

Oh, I very much apologise! I didn't mean to misinform! I wonder what animal I was thinking of then...

 

[blueberlin]

Somewhere in this vast forum there was once a discussion about whether axolotls secrete some sort of toxin like any other salamander. If I remember correctly, the problem is that the toxin would have to be very strong indeed to have any effect underwater. Plain old bad taste is a different slant, though. I'm still not going to lick my axolotl!

-Eva

 

[melfly]

I remember the licking axolotl post lol. As cute as mine are i have never felt the need to lick any of them haha. Mel

 

[Abrahm]

Oh, I very much apologise! I didn't mean to misinform! I wonder what animal I was thinking of then...

There are a few species of salamanders that live exclusively in caves, such as the Texas blind salamander (Eurycea rathbuni) and the olm (Proteus anguinus).