The
axolotl (, from ]) also known as a
Mexican salamander (
Ambystoma mexicanum) or a
Mexican walking fish, is a
neotenic salamander, closely related to the
tiger salamander. Although the axolotl is colloquially known as a "
walking fish", it is not a
fish, but an
amphibian. The species originates from numerous lakes, such as
Lake Xochimilco underlying
Mexico City. Axolotls are unusual among amphibians in that they reach adulthood without undergoing
metamorphosis. Instead of developing lungs and taking to land, the adults remain aquatic and
gilled.