Axolotl

The axolotl or ajolote is an amphibian native to the lacustrine system of the Valley of Mexico, that has the ability to remain in a larval state even after reaching sexual maturity, a condition known as neoteny, thus leaving its metamorphosis incomplete. At first glance it looks like a tadpole with legs and a tail, with thin, pointed toes on each leg. This amazing Mexican amphibian measures an average of 25 centimeters, with specimens 30 or more centimeters long being extremely rare.

During the 16th century it lived in the lacustrine complex of the Valley of Mexico in the lakes of Xochimilco, Chalco and Texcoco, being able to reach the Zumpango and Xaltocán lakes through the canals. In the ancient pre-Hispanic cultures there were endless uses for different plant and animal species and many of them were granted certain "powers" to combat diseases.

The legend of the ancient Aztecs, collected in the book "The Gods in the Mexican Codices of the Borgia Group: An Iconographic Investigation", tells that when the gods had to sacrifice themselves for the birth of the Fifth Sun, there was one, twin of Quetzalcóatl called Xólotl who did everything possible to save himself from sacrifice, first he hid among the corn turning into a plant with two canes, when they discovered him, he ran to hide in a maguey taking the form of a double “penca”, and when they found him again, he threw himself to the channels of Lake Xochimilco turning into an axolotl, that's where the executioner finally caught him and killed him, giving rise to this peculiar Mexican amphibian.