why it's not suitable for axolotls to completely live without water for very long period of time

Axolotls, also known as Mexican walking fish, are a unique type of salamander that are obligate aquatic creatures. They have gills for breathing underwater and have a number of physiological traits that make them well adapted to live in water but not on land. Here are a few key reasons why axolotls are not suited to live without water for extended periods:

1. Respiration: Axolotls breathe primarily through gills, which are highly efficient at extracting oxygen from water. They have limited lung capacity and lack the specialized structures needed for efficient terrestrial respiration.

2. Skin hydration: Their skin needs to stay moist to function properly. Axolotl skin is permeable and helps with gas exchange. Without water, their skin can dry out, leading to health issues and potentially death.

3. Temperature regulation: Water provides a stable environment for maintaining body temperature. Axolotls, like many amphibians, are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. On land, they would be more susceptible to temperature extremes that could be harmful or even lethal.

4. Moisture-dependent life cycle: Axolotls lay eggs in water, and their larvae develop and live in an aquatic environment. They are completely aquatic throughout their entire life cycle.

5. Support and movement: The buoyancy provided by water supports axolotl's body weight, making it easier for them to move around. On land, their bodies would be heavier and less mobile, which could lead to physical stress and injury.

6. Prey and feeding: Axolotls hunt and eat small aquatic animals, such as worms and small fish. They have a diet and foraging behavior adapted to the aquatic environment.

While axolotls can survive briefly out of water, they quickly become stressed and are at risk of dehydration, injury, or predation. It's essential for their health and well-being to be kept in a suitable aquatic environment.