are axolotls usually live underwater

Axolotls, also known as Mexican salamanders or "water monsters," are amphibians that are usually found in water. However, it's important to understand their specific needs and behaviors:

1. Habitat: Axolotls naturally live in freshwater environments, such as lakes, ponds, canals, and slow-moving rivers. They are native to a limited area around Mexico City.

2. Respiration: As larvae, axolotls breathe through gills. As they mature into adults, they develop lungs and primarily use them for respiration. However, adult axolotls can also absorb some oxygen through their skin, which is permeable and moist, allowing for cutaneous respiration.

3. Skin Moisture: To maintain effective cutaneous respiration and overall health, axolotls need to keep their skin moist. This often means spending a significant amount of time submerged in water.

4. Feeding: Axolotls are predators that hunt for small aquatic creatures like insects, worms, and small fish. Their feeding behavior typically occurs underwater.

5. Behavior: While axolotls spend most of their time in the water, they will occasionally surface for air if they have developed lungs. However, they are not typically considered strong swimmers and tend to stay near the bottom of their environment.

6. Survival: In captivity, axolotls require a carefully maintained aquatic environment with appropriate water quality, temperature, and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat.

In summary, axolotls are indeed usually found living in water, where they can effectively breathe and feed. However, their ability to survive and thrive also depends on the quality of the water and their ability to access air when necessary.