Axolotls cannot live their entire lifetime without water. They are obligate aquatic animals, meaning they require a water environment to survive. Here's why:
Respiration: Axolotls breathe primarily through gills, which only function properly when they are submerged in water.
Hydration: Their permeable skin is designed to absorb water and prevent dehydration. Without water, they would dry out and die.
Temperature Regulation: Axolotls rely on the water environment to help regulate their body temperature.
Feeding and Digestion: They need water to consume food and digest it properly.
Reproduction: Axolotl mating and offspring development occur in water.
While they can survive for a short time out of water, especially in humid conditions, they cannot complete their life cycle without water. Providing axolotls with a suitable aquatic habitat is essential for their well-being and survival.