why are axolotls called the mexican walking fish

Axolotls are often referred to as the "Mexican walking fish" due to a combination of their appearance and behavior:

1. Appearance: Axolotls have a distinctive, fish-like shape with gills and a large head. They can be mistaken for fish by those who are not familiar with their true amphibian nature.

2. Limb Development: Unlike many other amphibians, axolotls typically retain their gills and do not undergo metamorphosis to become terrestrial adults. They retain their larval features throughout their lives, which includes external gills that resemble a fish's fins. However, they do develop limbs, but these are more paddle-like and not as robust for walking as other amphibians.

3. Behavior: The term "walking" in the common name for axolotls comes from their method of locomotion when out of water. They are capable of moving across land using their limbs and tail, but this movement is more like crawling or wriggling than walking in the typical sense.

It's important to note that despite the common name, axolotls are not fish. They are amphibians native to Mexico, specifically found in the Xochimilco region. The nickname "Mexican walking fish" is more of a colloquialism that highlights their unusual features rather than a scientific classification. Their scientific name is Ambystoma mexicanum.