Axolotls, also known as Mexican walking fish or "Mexican salamanders," are amphibians that require water for significant portions of their lives. Here's a brief overview of their aquatic needs:
Larval Stage: Axolotls start their lives as larvae in water, where they initially have gills for respiration.
Adulthood: As they mature, they develop into adults with lungs. Even though they can breathe air using their lungs, they still require water to keep their skin moist.
Water Habitat: Axolotls are semi-aquatic, meaning they live part of their lives in water and can move on land for short periods. They depend on water for the following:
Mating and Reproduction: Axolotls must be in water to reproduce. They lay eggs and fertilize them externally in the water.
Terrestrial Capabilities: While they can move on land, it's usually to find food, mates, or escape predators, and they do so for short durations.
In summary, axolotls cannot completely live without water throughout their entire lifetime. They are adapted to both wet and dry conditions, but water is essential for their survival.