No, axolotls must not and cannot live without water at any time during their entire lifetime. They are fully aquatic animals with several crucial dependencies on water:
Respiration: Axolotls require water to breathe. They have gills as larvae and, as adults, use both lungs and skin for respiration. Their permeable skin needs to be moist to facilitate gas exchange.
Skin Hydration: The axolotl's skin is permeable and needs to stay wet to function properly. Dry conditions can lead to dehydration and other health issues.
Habitat: Axolotls live in freshwater environments like ponds and canals throughout their lives. They are not adapted to live on land for extended periods.
Reproduction: The mating and egg-laying processes of axolotls occur in water. They need an aquatic environment to breed successfully.
Health: Prolonged exposure to dry conditions can cause severe health problems, such as skin infections and dehydration, potentially leading to death.
In summary, axolotls are not suited to live without water at any point in their lives. They are fully aquatic creatures that rely on water for respiration, skin hydration, habitat, reproduction, and overall health. To ensure the well-being of axolotls, they should be kept in a proper aquatic environment.