The Mexican axolotl, a type of salamander native to Mexico, is known by several names, which are often used interchangeably:
Axolotl: The most common name for the Mexican salamander, derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) words "atl" (water) and "xolotl" (a dog-like mythical creature or a term for "monster").
Mexican Walking Fish: This name comes from the axolotl's preference for walking on land rather than swimming if their environment allows it.
Jambato: Another local name, coming from a Mexican dialect.
Mexican Salamander: A general term for the species.
Ambystoma mexicanum: This is the scientific name for the axolotl.
Mole Salamander: Although not specific to axolotls, some people might refer to certain Ambystoma species as mole salamanders.
Water Monster, Lake Baby: These are less formal and more whimsical names that have been used to describe the axolotl due to its unusual appearance.
It's worth noting that "walking fish" is a bit of a misnomer since axolotls are not fish but rather amphibians. They do have well-developed limbs for crawling and can move quite effectively on land when necessary.