Mexican Water Monster: Cutie of the Water

Mexican Water MonsterTypically, if the title of a creature includes the word “monster,” it’s not gonna be cute. (A few characters from the movie Monsters vs. Aliens might make an exception.) But the Axolotl salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum)—also known as the Mexican water monster, or Mexican walking fish—is one adorable little weirdo.

A member of the Tiger Salamander family, specifically it’s a neotenic mole salamander, and gets so newborn-pink and cute because it actually never grows up! The species larvae don’t undergo metamorphosis like other salamanders, so it stays all aquatic and gilled, sort of like a preemie tadpole.

Resembling a cross between a frilled lizard and a shrimp, the water monster looks like it could either A) be the most adorable, smiley-sweet pet ever or B) swim up your ear canal and eat your brain like an underestimated alien. The truth is that, while a real animal that is often used as a pet, the Axolotl is in more danger from us than we are from it.

Endangered by habitat destruction and water pollution, the population numbers of the Axolotl are unknown; however, it is estimated that only one-sixtieth of its population since 1998 survives.

Another reason why the water monster is dying out is because some fish take the “so cute I could eat you up” line literally. Non-native species like the Asian Carp and the African tilapia make plenty a meal out of the Axolotl, and since the species have not evolved together in the same environment, the latter has not been able to develop a defense mechanism for protection against the former.

In order to offer a bit of protection, scientists are developing sanctuaries for the water monsters.

The water monster can actually regenerate the parts of its body it loses, much like an earthworm or starfish does—making it both cute and cool. It just gets more alien-like by the moment.

Real walking fish are bona fide fish who are able to spend time out of water—also referred to as amphibious fish. Some jump or slither, while others walk; the Mexican walking fish is not really one of these fish, but a salamander; the name is just a slang attribute it has been given.

Besides Mexico and the United States, the Axolotl is also a pet in many other countries, including Great Britain and Australia (where it is called a “wooper looper”).

See more pictures of this pink critter here.