The main cast of Power Rangers morphing into their costume-clad characters is something every kid in the ‘90s expects to see on television. Sometimes, however, morphing is unusual instead of expected, as is the case for the Axolotl.
The world of Axolotls is teeming with wonder and fascination. Still, occasionally, some people caring for Axolotls face an unexpected and puzzling situation: their beloved aquatic companions undergo a remarkable transformation.
These unique Axolotls are experiencing a process known as morphing, where they transition from their adorable aquatic larval form into a terrestrial Salamander-like creature.
While this phenomenon is incredibly rare, it captivates the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness it. However, it can be a daunting and confusing journey for those unprepared to handle the intricacies of caring for a morphed Axolotl.
(The Salambassadors | Instagram)
THE MYSTERY OF MORPHING
Axolotls are fascinating creatures who belong to the family of paedomorphic Salamanders. Unlike other Amphibians, they have evolved to retain their larval characteristics throughout their entire adult lives.
Typically, when an Axolotl is 6 to 10 months old, their thyroid glands reduce the release of hormones to signal the end of their transformation. This means they don’t undergo metamorphosis — that is, they don’t transition from an aquatic form to a more terrestrial existence.
However, in the case of morphing Axolotls, a rare genetic condition comes into play, altering the typical course of their development. The thyroid gland fails to stop producing growth hormones, resulting in these extraordinary Axolotls morphing into a terrestrial form, much like their distant relative, the Tiger Salamander.
The manifestation of this condition is often a consequence of inbreeding, where Axolotls carrying the morphing gene are bred together, inadvertently passing down the genetic anomaly to their offspring.
SPOT THE SIGNS OF AXOLOTL MORPHING
Witnessing an Axolotl undergoing metamorphosis into their terrestrial form is a rare and awe-inspiring event.
As these aquatic creatures begin their journey toward terrestrial life, they exhibit a series of unmistakable signs that indicate their remarkable transformation. Understanding these signs can help Axolotl guardians navigate this extraordinary phase with care and knowledge.
Here are some key indicators of metamorphosis in Axolotls.
THE T-POSE
One of the initial signs of morphing is the distinctive T-Pose. During this stage, Axolotls hold their legs out to the sides, appearing stiff and rigid. This peculiar posture reflects the changes in their leg bones, which are thickening and adapting to support their body weight on land.
Morphedaxolotls.com
TUCKED GILLS
As Axolotls morph, their gills transform significantly. Instead of withering away, the gills shrink into small nubs and gradually retract into the gill slits on the sides of their heads. This tucked appearance of the gills is an unmistakable sign of their progression toward terrestrial adaptation.
THE HOODED EYES
In their aquatic form, Axolotls possess flat-looking eyes. However, as they metamorphose, their eyes begin to pop, and their eyelids develop, creating a sleepy, hooded appearance.
This change in their eye structure is a clear indication of their journey toward their final form.
Morphedaxolotls.com
COLOR CHANGES
Many Axolotls undergo shifts in their color patterns during the morphing process. While aquatic Axolotls may have muddled and random spots, morphing individuals often develop more defined and crisp spot patterns.
Some Axolotls may also take on a more uniform appearance with their spots.
PEELING SLIME COAT
As Axolotls transition to terrestrial life, their skin changes significantly. The slime coat, essential for their aquatic existence, becomes obsolete.
As a result, Axolotls may shed large sheets of dark skin, sometimes resembling intact “gloves.”
Morphedaxolotls.com
DISAPPEARING DORSAL
The dorsal and caudal fins, which are thin and prominent on an aquatic Axolotl’s back and tail, completely vanish during the morphing process. Instead, they leave behind a thick, Lizard-like tail.
Sometimes, a “scar” of color along the spine remains, which can be reminiscent of a zipper.
BLINKING
A remarkable transformation occurs in their eyes as well. While aquatic Axolotls may appear to blink when swallowing food, morphing Axolotls actually blink by actively closing their eyelids. Witnessing this peculiar behavior can be quite an intriguing experience.
THROAT BOBBING
Axolotls do not possess a diaphragm to breathe air into their lungs. Instead, a morphing Axolotl expands and contracts their throat to “gulp” air, a behavior similar to that of frogs.
This adaptation helps them prepare for their life on land, where they will need to rely on air for respiration.
Morphedaxolotls.com
FORCED VS. GENETIC MORPHING
While scientific research has demonstrated that certain external interventions, such as injecting Axolotls with iodine or thyroid hormones, can trigger metamorphosis, this should be viewed differently from the natural morphing process witnessed by Axolotl guardians.
For people caring for Axolotls, it is crucial to distinguish between genetic predisposition and forced morphing. When a morphing Axolotl’s siblings also begin to morph around the same time, sometimes across different homes and
states, it becomes evident that this transformation is driven by their shared genetics rather than any external force.
A Tiger Salamander. Implanting Axolotl embryos with this creature’s DNA might have led to morphing genes.
HOW DID NATURALLY MORPHING AXOLOTLS COME ABOUT?
It’s important to understand that morphing is not a consequence of mistreatment or exposure to chemicals. Instead, it is a natural expression of their genetic makeup.
These genetic traits may have been introduced to Axolotl populations through historical experiments involving Tiger Salamander DNA, where embryos were implanted with Tiger Salamander nuclei to confer specific traits, such as the albino gene.
Unfortunately, this also introduced recessive morphing genes into some Axolotl lines.
Furthermore, irresponsible breeding practices can inadvertently pass on the morphing genes, leading to unexpected morphing offspring being sold to unsuspecting owners.
PRESERVING THE UNMORPHED AXOLOTL
While preventing natural morphing in individual Axolotls may not be possible, responsible breeding practices and acquiring Axolotls from reputable sources can contribute to the conservation of paedomorphic Axolotl lines.
Ensuring that Axolotls with no history of morphing are chosen for breeding programs, not to mention educating potential owners about the risks of acquiring Axolotls with unclear genetic backgrounds, can help promote the preservation of their paedomorphic form.
Preserving the paedomorphic Axolotl lines means keeping Axolotls from being inbred.
