GFP Copper Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Axanthic Copper axolotls lack xanthophores and iridophores, chromatophores that produce yellow and light reflecting pigments. This creates a highly-desired lavender coloration covering their whole body.  As legend has it, the axolotl is the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, which disguised himself as a salamander to avoid being sacrificed. They are neotenic, meaning that the adults retain traits seen only in juveniles of similar species. While most amphibians grow out of their aquatic phase to begin their lives on land, the axolotl largely retains its larval characteristics and spends its adult life in the water. They can grow up to a foot long but generally only reach to about 8 inches. Through captive breeding, we are able to help relieve pressure from wild populations and are able to provide different color morphs, such as albino (pinkish white with translucent red eyes), leucistic (white with black eyes), iridophores / starburst (iridescent speckles), and GFP (green fluoresc