The Insane Biology of: The Axolotl

Credits:
Narrator/Writer: Stephanie Sammann

Imagery courtesy of Getty Images
Additional Footage:
UF Health
IMP
University of Kentucky
Carnegie Embryology

Music:
Mutation by Max-h
Wait and See by Tilman Sillescu
Step into a New World by Tilman Sillescu
Stream by ANBR
Ground Control by ANBR
Further by Caleb Etheridge
Deer by ANBR

References:

[davebartosh]

I had one as a pet when a kid. Didn't realize I had a god in my fishtank.

[MKJNS]

Bought two as a present for my wife. They're interesting little animals and a lot more intelligent than I would have thought. They recognize my wife as the one who feeds them; when she walks in the room they come to the front of the tank and start swimming up and down to get her attention. If someone told me they do that never would have believed them.

[Promis_QS_Panda]

I'm from Mexico and it kills me to see that one of our national treasures is dying off. Also feel very much impotent at the fact that I can't do much about it. :c

[nini]

The narration and information were delivered so beautifully, it almost felt like that one friend explaining you a hard lesson you missed without making you feel stupid . Thank you for this beautiful documentary .

[cloe]

It's crazy. A huge city before 1492 thrived along with nature. Imagine if we could go back, learn about their city planning, and improve upon it. We will have much more sustainable, clean, healthy, and beautiful cities. We think technology advances, but not necessarily. This video makes me tear up because there's a beautiful world that I want to live in, but I can't, because people are not working together.

[Derrick]

Axolotl in Aztecs: *scary water monster god*

Axolotl in Minecraft: water wolf that squeaks

Axolotl RL: i eat worm *nom*

[ZombieZobo]

My 16 year old axolotl just passed away, she was such a pleasure and I learned so much from her 💔

[midgematic]

Learning about scientists finding a new home literally made me choke up. Axolotls are my favorite animal and I try to support any conservation organization centered around them as much as I can. They are such beautiful and magnificent creatures, and Im so happy they have been in the limelight more often these days. I truly hope their wild population can begin flourishing again :, )

[imalreadyloved]

A friend from college had two axolotls, one was white/pink-ish, the other was black.
I always thought they were so cute until one day the white one killed the black one and ate him, also lost a limb (in the fight I guess) but his limb grew back. I was so shocked, had no idea such animals existed.

Absolutely amazing creatures, not so cute anymore for me though lol

[tallibethau]

I believe the dragons in "How to Train Your Own Dragon" were inspired by axolotyls LOL. They look so similar and so cute! Saddens me to know about the issues that this species is facing though. Feel sorry for the ones that had their regenerative ability taken away in the lab but I guess it's for the greater good...hard choice.

[LaggingLeland]

I spent 20 minutes watching a bunch of cute salamanders while learning about them you earned a sub

[_..---]

ah yes, the insane biology of their cuteness

[dannymac]

“…real life moon stone…”

My goodness, I love this channel. 🥰

[ALERIA]

Axolotls are my favorite animals and it really saddens me to hear about their struggles in the wild. I don't know how a person like myself could help but I would if I could. Thank you for this wonderfully informative video

[thiccpugg]

Ive had an axolotl for almost 8 months now such interesting creatures. He can recognize my face and come towards me and know where to go when its time to eat. Insanely smart.

[davidcoronado]

I have an axolotl currently and he’s been with me since 2000 or 2001. And he wasn’t a newborn when I received him. Believe it or not. He is definitely a god in the amphibian world at least.

[alejandrofernandez]

While really interesting, I can't help but feel bad for all the Axelotl that had to endure amputation and maybe worse for this to be researched. Especially the one that got their rejuvenation blocked.

[SoulDelSol]

I cut off tip of my thumb and it regrew. I was told it was because i retained nail bed which produces stem cells. It was incredible process. There was nothing to stitch shut (no skin) and couldn't reattach tip so they used a special material on it for a while. Removing that was horrifying. But there isn't even any scar tissue and my finger print grew back too. However the nerves didn't fair quite as well. It has that asleep pins and needles feeling to it so i did physical therapy to get used to fine motor tasks, and it's pretty much normal now. I wonder if animals new limbs have less sensitivity too though 🤔

[profquad]

Really good video. Very informative and engaging, without being dramatically sensationalized. Thank you. Lots to think about..

[ProductionStops]

I worked with these animals when I was in college at the University of Kentucky. Very spot on analysis about the origin, application and native habitats of this fascinating creature. 💚