What are Iridophores in Axolotl?

Iridophores are cells containing a reflective protein, which makes them look “shiny”, or iridescent. Since this is the result of a missing instruction on the DNA, the condition is recessive, which means an axolotl must inherit the same damaged gene from both parents in order to be melanoid.

What are the 4 types of axolotls?

Types of Axolotl

Color / Type Availability Rank
Mosaic Very Rare 5
Piebald Rare 4
Speckled Leucistic Common 10
White Albino Common 9

What is an Axanthic Axolotl?

The word “axanthic” simply means that it lacks the red and yellow hues on its skin, so it ends up being a greyish color. In the wild, axolotls are exclusively found in Lake Xochimilco in Mexico.

Why do some axolotls glow?

These Axolotls are any Axolotl that has a gene known as the GFP gene. This is a genetically modified protein in their DNA that was originally introduced in a lab setting. The protein allows the Axolotl to glow vibrant green under UV or blue lighting. The less pigment the Axolotl has the brighter they will glow.

What are Xanthophores?

Definition of xanthophore : a chromatophore containing a yellow pigment that is typically a carotinoid and occurring especially in fishes and crustaceans.

What is the rarest axolotl color?

The rarest axolotls are the blue axolotls. Blue axolotls are extremely difficult to find. They have a spawn rate of only 0.083%, recognized by their indigo or deep blue bodies with purple details on the belly and fins.

How rare is a brown axolotl?

Rare. A rare Axolotl color variation can be very difficult to find because it only has a spawn rate of . 8%. Finding one in the wild can be time-consuming, but breeding can speed up the process.

What is the rarest Axolotl?

What is an axolotls life span?

10-15 years
Lifespan – 10-15 years.

Does UV light hurt axolotl?

Axolotls have an ultraviolet sensor in their retina. The light is black to you but may be a very bright light to them. I suggest like others you use it sparingly.

Why are axolotls endangered?

The leading causes of Axolotl decline are human development, waste water disposal, and loss of habitat due to droughts. Despite their prevalence in the aquarium trade, these species are critically endangered in the wild.

What is the most beautiful type of axolotl?

In my opinion one of the most beautiful types, as a fact one of the most varied. The wild type axolotl can be, green, brownish, black, leopard spotted, or light brown. They have irridophores that make them shine like glitter. The amount differ from lot to lot.

How can you tell if an axolotl is golden albino?

The axolotl golden albino can have random shiny stripes or dots all over the body. Such color combination is heavily influenced by the iridophores. A golden axolotl, when born, can be completely white just like a white albino but turns golden over time. You have to wait to see how they turn out to be.

What is the difference between a melanoid and an axolotl?

The main difference between this morph and the melanoid (which is also dark) is the presence of the shiny dots or specks all over the body. The shiny color of the specks is caused by the pigment cells called iridophores. With age, a wild type axolotl will turn darker, looking almost like a melanoid.

Do Axolotls have black spots on their body?

There can be some dark spot on their bodies, but they don’t have melanophores or black pigments. It’s a terrific axolotl color to have. However, there is the rarest breed called copper melanoid axolotl, but you would be extremely lucky if you can get one.