best-known of the Mexican neotenic mole salamanders belonging to the Tiger
Salamander complex. Larvae of this species fail to undergo metamorphosis, so the
adults remain aquatic and gilled. The species originates from the lake
underlying Mexico City. Axolotls are used extensively in scientific research due
to their ability to regenerate most body parts, ease of breeding, and large
embryos. They are commonly kept as pets in the United States, Great Britain,
Australia, Japan (where they are sold under the name Wooper Rooper, and other
countries.