The Lake Patzcuaro Salamander (Ambystoma dumerilii) is an endangered freshwater amphibian. Frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and the axolotl are amphibians. It is also called the Lake Patzcuaro Achoque. It is related to the Mexican Axolotl.

The Lake Patzcuaro Salamander remains in its tadpole form for its whole life. It has feathery external gills, which it uses to breath. It is yellowish with a lighter shade on its underbelly. It has a large head, a tail, and short legs. It has four toes on its front legs and five toes on its back legs. It does not have scales – it has moist, smooth skin like the skin of frogs.

Lake Patzcuaro Salamander

It measures 10-20 centimetres (4-8 inches) in length.

The Lake Patzcuaro Salamander only lives in Lake Patzcuaro in the high altitude of Central Mexico. It prefers the freshwater lake. Some salamanders can be terrestrial, living on land, but the Lake Patzcuaro Salamander is aquatic, living only in the lake.

It feeds on insects, fish, and other salamanders. It feeds by suction.

If it loses a leg, it can regenerate a new leg.

Females lay eggs.

Lake Patzcuaro Salamander

Lake Patzcuaro Salamander

Lake Patzcuaro Salamander

Lake Patzcuaro Salamander

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM