Axel

Axel is a wild-type axolotl — dark brown speckled body, frilly external gills, the permanent slight smile that the species is famous for. He's a strict aquatic salamander that never undergoes metamorphosis.

Axolotls are not handleable in any meaningful sense. They are display animals. Axel needs a chilled aquarium (60-68°F — usually a chiller or a cool basement), no substrate or fine sand only, sponge filtration, and a diet of earthworms and pellets.