This is an axolotl; it’s a type of salamander that exhibits something called neoteny, which means it never goes through metamorphosis. No awkward teenage years for this amphibian! Since they lack the thyroid hormone that causes metamorphosis, these salamanders reach sexual maturity while still in a small larval stage and on average, live about 10 years. 🦎 . . . . . . . #animalsofinstagram #animalplanet#animaloftheday #wild #wildlife #outdoors#animals #wildanimals #conservation #nature#animallovers #instanature #wildgeography #wildlifeonearth #amphibian #salamander #salamanders #axolotl