20 Different Types of Axolotl with Different Colors and Morphs

Before you learn about the Types of Axolotl, let’s take a look at some important facts about Axolotls, also known as the Mexican Walking Fish.

With some of their unique traits, such as their permanent smiles, feathery gills, and ability to regrow their body limbs, these fascinating animals have captured the attention of pet owners, researchers, and conservationists around the world.

There can be many types of axolotls, but we have put forward some types that are in trend. In this article, we will review the different types of axolotls, their colors and characteristics, pricing, care tips, and recent developments in their conservation.

How many types of axolotl are there?

There are currently about 20 species of axolotls, often called color morphs. These include some common species and some rarer varieties such as (pink with black eyes), axolotls (black with gold spots), and others such as (white with red eyes), and (solid black). Some of the rare species, which have been observed in Lake Chimera, have special patterns and unusual colors.

Although the types of Axolotl come from the same place, they look distinct and very different from each other. Knowing the species well helps people choose the best axolotl for their aquarium and care. Here we will make it easy for you to choose an axolotl.

Types of axolotl colors

Many types of axolotl colors make these animals unique and fun to keep. Some popular colors include pink, black, gold, and wild dark green or brown. Others, like Lavender and Copper, are rarer. Every hue has its beauty and charm.

Axolotls exhibit a wide range of color changes, or morphs. Each morph species has its own unique genetic and visual characteristics, making them distinct from one another. The most typical ones are as follows:

Different Types of Axolotls

1. Wild Type

This Type represents nature’s original design. Wild-type axolotls have dark, earthy tones with golden flecks, helping them blend into their native lake environments. Hardy and adaptable, they are genetically closest to their wild ancestors, making them a foundational type in both natural and captive populations.

• Color: Dark greenish-brown with gold speckles.
• Eyes: Black with a shiny ring.
• Notes: This is the natural coloration found in wild axolotls—Hardy and easy to care for.

Also like: 50 coolest looking fish

2. Leucistic (Lucy)

This Type features axolotls with pale pink or white skin and black eyes, often described as “smiling.” Leucistic axolotls are one of the most beloved types. Their gentle appearance and charming personality make them ideal pets, especially for first-time keepers drawn to their soft, angelic look.

• Color: Pale white or pink body.
• Eyes: Dark black.
• Notes: One of the most popular morphs due to their gentle, “cute” appearance.

3. Golden Albino

Golden Albinos are a rare breed that appear to glow with their pale golden colors and light eyes. Golden Albinos are sensitive to light, but glow in soft conditions. Known for their glowing appearance, they are a favorite among breeders and collectors, adding a touch of brilliance and rarity to any axolotl collection.

• Color: Golden yellow with shiny, iridescent patches.
• Eyes: Pink or red.
• Notes: Sensitive to bright lights. Known for a glowing appearance under good lighting.

Also Read: Fish With Big Lips

4. Black Melanoid

 

Melanoids are deep black or dark gray with no shiny pigments, giving them a velvety matte finish. This generation stands out for its bold, shadowy look. Lacking iridophores, they often appear more uniform and mysterious, offering a strong contrast to lighter, more colorful morphs.

• Color: Pure black or dark grey.
• Eyes: Black with no reflective ring.
• Notes: Lacks iridophores (shiny pigments). Has a solid, velvety look.

5. GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein)

GFP axolotls glow neon green under UV light, thanks to a unique protein first introduced for scientific research. This generation combines science and wonder. Available in various base morphs, GFP axolotls are especially popular with hobbyists for their magical glow and educational backstory.

• Color: Any morph, but when exposed to UV light, it decorations green.
• Eyes: Varies.
• Notes: Genetically modified for research. Popular among enthusiasts for their glowing effect.

Rare and Designer Morphs

Some morphs are uncommon due to specific genetic combinations or selective breeding:

6. Copper Axolotl

Copper is a breed that has reddish-tan skin, which is popular with people for its warm, earthy tones with pink eyes. Copper is mainly popular with people in European countries such as Australia, America. With its different and unique color and shape, it makes a valuable addition to those looking for it.

• Color: Light tan or copper brown.
• Eyes: Red or pink.
• Notes: A type of albino with a warm hue. Originating from Australia and the U.S.

7. Axanthic

Cool gray or silver skin with darker tones is the result of this generation’s lack of yellow pigments. Although they are not as ostentatious, axanthic axolotls are incredibly beautiful. True axolotl fans enjoy their clean, beautiful appearance, which is sometimes ignored because of their muted color.

• Color: Grey or dark without yellow pigmentation.
• Eyes: Dark.
• Notes: Lacks xanthophores (yellow pigments), giving it a duller but striking look.

8. Chimera

Chimeras are biological marvels—axolotls with two distinct color morphs split down their body. This occurs when two embryos fuse into one. Extremely rare and fragile, this generation symbolizes the unpredictable beauty of genetics. Their split appearance is mesmerizing, though they are seldom available and often short-lived.

• Color: Half and half coloration (e.g., one side Lucy, the other Wild).
• Notes: Extremely rare. Occurs when two embryos fuse into one.

9. Mosaic

Patchwork axolotls, or mosaics, mix colors at random all over their bodies. Mosaics, as opposed to chimeras, are the product of atypical cell division. Every single one is unique. This generation frequently displays splatters of white, black, and gold in striking, erratic patterns.

• Color: Random patches of multiple morphs.
• Notes: Different from a chimera. Genetic mixing causes splotchy, beautiful patterns.

10. Piebald

Piebald axolotls are mostly white with dark, symmetrical spots on their body and faces. This generation is rare and highly sought after due to its panda-like appearance. Unlike leucistic types, piebalds maintain these spots permanently, making them standout members of any axolotl lineage.

• Color: White base with dark spots, mostly on the back and head.
• Notes: Similar to Lucy but with pigmentation spots.

11. Lavender

The lavender species is easily recognized by its silvery spots and soft, pastel-purple color that sets it apart from others in terms of recognition. This dreamy generation is exceptionally rare and often sold at high prices. Their gentle coloring and peaceful demeanor make them a favorite among collectors seeking something truly special and uncommon in the axolotl world.

• Color: Pale purple with potential dark speckling.
• Notes: It’s a very rare and in-demand item among collectors’ pet .

12. Heavily-Marked Melanoid

The Heavily-Marked Melanoid axolotl is a dark-colored type with extra markings or shiny patches that stand out on its skin. It has a bold, dramatic look and is a variation of the regular Melanoid. These axolotls are rare, eye-catching, and often loved by collectors for their unique appearance.

• Color: Dark body with extra patterns or silvery highlights

• Price: $100–$150

• Traits: A variation of the Melanoid. Very bold and dramatic-looking. Eye-catching and fun to watch.

13. Speckled Leucistic

Tiny black or gray dots cover the smooth white or pink skin of the Speckled Leucistic axolotl. It resembles the typical “Lucy,” but it has endearing freckles. As these spots enlarge, they frequently become more noticeable. This kind is adored for its soft and adorable appearance and is gregarious and energetic.

• Color: White or pink skin with gray/black specks across the body

• Price: $60–$100

• Traits: A charming twist on the common Lucy. Speckling appears more as they grow. Friendly and playful.

14. Silver Dalmatian

The Silver Dalmatian axolotl is light gray with bold black spots, resembling a Dalmatian dog. This rare and exotic type is still new and hard to find, making it highly desirable. Its unique look is catching attention among axolotl lovers, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite for collectors.

• Color: Light gray with black spots, similar to a Dalmatian dog

• Price: $150–$300 (if found)

• Traits: Still very new and rarely available. Beautiful and exotic, these are gaining popularity among axolotl fans.

15. White Albino Axolotl

White Albino axolotls are completely white with red eyes or pink eyes. Unlike Lucy axolotls, albino axolotls have no dark pigment anywhere on their body. This happens because of the albino gene, which stops the body from making melanin.

These axolotls need special care because they don’t like bright lights. Their lack of melanin makes them very sensitive to light, so their owners need to keep them in darker places to keep them happy and healthy.

16. Dirty Lucy (Dirty Leucistic)

Dirty Lucy axolotls look like regular leucistic axolotls, but they have grayish spots and darker shades on their pale pink skin. They’re similar to heavily marked leucistic axolotls. As they grow up, they get more “dirty” looking, which is how they got their funny name.

17. Heavily Marked Leucistic

These axolotls start as regular leucistic types but have extra dark freckling all over their body. The dark spots get bigger and more numerous as the axolotl gets older. Each axolotl has its own pattern of freckles, making every one special.

18. Firefly Axolotl

Firefly axolotls are incredibly rare and special. They usually look like regular leucistic or melanoid axolotls, but their tail glows under UV light! Scientists create these using embryonic cell manipulation to put the GFP gene only in the tail area.

19. Enigma Axolotl

Enigma axolotls are said to have deep blue or purplish-black coloring with iridescent tones. However, this type is extremely rare and possibly unverified. Some people think that pictures of these axolotls might be photo-enhanced online, making them controversial in the axolotl world.

20. Hypomelanistic Axolotl

Hypomelanistic axolotls are lighter than normal because they have less melanin in their skin. Their faded colors and low pigment make them look washed out compared to other types. People often confuse them with axanthic types because they both look pale.

Can You Keep Axolotls as Pets? Absolutely With Some Careful Planning

Yes, you can keep axolotls as pets, and many of the color morphs and types are well-suited for home aquariums. From the smiling Leucistics to the glowing GFP varieties, axolotls are popular among exotic pet lovers for their unique look and peaceful nature. They don’t need a lot of space or fancy equipment, but they do have particular needs that must be met to keep them healthy and happy.

Axolotl Types to Avoid as Pets

Some morphs, although fascinating, are not ideal for beginners or home aquariums:

• Chimera – genetically unstable and usually don’t live long
• Mosaic – beautiful but unpredictable in health
• Piebald and Lavender – possible for advanced keepers, but expensive and delicate

Steer clear of wild axolotls because they are legally protected in Mexico and are considered severely endangered. Without permission from the government and scientific community, it is unlawful to gather or retain them.

Basic Axolotl Care Requirements

To keep an axolotl healthy, you’ll need to

Although they do need certain conditions to remain healthy, axolotls are rather easy to care for.

1. Tank Setup

• Size: Minimum 20-gallon tank for one adult axolotl.
• Substrate: Use fine sand or bare bottom to avoid impaction.
• Filtration: Low-flow filters to avoid stressing them.
• Hiding Spots: PVC pipes, aquarium caves, or plants.
• Lighting: Soft or ambient light; axolotls dislike bright conditions.

2. Water Conditions

• Temperature: 60–68°F (16–20°C). No heaters needed.
• pH Level: Neutral (6.5–7.5).
• Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm is critical.
• Nitrates: Below 40 ppm is preferred.
• Water Changes: 20–30% weekly. Always dechlorinate water.

3. Feeding

• Diet: Earthworms, bloodworms, axolotl pellets, brine shrimp, and small fish (occasionally).
• Feeding Style: Use feeding tongs for better hygiene.
• Frequency: Juveniles daily, adults 2–3 times a week.

4. Health Tips

• Signs of Illness: Floating, fungus on gills, or refusal to eat.
• Preventative Care: Keep the tank clean, monitor water quality, and avoid overcrowding.
• Quarantine Newcomers: Newcomers should always be quarantined before being added to the main tank.

Real Case Studies in Conservation

Recent research offers hope for wild axolotls:

• Captive-Bred Survival: A 2025 study tracked 18 captive-bred axolotls released into Lake Xochimilco and nearby artificial wetlands. Many adapted and survived, indicating that with proper conditions, reintroduction is possible.
• Habitat Restoration: Traditional farming practices like chinampas are being revived. These floating gardens filter water naturally, improving the lake environment and creating safer spaces for axolotls.
• Community Involvement: Conservation organizations are partnering with locals. From school programs to eco-tourism, community engagement is essential to preserving axolotl habitats. Information source:https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0314257

Lesser-Known Facts About Axolotls

• Mythology: Aztecs believed axolotls were the transformation of a god named Xolotl, who escaped death by hiding in water.
• Healing Power: Scientists are studying how axolotls regenerate not just limbs, but spinal cords and even parts of their heart and brain.
• Long Lifespan: In captivity, axolotls can live up to 15 years with proper care.
• Not Social Creatures: They prefer to live alone and may nip at each other if housed together.
• Axolotl Names: Pet owners often name their axolotls after anime characters, food, or mythological gods due to their quirky charm.

What Makes Different Types of Axolotls Special?

Each type of axolotl has its special look because of different pigment cells in their skin. These tiny cells determine the color of the axolotl. Some axolotls have lots of pigment cells, while others have very few. This is what makes each axolotl type so special and different from the others.

The scientific name for axolotls is Ambystoma mexicanum. They originally come from lakes near Mexico City in their natural habitat. Sadly, they are now an endangered species in the wild, but many people in the United States and around the world keep them as pets.

The most interesting thing is that:

Other amphibians, like frogs or salamanders, change their shape (called metamorphosis) when they grow up, like a tadpole becoming a frog.

Final Thoughts

Beyond being adorable pets, axolotls are a natural wonder and a beacon of hope for conservation. From their wide variety of morphs and colors to their role in scientific breakthroughs and ecological recovery, axolotls deserve both our fascination and our protection.

Whether you’re planning to get your first axolotl or just love learning about them, understanding their types, needs, and story helps ensure they’ll be around for generations.