Axolotls do not have two hearts. Like other amphibians, they have a three-chambered heart. This means that their heart has three main parts: two atria and one ventricle. The atria receive blood from different parts of the body, and the ventricle pumps the blood out to the rest of the body.
The axolotl’s heart is an interesting organ because it is able to effectively pump blood to the various parts of its body, despite having only one ventricle. In most animals with a three-chambered heart, there is some mixing of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood in the ventricle. However, the axolotl has a unique adaptation that allows it to minimize this mixing.
One of the reasons why axolotls are able to survive with a three-chambered heart is because they primarily live in water. Their gills, which resemble branches, are highly efficient at extracting oxygen from the water. This means that they rely less on their lungs for oxygen exchange compared to other amphibians.
Interestingly, while axolotls do develop lungs during their larval stage, they typically retain their gills throughout their entire lives. This is known as neoteny, which is the retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood. It is a fascinating adaptation that sets axolotls apart from other amphibians.
I have had the opportunity to observe axolotls in aquariums and they truly are fascinating creatures. Their gills are quite striking and give them a unique appearance. It’s amazing to think that these gills are able to extract oxygen from the water and support the axolotl’s respiration.
Axolotls do not have two hearts. They have a three-chambered heart, like other amphibians, which effectively pumps blood to the rest of their body. Their retention of gills and ability to extract oxygen from water is one of the most remarkable features of these captivating creatures.