Taylor's salamander
A species of Mole salamander Scientific name : Ambystoma taylori Genus : Mole salamander
Taylor's salamander, A species of Mole salamander
Scientific name: Ambystoma taylori
Genus: Mole salamander
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ruth Percino Daniel , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Taylor's salamander, Ambystoma taylori, is a species of salamander found only in Laguna Alchichica, a high-altitude (2,290Â m (7,510Â ft) above sea level) crater lake to the southwest of Perote, Puebla, Mexico. It was first described in 1982 but had been known to science prior to that. It is a neotenic salamander, breeding while still in the larval state and not undergoing metamorphosis. The lake in which it lives is becoming increasingly saline and less suitable for the...
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Taylor's salamander' primarily subsist on small, aquatic invertebrates. Its natural environment plays a considerable role in dietary choices, which features fauna like amphipods, midge larvae, and fairy shrimp.
Appearance
Taylor's salamander is medium-sized, and has a robust, elongated form adapted for life in water. Its skin is sleek and smooth, resembling rubber, with a main coloration of dark green to black. Notable aspects of its appearance include a row of bright yellow spots running along each side of its body, and a feather-like external gill behind its head. There are no prominent seasonal changes or sexual dimorphism in its physical characteristics.
Behavior
Taylor's salamander exhibits a semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending most of its time in water bodies within its habitat. Known for its peculiar neotenic nature, taylor's salamander retains juvenile characteristics into adulthood, a unique survival adaptation. Taylor's salamander is primarily solitary, engaging in significant social interaction only during the breeding season. It utilizes chemical cues for territorial recognition and mostly feeds on small invertebrates.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Salamanders Family
Mole salamanders Genus
Mole salamander Species
Taylor's salamander 
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