Metamorphosis can be artificially induced in axolotls via thyroid hormone injections.
Metamorphosis can be artificially induced in axolotls via thyroid hormone injections. In the wild, axolotls rarely, if ever, metamorphose.
Expected laboratory longevity is 5-6 years, however, some axolotls have been known to live as long as 10-15 years. Most laboratory animals die shortly after metamorphosis, though.
Sources: (Brunst, January 1955; Majchrzak, 2004)
Image: Biodiversity Heritage Library
