Male and female axolotls can be distinguished by the cloaca and the plumpness of the body.
The sexes can be easily distinguished in adult axolotls. Males can be identified by their enlarged cloaca, (similar to other urodeles,) while females have a smaller cloaca and round, plump bodies.
Both sexes can reach lengths on average of 20 centimeters, (9 inches,) but can grow to more than 30 centimeters, (12 inches,) in length.
Sources: (Bagnara, Armstrong, & Malacinski, 1989; Griffiths, Bride, et al., 2004; Majchrzak, 2004; Smith, 1969)
Image: Timothy Hsu
