lake patzcuaro salamander

The Lake Pátzcuaro Salamander (Ambystoma dumerilii), locally known as the “achoque”, is a striking example of paedomorphosis: it retains larval traits such as filamentous external gills and a finned tail into adulthood rather than undergoing full metamorphosis. Endemic to Lake Pátzcuaro at high elevation in central Mexico, this aquatic amphibian is entirely tied to its freshwater habitat. Adults feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fish, using their gill rakers to suction prey. The species’ extremely limited range (~<100 km²), combined threats of habitat degradation (pollution, water‐level decline, invasive species), and historical over‐exploitation have driven it to the brink of extinction. Conservation efforts include maintaining captive colonies and habitat‐monitoring initiatives. Without drastic improvements to lake water quality and protection of its habitat along with reinforcing the wild population, the Lake Pátzcuaro Salamander faces one of the highest extinction risks among amphibians.