Everything You Need To Know About Mosaic Axolotl

If you’re seeking an attention-grabbing Axolotl then you may want to turn your attention to the mosaic variety. These are native to Mexico and come in a variety of highly attractive colors ranging from black, white, and gold to blue and green!

Not only are they highly sought after for their incredible coloring but they are also extremely rare in terms of breeding – making them a coveted part of any collection.  Here is everything you need to know about the mosaic axolotl whether you’re planning to purchase one or want to know more about the breed.

What Is A Mosaic Axolotl?

A mosaic axolotl occurs thanks to a mutation in the embryo phase. This mutation results in an embryo that has multiple colors making up the bulk of its body rather than one solid color — with the result being the coveted mosaic axolotl.

A mosaic axolotl is a rare exotic pet that is pretty uncommon among pet keepers everywhere, unlike generic axolotls. These are rare type of salamander that tends to be characterized mainly by their appearance and the makeup of their body.

They are not a natural breed but are typically the result of a leucistic morph and wild type that spreads across their body.

How Do You Get A Mosaic Axolotl?

The simple answer? By pure luck! There are no known ways to trigger the above mentioned mutation to create a mosaic axolotl. Even the most experienced axolotl breeders have a lot of difficulties trying to get a mosaic axolotl because the process is so unpredictable.

However, some axolotl pairings tend to produce a higher frequency of mosaic axolotls than others. Again, whether or not they produce a mosaic axolotl depends on the circumstances.

Are Mosaic Axolotls Rare?

Mosaic axolotls are the rarest type of axolotls available!

They are very different from the black, pink, white, and gray types that you may be used to. As a result, they cannot be picked up from pet shops as the breed is so uncommon. They are a mixture of different parents which means that reproduction on a mass scale is pretty difficult.

If you do find one, it’ll probably happen by chance!

Are Mosaic Axolotls Natural?

The mutation that occurs in the embryo is completely natural and there is no human involvement in the process of manipulating their DNA. This means that yes, the creation of mosaic axolotls is completely possible in the wild! Simply put, a mosaic axolotl is a beautiful accident that is much too rare to find in a generic pet or axolotl store.

Do Mosaic Axolotls Have Health Issues?

The living capabilities of mosaic axolotls depend entirely on the type and quality of care that you provide for them. If they are experiencing poor water quality and a lack of nutrition in their diet, they’re far more likely to develop health issues and could potentially be more susceptible to death!

Babies of mosaic axolotl may be born without eyes and their essential organs may be quick to shut down if they are not cared for properly. If there are preexisting conditions in the parents then these will be passed down to the mosaic axolotl, causing them to experience many additional life-altering health issues.

How To Breed Mosaic Axolotls!

In layman’s terms, the mosaic axolotl involves the fusion of two egg cells to make one axolotl. This means that they occur randomly as a result of a natural genetic alteration instead of an inheritable trait.

The majority of the mosaic axolotl is derived from a combination of melanoid and albino parents and is created thanks to the fusion of two eggs into one. This is the reason why their body shows random exotic colors taken from both of the parents. Essentially, they combine two junction DNA cells.

This results in two sets of dominant genes in the same body which does make for a pretty axolotl, but can also cause various health problems. One of the most prominent health issues caused by the mixing of DNA is that mosaics are infertile and cannot be bred.

Mosaic Axolotl Color Combinations!

The mosaic axolotl will typically take its color from that of the embryos of normal axolotls, but with some pulling two colors. Though it’s important to note that the term “mosaic axolotl” describes the mutation.

Mosaic axolotl typically comes with their body mottled with white, black, and golden flecks. This is an incredibly unique color combination, so you can only imagine how majestic they look!

In addition, a mosaic axolotl could either have its color split vertically or horizontally. These brilliant creatures also have gills with striped purple and red colors. However, it is their unique multicolored eyes that truly make them stand out!

How Much Is A Mosaic Axolotl?

A mosaic axolotl is only sold through a specialized seller. Due to being an exceptionally rare axolotl morph, the mosaic axolotl could cost you anywhere from $300 to upwards of $2,000 to purchase. However, the total amount that you will pay for one of these (if you can find one in the first place) depends on the morphe, age, and general health conditions.

A mosaic axolotl with an even split of two rare colors could fetch an even higher price tag yet this is a pretty rare occurrence. It’s safe to say that $3000 is generally the highest average price of one of these axolotls.

However, there will be plenty of interested buyers fully prepared to drive the price up much further!

Marbled Vs Split Mosaic Axolotls!

The mosaic axolotl will either have its color split right down the middle (a split mosaic) or dotted all over with a sort of mosaic effect (the marbled mosaic). Collectors tend to prioritize those with a split color — horizontally or vertically — which means they tend to fetch a much higher overall price. Partial splits with rare axolotl colors might still fetch a pretty penny but not as much as those with a full split.

Vitiligo Vs Mosaic Axolotls!

You may be surprised to find out that axolotls can get vitiligo! It’s a genetic condition that is manifested by the loss of pigment in the skin when an axolotl loses or deactivates melanophores. A vitiligo axolotl is nothing to worry about and is pretty common – after all, it’s just their color!

A mosaic axolotl, on the other hand, is born with white or light-colored skin patches thanks to a genetic mutation. As a result, vitiligo is not the same as a mosaic axolotl and is also far more common.

Mosaic Vs Chimera Axolotls!

There’s quite a bit of confusion about these types of axolotls. A chimera is a result of zygote fusion which doesn’t typically occur in amphibians like the axolotl. Chimera axolotls usually have two separate colorations on their body thanks to the presence of multiple cell types.

Mosaics exist due to a mutation after the formation of an embryo which is not a hereditary trait.  They are usually born with patches of white or light-colored skin, as mentioned above, once the fusion of embryos has occurred. This means these two types of axolotls are completely different!

Summary

If you’re planning to purchase a mosaic axolotl, there’s a lot to learn. From its delightful coloring to the array of health complications that it comes with, you have to remain aware of lots of important information to properly care for them.

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