Daniela Alexia Ramírez-Macal; María del Rocío Conzuelo-Sierra; Alfredo Salazar-de Santiago; Alejandro Chávez-Ríos; Isabel De Velasco-Reyes & Juan Manuel Díaz

The Ambystoma mexicanum commonly known as axolotl, is an amphibian and member of the genus Ambystoma which includes 32 species that can be found from southern Canada to central Mexico. Currently this species is in danger of extinction due to physicochemical changes in its environment and predation by organisms introduced into its habitat. Among the multiple strategies to aid in its conservation are the development of research programs, education and development of clinical management. The objective of this work is focused on obtaining and analyzing morphometric data accompanied by a description of the external and internal anatomy of the species Ambystoma mexicanum with the purpose of contributing to the conservation of this species. Therefore, five 2-year-old specimens of the Ambystoma mexicanum species, raised in captivity, were studied to obtain external and internal morphometric values using a vernier caliper, analytical balances and X-rays. The results of external observation showed the characteristic sexual dimorphism of these species present in the pericloacal zone. Furthermore, the radiographic analysis allowed to observe and point out some bony structures of the axial and appendicular skeleton. The specimens presented an average weight of 31.60 g and a length of 15.70 cm. The forelimbs showed a length of 2.92 cm and 2.8 cm in the hindlimbs. Analysis of the internal organs showed that the heart had a weight of 0.036 g and a length of 0.75 cm, the lungs a weight of 0.019 g and a length of 2.6 cm, the stomach had a length of 4.86 cm and the intestine 10.88 cm. In conclusion, the values presented in this work serve as a reference for future veterinary clinical research and zootechnical management of the axolotl for its conservation and preservation.

RAMÍREZ-MACAL, D. A.; CONZUELO-SIERRA, M. R.; SALAZAR-DE SANTIAGO, A.; CHÁVEZ-RÍOS, A.; DE VELASCO-REYES, I. & DÍAZ, J. M. Morphometric description of the external and internal anatomy of Ambystoma mexicanum. Int. J. Morphol., 40(2):401-406, 2022.